How to Get Tested for STDs Without Letting Your Parents Know

If you are sexually active, you should get tested for STDs. STDs are sexually transmitted diseases and they include HIV, herpes, genital warts and hundreds of other infections. Some are treatable. Some are not. You might not know you have some STDs, some can make you sick to the point of death, others can cause infertility.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider talking to your parents and asking for their help to get tested for STDs. Sit yourself down and really think about it. If you're already showing symptoms of an STD, you might need their emotional and financial support to get through this. If you're still worried, try talking to them one at a time--it might be easier.

2. Call your local Planned Parenthood. These are nationwide organizations designed to protect the sexual health of individuals. Going to a "Planned Parenthood" Internet site allows you to schedule an appointment for a confidential STD test; they can also give you tools to help you prevent getting STDs in the future.

3. Go to your gynecologist--if you're a girl, of course. Not all young women see a gynecologist, but girls with irregular periods and sometimes those with severe acne will see one. You can call ahead of time or drop in and ask to talk to a nurse. Ask for details on how they would help you get a confidential STD test.

4. Ask your general doctor for help. Before you start, say explicitly that your conversation must be held confidential. If you are over 16, your doctor cannot discuss your conversation with other people, even your parents. Make sure your doctor assures you of this before asking for information about local clinics.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you discuss how they will contact you with your results. Personal email may be the best way to keep your test away from your parents.
• Ask about payment plans. If you have insurance, ask how the test will be reported to the insurance company, and whether it will be reported back to your parents. If the insurance company will notify your parents, consider talking with your parents about your situation. It may be worth the embarrassment to save yourself the bill.

Resources

• Find a Planned Parenthood near you.

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