New Recording 2

Issa hosts a podcast called Stink Choices in Jackson, where she creates a safe space for teenagers and young adults to discuss sexual health. McKenna, a high school student from Jackson, calls in and shares that she recently tested positive for chlamydia. She is unsure how to approach the situation with her boyfriend and is worried about his potential infidelity. Issa advises McKenna to have an open and honest conversation with her boyfriend, emphasizing the importance of honesty, respect, and prioritizing her own well-being. Issa commends McKenna for seeking help and reminds listeners that they are not alone in these situations. Hi everyone, this is Issa, and you're listening to Stink Choices in Jackson, and we're gonna get right into our segment, Earth Health Hotline, where anyone can call in for advice and 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 have 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 wanted 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, like, my partner and just kind of tell him what the situation was, how we 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, like, 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 the 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. 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!