Did you know that you can have sex with only 1 person and still be at high risk for getting an STD? Having unprotected sex with someone who is infected means you can be exposed to the STD every single time, even if you are in a committed relationship.
In order to protect yourself, make an appointment at a clinic near you for an STD test. It is your right to take care of your body and you don’t need permission from a boyfriend or girlfriend or your parents to get tested. If you are at least 12 years old, you can get tested in CA without your parent’s consent.
Need another reason why you should get tested? Stats don’t lie—teens have a higher chance of getting STDs. Why? Because they are less likely to use condoms than adults, and their relationships are shorter (which usually means more sexual partners).
If you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms: loss of appetite, extreme exhaustion, or pain in the stomach, muscles and joints.
- Blisters or sores on your vagina, penis, thighs, or buttocks.
- Pain or bleeding when peeing or having sex, or funky discharge from your vagina or penis.
- Or no symptoms at all—maybe you’re just worried or suspicious or just want to be sure!
Make an appointment at a clinic for an STD test. If left untreated, STDs get worse over time. Remember that many STDs won’t show symptoms, so practice safe sex by using a condom and get tested whenever you have sex with a new person.