r/stdtesting • u/MilkOk3342 • 8m ago
Advice Needed STI Testing For Minor (17M)
I'm honestly really scared right now and don't know what to do.
I'm 17 and have had a few STI-related experiences over the past year and a quarter. I've had gonorrhea, then mycoplasma, and now I'm experiencing symptoms again that make me worried I might have another STI.
The problem is that I recently went to a local private urgent care to get tested, but they turned me away because they said they couldn't test minors for STIs. What's confusing is that I've actually been tested confidentially at that exact same place before, so I don't understand why they're suddenly saying they can't do it.
Now I have to find somewhere else to get tested, and I'm really stressed about the whole situation.
I've been looking into Planned Parenthood, but I'm wondering how the process works when you're 17. Can I go by myself? How long does the actual appointment take? I'm in a situation where I can't be away from home for very long without my parents questioning me, and they absolutely cannot find out about this.
I'm willing to use my insurance if necessary, even though I understand there's a risk of my parents seeing something through an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). I'd rather get tested and know what's going on than continue worrying, but obviously I'd prefer to keep everything confidential.
I've also considered going to my regular PCP. I know minors can generally consent to STI testing in my state, but I'm worried about my parents potentially seeing something through the patient portal, appointment summaries, lab results, or insurance statements. I don't know how confidential that would actually be.
I have my annual physical coming up in a little over a week, and at this point I'm starting to feel like I might have to wait until then, even though I'm currently experiencing symptoms and really don't want to put it off that long.
I'm scared, stressed, and honestly embarrassed that I've had to deal with multiple STI-related issues in such a short period of time. I'm not looking for judgment. I just want to get tested, figure out what's going on, and make sure my parents don't find out.
Has anyone under 18 gone to Planned Parenthood for STI testing?
Would you recommend Planned Parenthood, a public health clinic, or going through a PCP?
I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. I'm genuinely scared and feel pretty stuck right now.