- Your friend’s decision to not get tested is entirely their own. The best thing you can do in this situation is to try and understand the position your friend is in, so you can offer support in whatever ways you can.
- Educate yourself about STIs so you be an information source to your friend.
- If they think they have an STI, it can turn into an STD and cause long-term problems if they don’t seek treatment—start here.
- Many STIs don’t even have any symptoms, and that’s what makes it so important to get tested. Your friend could unknowingly have and spread an STI.
- Offer to go with them to get tested.
- If they still don’t want to get tested, there’s truly nothing you can do but support them through whatever happens. You’re a great friend for looking out for them.