Four Life Changing Costs of Contracting an STD

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) are easily spread from an infected person during certain sex acts. If an individual is aware of their infected status and engages in unsafe sex, they may face criminal charges and a civil lawsuit.

Negligent transmission of an STD is a criminal offense under Georgia law. If a sexual partner or spouse has infected you with an STD, you may bring a civil lawsuit for damages suffered. However, it is first important to consider some of the potentially life-changing costs of contracting an STD.

Medical Costs

There are medical costs associated with the treatment of an STD. The nature of the disease will dictate the level of treatment needs and any associated financial burden. For instance, less serious STDs are treatable with over-the-counter medications, whereas a serious STD such as HIV requires lifetime treatment.

Relationships

An STD may prevent you from having the types of personal relationships that are enjoyed by others. Informing prospective partners that you have an STD can cause embarrassment and feelings of shame. Contracting an STD may also make you feel like your reputation has been damaged due to the negligence of another.

Having Children

Some STDs can affect a person’s ability to have children. For example, gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause infertility in women. For many individuals, not being able to have children is a life-changing cost. It can also impact on relationships where the other partner or prospective partner wishes to raise a family.

Living with Stigma

There is still a lot of stigma surrounding STDs, which can leave victims feeling excluded from society in many ways. You have a responsibility to inform any sexual partners of a diagnosis, which will make keeping your status private difficult.

If you believe that a sexual partner has negligently infected you with an STD, Contact Conley Griggs Partin LLP to discuss your legal options.