379. I got an STD in my 20s, now what?
The Psychology of your 20s
iHeartPodcasts
4.8 • 1.7K Ratings
🗓️ 29 January 2026
⏱️ 35 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Dating and sex can feel like they come with a hidden rulebook. You’re meant to be adventurous but not too adventurous, confident but not reckless, and always somehow immune to consequences. So the potential of catching an STI – whether it’s a scare, a diagnosis, or a message from a clinic – can feel not only a health impact, but also a judgement on our character.
In this episode, we’re unpacking the psychology of STIs in our 20s why they carry so much shame, how stigma shapes the stories we tell ourselves, and what it looks like to navigate disclosure with self-respect.
We explore:
• How common STIs really are
• The most common infections in our 20s
• The difference between treatable and manageable
• The role of sexual shame and purity culture
• How shame drives secrecy and avoidance
• When and how to tell a partner, and what to do if you face rejection
If you’ve ever felt panicked, embarrassed, or stuck in your head about sexual health, this episode is for you.
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For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed human. |
| 0:08.5 | Hello everybody. I'm Jemma Spike and welcome back to the psychology of your 20s, the podcast where we talk through the biggest changes, moments and transitions of our 20s and what they mean for our psychology. |
| 0:28.0 | Before we get into it, I want to let you guys know that this episode and the psychology |
| 0:32.6 | of your 20s is now on Netflix. That is a wild thing to say, but it is true. |
| 0:40.0 | If you want to watch the video version of this podcast and you are in the US or Canada, |
| 0:46.4 | you can go to Netflix right now, look up the psychology of your 20s, and you will see |
| 0:51.7 | my face and you will see our podcasts. |
| 0:54.7 | It goes without saying it is such an honor and I'm truly so grateful to you all that you |
| 1:01.0 | have given me this opportunity. |
| 1:03.1 | The entire feel, the vibe is incredible, I think. |
| 1:07.0 | It's so personal. |
| 1:08.3 | It brings a whole new element to it. |
| 1:10.2 | And if you want to feel like you are sitting |
| 1:12.3 | in your living room in my living room with me having a chat now is your opportunity go to |
| 1:19.2 | Netflix look up the psychology of your 20s I'd love to see you over there but without further |
| 1:24.4 | ado let's get into the episode hello everybody welcome. Welcome back to the show. Welcome back to the podcast. |
| 1:31.4 | It is so great to have you here back for another episode as we break down the psychology |
| 1:36.2 | of our 20s. Just a heads up, today's episode will be naturally covering topics like sex, |
| 1:44.0 | sexual assault and other mature |
| 1:45.7 | themes, but also difficult themes. |
| 1:47.9 | So if this is something you may find hard to hear, please consider your own headspace and |
| 1:53.4 | well-being. |
... |
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