Bringing up sex before having sex can be awkward. There's the potential of being presumptuous — maybe the person sitting across from you stirring her cocktail has plans to go home and watch Netflix, not continue the night with you.

And talking about sex inevitably brings with it a fleet of other personal topics. Add a sexually transmitted disease to the equation, and that conversation can seem impossible to imagine.

Dating with a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, can be difficult. But it also might be getting easier as the stigma slowly ebbs, experts say. (The CDC reports that the terms STD and STI are often used interchangeably but that, medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms. Many STIs don't.)

Jenelle Marie Davis, founder of the STD Project, which aims to eradicate the stigma, said people often call her organization after a diagnosis, worried about what it means for their dating life.

"Folks just believe that they will never be able to date again," Davis said. "It's terrifying initially."

But in reality, they are not alone — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 110 million sexually transmitted infections exist in the U.S. In more than 20 years as a San Diego licensed marriage and family therapist, Sarah Cook Ruggera said nearly everyone she encounters has some type.

"They're hesitant to disclose, share, because of the shame factor," she said. But as more people are talking openly about it, she added, "it can be more normalized."

Honesty, trust and communication are key components in a relationship — and having an STI doesn't change that, Ruggera said.

Telling a partner about health concerns that can affect him or her is always an imperative, experts said. But how much to disclose, or when, can depend on the case. There's a big difference between a past infection that has been treated and cured, and something lifelong, said Susan Gilbert, communications director for the National Coalition for Sexual Health.

For example, chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea might have been encountered and addressed, the coalition notes, but viral infections like HIV or genital herpes are lifelong health issues. So if you were successfully treated for gonorrhea six years ago, you might be in the clear to leave that out of small talk. But if it's something that sticks around, Gilbert and others emphasized, bring it up.

Persistent stereotypes

First, get over the fear, said Davis, who has herpes. Never, she said, has that stopped someone from wanting to have sex with her. But the stigma can create nervousness, she acknowledged, not helped by persistent stereotypes and misinformation.

"It's used as a way to defame someone: 'That person sleeps around — I'm sure they have an STD,' " Davis says.

And, despite growing awareness, negative reactions can't be ruled out.

"The first and most negative reaction that ends up hurting people's feelings is (being asked), 'How many people have you slept with?' " Davis said.

Those anxious about addressing the topic with a potential suitor might want to consider dating sites that cater to those with STDs, including PositiveSingles.com and STDFriends.com.

As for telling a partner about your situation? It's a must before anything progresses to the sexual realm. Just don't panic — it doesn't need to be a first-date conversation, experts agreed.

On the flip side, don't have the conversation while you're breathlessly debating whether you need a condom.

Keep it simple

Dr. Edward W. Hook, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, said this conversation should be as simple as discussing the flu.

"We take vitamins for our health, we go to the doctor's office for checkups, and nobody has any trouble talking about that," Hook said.

Just keep it short and drama-free. Experts agree that maintaining normalcy and simplicity is key.

The Los Angeles HELP support center for people with herpes suggests language like, "I really feel I can trust you, and I want to tell you something very personal. Last year, I found out I have genital herpes. It's not as serious as it sounds. Can I tell you about it?"

For those tempted to skim over the topic, consider that you're affecting your partner's health as well as your own — and that it could backfire.

If someone discovers it later rather than sooner, Ruggera noted, "then it becomes an integrity issue."

Experts urge both patients and partners to take precautions. The National Coalition for Sexual Health advises that, after abstinence, using condoms is the best method to reduce the risk of transmitting STDs. If you don't know your own status, or that of your partner, use condoms every time, Gilbert said.

Sexual health begins with getting tested, experts said. Then, openness with your partner."That's hard to do, but it's very helpful, and it's a great basis for starting a relationship," Hook said.