Effective Communication in Intimate Relationships
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American Military University *
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CHFD220
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Communications
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Jan 9, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by LieutenantBook10922
Imagine a scenario in which two partners are discussing getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In this scenario, the partners demonstrate through discussion their understanding of the symptoms of STIs, the methods used to test for STIs, and the way in which STIs are treated as well as their capacity to engage in effective communication with one another about this sensitive topic.
Write out a role-play conversation between the partners in which they make use of effective verbal and nonverbal communication strategies (including active listening, "I" statements, and emotional validation) to discuss getting tested for and the possibility of getting treated for STIs. At the end of your role play, produce a brief, 1-paragraph summary of how effective communication was used.
This dialogue is between Jake and a beautiful woman Shannon that have been dating for 8 months.
Shannon: Hey, we've been chatting for a while, and I know we're eventually going to get intimate. But before we go there, I've been thinking, maybe we should discuss getting tested for
STIs. It's just something I've been considering ensuring we're both on the same page about our sexual health.
Jake: Why? Do you think I'm a careless, promiscuous individual and suspect me of carrying diseases?
Shannon: No, it's not about trust issues; it's more like an extra layer of protection for both of us.
I've read that some STIs don't show symptoms, such as chlamydia, and it's better to catch them early.
Jake: How does one get chlamydia, and are there any other diseases we should be worried about?
Shannon: It can be passed through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. There are also more STIs such as gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, herpes and much more. Additionally, there are more serious STDs that are incurable, such as hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Jake: So, what are the symptoms of some of these diseases?
Shannon: For starters, gonorrhea is a bacterial infection affecting the genital tract, mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. Symptoms include thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge, pain during urination, heavy menstrual bleeding, swollen testicles, painful bowel movements, and anal itching. Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is a common STI affecting the urinary tract in men and the vagina in women. Symptoms range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. HIV is a chronic, life-threatening disease caused by the human immunodeficiency
virus, leading to AIDS. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and sore throat. Late-stage symptoms include persistent fatigue, sweating, fever, and lymph node swelling. Genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus. Hepatitis symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Syphilis affects the nervous system and can cause headaches, behavior changes, and movement
problems. Jake: What about HIV/aids I realized you left that out?
Shannon: (Nervous laugh) ahh yes, my bad kind of had a brain fart for a second, its so much information to unpack.
Jake: I can see that (Ha Ha)
Shannon:
Symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary depending on the infection phase. Primary symptoms
include fever, headache, joint pain, rash, and weight loss. Clinical latent infection occurs when HIV persists, leading to mild or chronic symptoms. AIDS typically progresses within 8-10 years.
Jake: So, are aids passed around similarly to the other diseases?
Shannon: yes, it is passed around through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Additionally, it can be passed from parent to child if they have the disease or blood contact. Examples of blood contact if someone were to kiss an individual who has a cut in their mouth and is infected with the disease. Jake: Wow, I see why you want to get tested; these diseases are serious, and we aren't certain about our past partners or even public facilities everyone uses where we could possibly contract something through touch.
Shannon: Right, the good thing is, many STIs are treatable if detected early. It's not the end of the world; it's just being proactive about our well-being. If all is well, we can go all out of the bedroom without any worries.
(Jake winks)
Jake: So, what procedures do medical professionals use to test for these diseases?
Shannon: medical professionals perform Lab tests that can identify the cause of STD symptoms or sexually transmitted infections without symptoms, Blood tests can confirm HIV or syphilis diagnosis, Urine samples can also confirm some STDs and fluid samples from open genital sores can help diagnose the type of infection. Jake: Interesting. So, if an individual does test positive for some form of infection, what would be the next course of action, especially for the incurable ones?
Shannon: There are several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can presently be managed with the correct antibiotic treatment. Both herpes and HIV are handled with antivirals
which primarily serve as a shield for the immune system, given that these infections destroy the
very cells that help ward off diseases. Hepatitis B also falls into the category of diseases that can
be treated with antiviral medication. However, it's important to note that the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in STIs, especially in the case of gonorrhea, has led to a dwindling number of treatment options. Studies conducted by the Gonococcal AMR Surveillance Program (GASP) have highlighted alarming rates of resistance to common antibiotics.
Jake: I appreciate you bringing this up. It's not the easiest topic to discuss, and I can get defensive at times because I feel like my character is being attacked, but we can never be too careful.
Shannon: I get it. It's a bit awkward, but we can talk about it openly. No judgment here. How do
you feel about that?
Jake: I agree. Let's do it. But, you know, I might feel a bit nervous about the whole thing.
Shannon: That's completely normal. I'm a bit nervous too. How about we go together? That way, we can support each other through the process.
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Jake: Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. Whatever the results, we'll deal with it together, right?
Shannon: Absolutely. We're a team, and we'll face whatever comes our way together. And hey, it's also a chance to learn more about our own health.
Jake: Thanks for being so understanding about this. It means a lot.
Summary:
In this role-play scenario, the individuals demonstrate effective communication to convey their thoughts and emotions without placing blame. They actively listen to one another's issues, exhibiting empathy and validating emotions. The dialogue emphasizes mutual accountability and support, as the partners propose attending testing together, promoting a sense of togetherness. The conversation removes the stigma surrounding the subject, presenting it as a standard health examination instead of a critique of their partnership. Ultimately, the individuals establish a welcoming and open environment to tackle a delicate issue, showcasing efficient verbal and nonverbal communication techniques.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
. (2023, July 10). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)#:~:text=Eight%20pathogens%20are
%20linked%20to,and%20human%20papillomavirus%20(HPV)
.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
. (2023, September
8). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-
treatment/drc-20351246