Partner notification - meaning and definition
Alsocontact tracingpartner servicestelling a partnernotifying partnerstelling partners
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Partner notification is the process of letting recent sexual partners know they may have been exposed to an STI so they can get tested and treated.
At a glance
- Partner notification lets recent partners know they may have been exposed to an STI.
- A person can tell partners themselves or ask a clinic to contact them anonymously.
- Some services offer text or online tools for notifying partners.
- It helps stop infections being passed back and forth.
- It protects partners who may have no symptoms.
In detail
A person can tell partners themselves, or a clinic can contact partners anonymously on their behalf, without revealing who gave their details. Some services offer text or online tools for this.
Notifying partners helps stop infections being passed back and forth and protects people who may have no symptoms. Clinic staff can help with the conversation, which many people find difficult.
In a sentence
- The clinic offered to handle partner notification anonymously.
- Partner notification felt awkward, but my ex thanked me for letting him know.
Common questions
Can a clinic tell my partners anonymously?
Yes, in many places. A clinic can contact partners on your behalf without revealing who gave their details. Some services offer text or online tools for this.
Why is partner notification important?
It lets partners get tested and treated, protects people who may have no symptoms, and helps prevent reinfection. Clinic staff can help with what can feel like a difficult conversation.