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TESTING for STIs.
For
some STIs, all the doctor or nurse
will need is for you to urinate
(pee) in a cup. They can tell a
lot by looking for certain organisms
in your urine (pee). Some STIs
may be diagnosed by swabbing (or
taking a cotton swab or wooden
spatula) and taking a sample of vaginal secretions and looking
at it under a microscope. Other STIs, like herpes, are diagnosed
by culturing the fluid inside the little sores or blisters.
And sometimes a blood sample will be taken for tests. Ask
what kind of test you will have.
If
you feel nervous about getting checked
for STIs, take a few deep breaths
and try to relax. You may be shy
about having doctors and nurses look
at your genitals. The tests are usually
quick, and it may help to remember
that the nurses and doctors are there
to help you, and do this kind of
test all the time.
Do my parents have to find out?
This varies a lot from state to state.
Some clinics will see you without
your parents' permission and some
will not. If you are concerned about
this, call the clinic before you
go. Ask if you need to bring your
parent along for permission and what
information the clinic will share
with them. This way you know what
to expect ahead of time.
Know
the Facts. Know for Sure.
- If
you have had unprotected sex, you
may have an STI and not know it.
- If your partner has had unprotected
sex, your partner may have an STI
and not know it.
- If
you think you have an STI, there
is something you can do about it.
The only way to know for sure is
to be tested. Call the ASHA's STI
Resource Center Hotline, 1-800-227-8922 for
more information.
- SIDs
like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis
are curable. While not curable,
diseases like HIV, HPV, herpes
and hepatitis B are treatable.
- If
left untreated, STIs can lead to
long-term consequences, like infertility,
long-term pain or cancer.
If
You Think You Have an STI:
- Talk
to your mom or dad, or another
adult you trust
- Ask
the school nurse about getting
help
- Call
your family doctor
- Call
your local public health department
or Planned Parenthood clinic
Remember: If
you call your local public health
department or Planned Parenthood
clinic and ask about testing, they
cannot diagnose you over the phone.
You will need to go to the clinic
and get tested to know for sure if
you have an STI.
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