How to Get Tested for STDs

Scared or ashamed about a recent change "down there?" Trying to get a handle on your sexual health? Don't worry — STD tests are quick, easy, and common. While not every change in your genitals is caused by an STD, knowing how to get tested will give you peace of mind (and, if needed, help you get the proper treatment as quickly as possible).

Make an appointment with your family doctor. One great "first stop" for STD treatment is your ordinary doctor that you see for your regular checkups. Your doctor should be more than willing to help you get the tests you need. Doctors are not allowed to judge you or tease you about your issues. If you are older than 13, most doctors will also agree to treat you without telling your parents the real reason for your visit. However, this depends on which state you live in.^[1]

·         This can be a subject that is difficult to talk to others about. Luckily, you do not need to explain a single thing on the phone. If the receptionist asks, you can just say that you are not feeling well or that you want a routine physical exam. Then, once you are in the privacy of the examination room, you can explain your situation.

·         You can also give your parents the same excuse if you are worried about them having an angry reaction.

Take the opportunity to talk to your doctor about your concerns. Don't be afraid to open up to your doctor about the reasons for your visit. It's your doctor's job to help you — she or he will want to get you your test results as quickly as possible. If you do have an STD, your doctor will help you get rid of it. Remember, your doctor is your friend, so there's no question you shouldn't feel comfortable asking.

·         Doctors will also be happy to direct you to other people who can help you. For instance, she or he should be willing to connect you with agencies that supply condoms and birth control for cheap or free.

Alternatively, visit a sexual health clinic. Worried about paying for a doctor's visit or keeping it secret from your parents? Try visiting a public sexual health clinic instead. In the U.S., the most famous of these is Planned Parenthood. Most of these sorts of clinics will offer confidential STD testing for cheap or even free. You can also almost always get birth control and condoms at these clinics as well.

·         Not sure where a sexual health clinic is near you? Try using inspot.org. This site offers an easy-to-use tool for locating clinics in your local area. Inspot.org even lets you send anonymous online requests for information about testing.

Visit a school clinic. Many (though not all) high schools and colleges will have their own on-campus health clinic for students. In most cases, these clinics will be confidential and will offer both STD testing and birth control services — just like a "real" clinic. The cost of your treatment may even be covered in your tuition. Call or ask the front desk staff for more information.

·         Note that some schools (particularly religious schools) may not offer all sexual health services in their campus clinics.

Double-check privacy information at the location you visit. Most of the suggestions in this section can be confidential. This means that your family members won't have to know you were tested. However, this isn't always the "default" option, so talk to the staff at your testing location to agree on a plan that works for you. A few questions you may want to ask are:

·         Will you call me at home or send a letter to confirm the results of the test?

·         Will you send a bill to my home?

·         Will you send any other mail?

·         Will the test show up on my parents' insurance bill?

Consider the possibility of an at-home test. In recent years, home tests for many common STDs (including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) have become popular and affordable. These tests usually require you to collect a urine sample or swab part of your body. The sample is then sent in the mail to a lab for analysis. You may be able to find these tests for fairly cheap at your local pharmacy.

·         Note that there is some evidence that home tests tend to give more "false positives" than tests at clinics. In other words, if you do a home test and the test indicates that you do have an STD, you should confirm your results with a doctor or health clinic. There is a chance they may not be accurate.