Studies based on national surveys have shown that when diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, patients generally inform their primary partner, but men are less likely than women to do so. However, regardless of gender, they are less likely to inform other sexual partners. Given the role of physicians in managing these infections, the practices of 215 physicians practicing in the Paris region were analyzed following a recent diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection or HIV. The majority of them encourage their patients to inform their primary partner, but are significantly less concerned about casual or former partners. Gynecologists are the most proactive in this regard, in contrast to clinicians practicing in STD clinics or hospital settings. It thus appears that men seek care in settings where they are less actively encouraged to notify their partners. The consequence may be a delay in diagnosis for women carrying an asymptomatic infection, with a potential impact on their reproductive health. (R.A.)