How to Talk to Your Partner About Your Hep C Diagnosis

Sexually transmitted diseases, infections and other bloodborne viruses can often be an awkward topic of discussion. Unfortunately, there are stigmas that surround them, drawing from bigger, systemic issues like gender expectations and how we should feel about our bodies. If you have feelings of shame or fear around your diagnosis—take a deep breath. A diagnosis does not determine your value as a human being or a partner.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that can be passed in the following ways:

Reusing medical equipment or failing to sterilize the equipment, such as syringes and needles
Drug use using shared needles/equipment
Having sexual encounters where blood can be mixed/shared, such as men having sex with men

Regardless of how you’ve contracted Hep C, it can be hard to share the news about your diagnosis with your partner. Below are a few ways to help you communicate with them.

1. Collect the facts

Before you go sharing your diagnosis, collect as much information as you can from your doctor. Is this an acute form? Where did you contract it from? What treatments are available?

The more information you have, the more you can share details with your partner. They will likely have very similar questions as you, so anticipating them can be helpful as you go into the conversation.

It may even be helpful to normalize the diagnosis. For example, according to the World Health Organization, about 58 million people have chronic Hep C, with ~1.5 million new infections occurring per year.

2. Make sure you pick a safe space and set aside undisturbed time

With any health diagnosis, it’s helpful to make sure you have the time and space to communicate with your loved ones. Pick a time when neither of you is dealing with outside stressors that could make the conversation feel tense.

When you’re both feeling calm and collected, explain to them why you got tested, the results, and your course of action.