HLTH320podcast

Issa, the host of the podcast "Stakes Choices in Jackson," introduces the segment "Earth Health Hotline" where callers can seek advice and information about STIs. The first caller, McKenna, shares her experience of testing positive for chlamydia and her concerns about discussing it with her boyfriend. Issa encourages McKenna to communicate openly with her boyfriend, listen to his side of the story, and prioritize her own well-being. Issa emphasizes the importance of seeking support and resources in similar situations. McKenna expresses gratitude for the advice and hopes her story can help others. The episode ends with Issa reminding listeners to prioritize their health and thanking them for tuning in. Hi everyone, this is Issa, and you're listening to Stakes Choices in Jackson, and we're going to get right into our segment, Earth Health Hotline, where anyone can call in for advice and incorrect information related to STIs. Before we get started, I just want to tell you a little bit about myself. I just recently graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with the hopes of going into the healthcare field. I started this podcast to create a safe space for other teenagers and young adults because I know how difficult and uncomfortable conversations like these about sexual transmitted infections and diseases can be. I wanted to create an inclusive and safe space to combat the stigma surrounding sexual health. We have our first caller. Hi there. Do you mind telling us a little bit about yourself and what brings you to the podcast today? Hi there. My name is McKenna, and I've lived here in Jackson, Mississippi my whole life. I am currently in high school, and I'm really looking forward to going to college next year and just making new friends and new experiences, and I'm sure you can guess it. I have a boyfriend like most teenagers do, but I'm a little embarrassed because recently I tested positive for an STI. It definitely surprised me, and I want to talk to you about how to navigate kind of through the situation and prevent myself from getting future STIs and also just spreading them. No, no, McKenna. There's nothing to be embarrassed about, and I'm glad you decided to come here and ask for help. Can I begin by asking why you felt the need to get tested? Yeah. Well, I was definitely shocked at first because I was experiencing symptoms of an STI, just like a strange odor and strange different colored discharge, and I also kind of had a burning sensation, so I wasn't sure if I had one, and so I went to my local clinic to get tested. I received my diagnosis a few days later, and it turns out I tested positive for chlamydia, and I received the antibiotics a couple days later, but I just kind of felt, even though I had antibiotics, I just felt stuck. I didn't know how to basically come forth to my partner and just kind of tell him what the situation was, how he would feel, so I just kind of felt stuck. That's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed in that situation, and I'm just so proud that you were able to take your health seriously and seek treatment before they potentially got any worse. Yeah, honestly, it took a lot of self-talk and courage, but I just knew I couldn't ignore what was happening, and that's why I wanted to come on here today to ask for your advice as to how I can just tell my boyfriend because he hasn't mentioned anything yet about any symptoms that he's having, and so I'm kind of scared if maybe he has an STI or if he just is asymptomatic and he just doesn't know he's had it for a long time or if he's cheating on me, so I just don't know what to do. First, I want to commend you for tackling this situation head-on. We know it's not easy, but it's incredibly important. It can be upsetting to assume that your boyfriend is cheating on you, but it's important to approach the conversation with an open mind. To start, you should tell your boyfriend of your recent diagnosis and your concern about your sexual relationship. Let him explain himself and listen to his side of the story. Maybe suggest getting tested routinely together, but always remember that you deserve honesty and respect in a relationship. Regardless of what he says, prioritize your own well-being and protect yourself from STIs in the future. Okay, yeah, thank you. That actually really helps me, and I really do appreciate your kind words. Having someone with an unbiased opinion honestly really helped me to gain clarity in the situation because I just don't know if I can talk to other people about this. But by doing this, I hope that someone else can just kind of gain something from my story. I'm glad you feel better about the situation. Thank you for sharing your story with me. I know it takes a lot of courage and bravery. I hope everything goes smoothly. Always remember your health comes first. To everyone listening, remember that you are not alone in these situations. There are many, many resources to help. Thank you guys so much for listening today. I'll catch you all here next week. Bye! Bye!