Getting a STD test without Mom and Dad knowing is actually possible and perfectly legal. We definitely understand having that type of talk with them isn’t fun but what’s important is knowing your health status – not awkwardness. Your parents don’t have to know. SERIOUSLY.

Testing can be done without anyone sharing your results with anyone else without your permission. In Ohio, if you’re at least 13 years old, you can get tested without your parent’s permission. They don’t have to sign anything, talk to anyone, or come with you.

Where to go to get tested?

You can get a STD test at a STD clinic or a community health center. Some schools have nurses and clinics. You can get a test at your family doctor’s office too or your pediatrician’s office. Everything stays confidential, so they aren’t allowed to tell parents or anyone else unless you say it’s OK.

Each of these places should be safe spaces. You should be able to get a STD test without your parents knowing while getting your questions answered and not being judged in the process.

One factor in going to your normal doctor, there may be talk about insurance. If that bothers you or makes you uneasy, a health clinic like Planned Parenthood is perfect. While you’re there, they have plenty of condoms and lube you can take with you. You can ask about birth control too.

Sounds like a lot. If you don’t know where to get started, search online to find a health clinic in your area.

Another option is getting an at-home STD test kit sent to you. Still, that may be tricky if you don’t want Mom and Dad to know. You might have to rush home and keep your eyes glued to the mailbox. They can cost about $100. If that’s too much, check out Planned Parenthood. They may have free or cheaper alternatives for you.

Should I get tested for STDs?

If you’ve had sex with another person, yes. If you’ve had sex and noticed any signs of an STD, yes. Symptoms can come and go but testing is the only way to be sure.

Signs of STDs can include:

• A burning feeling when you pee
• A burning feeling when you pee
• Bumps on and around your genitals, thighs, or butt cheeks
• Unusual discharge from your vagina or penis
• Itching, pain, irritation and/or swelling in your private parts
• Fever, body aches, or swollen glands

What is an STD test like?

STD testing is usually quick and easy. Often, a test is given based on symptoms along with the conversation you have with the person giving the test.

** It’s important to be honest with them about what’s going on with your body. **

A breakdown of STD tests: 

• A urine test — you pee into a cup.
• A mouth swab — you rub the inside of your cheek or gums with a soft swab
• A blood test — someone else takes blood from your arm or a quick finger prick
• A physical exam — your nurse or doctor looks at your genitals to check for warts, sores, rashes, irritation, or discharge
• Testing your sores — they take a sample of fluid from any sores or blisters you have with a swab

Your doctor may be able to tell right away if you have an STD. But some tests take a few days or weeks to come back from a lab. Many clinics can do rapid testing for HIV — you’ll get your result in about 20 minutes.

I’m nervous, can I contact Pop2Block? Yes!

You can reach out to our PrEP Navigators, AKeem or Fiona. It’s so easy. You can fill out the form in the sidebar here OR text PREPME to 216-714-2223.

AKeem and Fiona help people just like you find the best testing places and get you access to medical and pharmacy teams. They absolutely love helping young folks protect themselves. And they’ll even tell you all about PrEP and load you up with FREE condoms.

If you really can’t talk to your folks, you still need to make your health a priority. That includes protecting yourself against STDs and unplanned pregnancy.

And ALL of this can happen without your parents knowing.