Partner Tested Positive for an STD — What to Do Now
Medically reviewed by our MD Laboratory Director (a role required by CLIA; the director's name is on file in the CMS CLIA database, #45D2048957, and can be verified independently) · Editorial policy
Treat both, or treat neither. One-sided treatment produces reinfection, not a cure.CLIA #45D2048957 · CAP #8722734 · Same-day results · Walk-ins welcome
Get tested, at every site of exposure. Depending on the organism and the timing, the physician may treat you presumptively rather than wait — that is standard practice, not an overreach. And the arithmetic that matters: if only one of you is treated, the infection returns. CDC supports expedited partner therapy (EPT) in many situations for exactly this reason.
Not sure what you need? Text us and we will set it up.
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808
3707 Westcenter Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77042 · Walk-ins welcome
What to do, in order
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1. Test today | Every site of exposure — site guide |
| 2. Discuss presumptive treatment | Depending on the organism, the physician may treat before your result returns |
| 3. Pause sex | Until both of you have completed treatment |
| 4. Retest at ~3 months | Reinfection is the most common reason a "cured" infection reappears |
A negative test does not mean your partner is lying. Timing, site and organism load all differ between two people exposed to the same thing.
We name drugs, never doses. Treatment statements follow CDC guidance; the physician decides what you actually take.
Same day, start to finish. Sample by 1:00 PM → results at 4:30 PM → if treatment is clinically appropriate, a licensed physician in our partner network sees you between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, a few minutes away. That window is reserved for patients tested here, and your slot is held the moment we take your sample — the slot is held, not hunted. On your own, a same-day appointment is nearly impossible; at an urgent care, you wait in the queue. STAT: ~2 hours, sample in by 3:00 PM.
FAQ
- My test was negative. Is that possible?
- Entirely. You may be inside the window, or the site tested may not be the site infected. Retest as advised.
- What is expedited partner therapy?
- A CDC-supported practice where a partner can be treated without a separate full visit in certain circumstances. Ask the physician what applies in Texas.
- How long do we wait before sex?
- Until treatment is complete for both of you. The physician will give you the specific interval.
- Can we both come in?
- Yes. Walk in together, Monday to Friday.
Not sure what you need? Text us and we will set it up.
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808
3707 Westcenter Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77042 · Walk-ins welcome