What is STI partner notification and how does it work?
You have an STI or suspect possible exposure. What do you do? One of the most caring steps you can take is to inform your (ex-)partners so they can get tested. That is called STI partner notification.
Informing carefully is an act of care — for yourself and for someone else.
What is STI partner notification?
STI partner notification (also called partner tracing or contact tracing) is the process of informing your (ex-)sexual partners that they may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection. The goal is not to assign blame or seek confrontation, but to ensure someone gets the chance to test and — if needed — be treated earlier. Partner notification is recognised as an effective part of STI prevention by public health authorities worldwide.
Two routes for partner notification
Official clinic or health authority route
Many health clinics and local health authorities (in the Netherlands: GGD via Partnerwaarschuwing.nl) offer a formal notification service. A nurse can guide the process and approach partners indirectly. This is the recommended route for complex situations or infections like HIV or hepatitis B.
Best for: formal support, complex cases, nurse-assisted notificationPrivate anonymous message (PrivaNotify)
In informal or sensitive situations, a private, anonymous message can sometimes be a better fit. PrivaNotify helps you compose a discreet, caring message that only says what is needed: that the recipient might consider getting tested. No name, no accusation, no drama.
Best for: one-to-one situations, brief contact, when anonymity is preferredWhy does partner notification matter?
Many STIs cause few or no symptoms early on. A person can have an STI without knowing it — and unknowingly pass it on. Informing a partner in time gives them the chance to test and be treated before symptoms or further transmission occur.
- Stops unknowing onward transmission
- Gives the partner a chance to test in time
- Reduces risk of complications from an untreated STI
- Shows care without blame or confrontation
How does partner notification through PrivaNotify work?
Choose the channel
SMS, email, or WhatsApp. You choose what fits the situation and your contact with the recipient.
Describe the situation
Our wizard helps you enter the situation. You describe the period or context — no names or details you do not want to share.
AI drafts a discreet message
The message uses possible-exposure language — no accusation. It calmly advises the recipient to consider getting tested.
Send anonymously
The message is sent via PrivaNotify. The recipient does not see who sent it, unless you choose to reveal yourself.
For medical guidance on when and how to test, we point to trusted health sources.
Read about partner notification at Soa Aids NederlandExternal source. No partnership or endorsement. Use as general information and always follow professional advice from a doctor, clinic, or local health authority.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to give my name?
No. With PrivaNotify you can send a message anonymously. With the official clinic route, a nurse or health worker often handles the process on your behalf, depending on the situation.
Is partner notification mandatory?
In most countries, partner notification is strongly recommended but not legally required for most STIs for ordinary individuals. Ask your doctor or local health authority for specific situations such as HIV.
What if I need to notify multiple partners?
That is possible. PrivaNotify supports multiple messages. You can tailor each message to the specific situation. Read our guide on notifying multiple partners for more detail.
What if the partner reacts angrily?
That is understandable. An anonymous message gives the recipient space to process at their own pace. PrivaNotify is not meant as a debate platform — it is a one-directional, caring notification.