Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you think – but stigma and silence often stand in the way of testing, treatment, and honest conversations. So what happens after a diagnosis? How do we navigate disclosure, dating, and self-worth? We spoke with Emily L. Depasse, MSW, MEd, a leading sex educator, to break down what sexually transmitted infections really are – how they’re spread, the difference between bacterial and viral types, and why many often go undiagnosed. We debunk myths, highlight the importance of early detection, and explore how stigma impacts both public health and personal relationships. We also dive into the emotional side – how to talk about status with partners, tips for dating with an STI, and ways to support friends and loved ones.

<p><a href="https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/understanding-stds-basics" data-testid="linkable-text">Sexually transmitted infections</a> (STIs) are more common than you think &ndash; but stigma and silence often stand in the way of testing, treatment, and honest conversations. So what happens after a diagnosis? How do we navigate disclosure, dating, and self-worth? We spoke with <a href="https://www.emilydepasse.com/" data-testid="linkable-text">Emily L. Depasse, MSW, MEd</a>, a leading sex educator, to break down what sexually transmitted infections really are &ndash; how they&rsquo;re spread, the difference between bacterial and viral <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/sexual-health-stds" data-testid="linkable-text">types</a>, and why many often go undiagnosed. We debunk myths, highlight the importance of early detection, and explore how stigma impacts both public health and personal relationships. We also dive into the emotional side &ndash; how to talk about status with partners, tips for dating with an STI, and ways to support friends and loved ones.</p>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.