BOO! Spooked by an STD? Getting tested is easy. Find a clinic today!

Did your condom break? Maybe you’ve got a bump, itch, rash, or funky smell? An STD scare can be just as frightening as seeing a ghost, but getting tested is the best way to ease your mind.

You should get an STD test if you are sexually active and have any symptoms, or if you have sex with a new person, or have unprotected sex with someone. Many STDs don’t have symptoms, so when in doubt, get checked out!

Getting an STD test is simple – for almost  all STDs you just need to pee in a cup! It’s quick, easy, and you usually don’t even need to get undressed for an exam. Some tests require a little finger prick or a physical exam, depending on your symptoms, but all STD tests are quick and generally painless.

You can get your STD test for free or a very low cost at most clinics. If you are worried about confidentiality, check out our Know Your Rights section. Your visit to the clinic is totally confidential, and no one needs to know unless you decide to tell them. If you have a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner that you are currently sexually active with, bring them along! Getting tested together can make the process less scary, and that way you will also know the STD status of your partner.

Getting your results can also feel a little scary, but remember that you are doing the right thing and taking control of your sexual health. If your test comes back positive, talk with your provider about treatment options, how to tell your partner and get him/her treated, and make an appointment to get retested.  And now that the scary stuff is over, be sure to pick up some free condoms and continue to protect yourself every time.