STDs are sneaky — and many teens have a high chance of catching at least one of them. You should get tested if you have any of these STD risk factors:
- You didn’t use a condom the last time you had oral, vaginal or anal sex
- You had sex (oral, vaginal or anal) with two or more people in the last three months
- You had sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) with a new partner in the last three months
- You’re a guy who has had oral or anal sex with another guy
- You had an STD in the past year
- Someone you had sex with has an STD
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Read: If I get tested, will my parents find out?
STD Symptoms
While its a good idea to get tested if you’re at high risk for catching an STD even if you don’t have symptoms, be on the look out for anything unusual. Talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner about getting tested if you or someone you’re having sex with have any of these STD symptoms:
- It hurts or burns when you pee
- If there’s liquid leaking from your penis, vagina, or rectum (butt)
- If you see or feel blisters, open sores, warts, a rash, or swelling in your genital or private area, anal area, or mouth
- If you have on-going flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, aching muscles, or swollen glands
- Are a girl who has pain in the abdomen (stomach)
- Are a guy who has pain in the penis
- If your butt or legs hurt
Find: A free, teen-friendly health center
Talking to your partner about getting tested
In a healthy relationship you, can talk about anything, including STDs and getting tested. If you’re not sure how to bring it up, try one of these on for size:
- “I’m kind of nervous to put this out there… but I think it’s important that we go get tested together.”
- “1 in 4 teens have an STD right now, and most of them don’t even know it. The only sure way for us to know is to get tested.”
- “Getting tested before we have sex will protect both of us. Why take a chance when we can know for sure?”
Teens can get tested at many of Pennsylvania’s reproductive health centers for free.