Next time you have a minute of free time, make an appointment at your local clinic to get tested for STDs. It’s quick and confidential!
If you’re a sexually active teen, it is in your best interest to get tested. Why? Sexually transmitted diseases are super-spreaders, meaning it only takes one boy/girlfriend to spread, and it can go undetected for days, months, or even years if you don’t get your body checked out.
Roughly half of all sexually active people will contract an STD by the time they are in their mid-20s, and going in for a simple test is a lot easier than dealing with STD symptoms or spreading a disease. So as you get ready to schedule your appointment, here’s some STD 4-1-1 to help you out.
- All STDs require medical attention. If left untreated, most STDs can get worse over time, and lead to lasting medical problems. Getting tested helps you get the treatment you need if you have one.
- If you have had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex and exchanged bodily fluids with a boyfriend or girlfriend, it is possible to get an STD.
- Use a condom while having sex. “Good coverage” is your best bet in protecting from STDs, so make sure and use a new condom every time.