I'm not here to tell you what to think or do, but to give you as much honest, accurate information as possible. If I don't know an answer to a specific question, I'll research it before replying. I won't sugarcoat things; my job is to tell it like it is.
I've got a particular interest in sexual health and sexuality. I know a lot about fertility and pregnancy - and firsthand now, as I've just had twins. I'm also an accredited sexual health worker.
Gender: Female
Occupation: Counsellor, writer, mother of twins.
Age: 31
Member Since: August 9, 2004
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Last Update: November 5, 2009
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Before you press the "Back" button to answer another question, please take this seriously. I know that almost every day, a 13 year old girl asks about being pregnant. This is different.
Oh, and please don't judge me.
I am a 17 year old guy. Before this weekend, I had never done anything sexual with anybody. This weekend, me and one of my guy friends (he is 17) had oral sex. I asked him before if he had any STD's or AIDS, and he said no because some his other partners were virgins before he met them, but he later told me that some of them were not. He has had a sexual relationship with 4 other people.
I am really scared. I need to get tested for STD's and AIDS. I want to do it tomorrow after school at Planned Parenthood. I looked at their website and it says that they do STD and AIDS testing. I'm just worried about getting tested. Will they tell my mom because I'm a minor? I have money from my job that will pay for the testing, but I can't show proof of insurance or anything. Is that okay?
Is it too soon to get tested if I had oral sex today and want to get tested tomorrow? How long will it take for the results to come, and how accurate are they?
I live in Georgia.
Thank you so much. You have no idea how truly scared I am and thankful that you read this. (link)
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Okay, breathe. This is scary, but there are lots of ways you can support yourself.
It's great you are going to go get testing. Laws on confidentiality vary, so before you confide anything in a professional, ask them what is and what is not confidential. Then you can make an informed choice about how much to share.
Many larger communities also offer anonymous sexual health screenings.
The thing is, many STDs (including HIV) have a hibernation period. You might test negative for HIV, only to test positive three months later (the test is looking for antibodies to the virus, and most people will develop these within three months of contact, though some people take as long as six months to have a detectable amount). Unfortunately, you can't change what has happened - you need to find a way with coping with waiting. Your Planned Parenthood might offer ongoing counselling - or perhaps one session might be enough to help you manage.
Planned Parenthood offers sliding scales, and other local services do as well - if not free, depending on where you live.
Get tested now - sharing your concerns and asking whatever questions you need to ask. Make an appointment to get tested again in three months time. Use condoms every time you engage in sexual activity until then.
If you are HIV and STD negative, it's still a good idea to use condoms. As you've learned, partners wanting sex are not always honest. Hopefully you'll be negative for any STDs. Don't let this one bad scare put you off future relationships - sex can be a wonderful thing, too. It's just scary as well, particularly when health risks are present.
I wish you the best.
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