Martha's Case: The Unwelcome Phone Call

You chose 4: that is incorrect.

The correct answer is 3: Explain to Martha that because people can often carry STI without signs and symptoms they can unknowingly pass the infection onto sexual partners. This can make it very difficult to determine who gave what to whom. The important issue is making sure those who need treatment get it.

It's important to address Martha's feelings while giving her the information about STI that she needs.

In many cases it is not possible to determine who gave what to whom - but the really important issue is that those who are at risk are assessed, tested and treated. Martha may have passed on an asymptomatic infection to her partner. On the other hand he may have been incubating an infection that he passed on to her. Regardless they both require testing and treatment for STI.

If Martha delays treatment she is at risk of serious complications and she may infect others in the meantime. Emphasize the importance of Martha's present and future health, rather than focusing on the past.