STI Testing for Teens: When to Get Tested,
How It Works, and Why Confidentiality Matters
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed through sexual contact. They are very common among young people – nearly half of all new STI cases each year occur in those aged 15–24[1]. STIs often don’t cause any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have one is to get tested[1]. Getting tested is a normal and important part of staying healthy. In this article, we’ll explain when teens should get an STI test, what the testing process involves, how treatments differ for bacterial vs. viral vs. parasitic STIs, how to talk to a partner about results, and why confidentiality (privacy) is so important for teen sexual health.
When to Get Tested
Don’t wait for symptoms. If you notice any signs of an STI – for example, genital itching, burning during urination, unusual discharge, or sores – see a healthcare provider and get tested right away[2]. But most STIs can be “silent” with no obvious symptoms, so sexually active teens should still get screened even if they feel fine[3]. In general, you should get tested in the following situations[4]:
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New or Multiple Partners: Before starting sex with a new partner, or if you have had multiple partners, get tested (you and your partner can go together).
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Symptoms or Exposure: If you or your partner have symptoms of an STI, or if a current or former partner tests positive for an STI, you should get tested as soon as possible.
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Regular Check-ups: If you are sexually active, consider routine STI screenings even without symptoms. For example, health guidelines recommend that sexually active young women (under ~25) get tested yearly for chlamydia and gonorrhea[5]. It’s also recommended that everyone have an HIV test at least once in their teens or early adulthood[6] (and more often if you have higher risk, such as unprotected sex or shared drug needles).
Every person is different, so a doctor or nurse can help decide which tests you need and how often[3]. Don’t hesitate to ask a healthcare provider about STI testing – they are there to help, not to judge.
What Testing Involves (Urine, Blood, Swabs)
Getting an STI test is usually quick and easy. At a clinic or doctor’s office, the visit may start with some questions about your sexual history and a general exam. The provider might look at your throat or genitals for signs of infection, then collect a sample for lab tests[7]. The samples can be taken in a few different ways – none of which are as bad as you might fear:
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Urine or Swab Samples: Many STIs can be detected by giving a urine sample or by the provider taking a swab of cells from the genital area[8]. For example, common infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea are often tested with a urine test or a gentle swab of the vagina or urethra. If you’ve had oral or anal sex, be sure to tell your provider – they may swab your throat or rectum as well, since infections at those sites won’t show up on a urine test[9]. These tests are generally quick and shouldn’t be painful (perhaps a brief discomfort).
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Blood Tests: Some STIs are diagnosed with a blood sample taken from your arm or a finger prick. For example, HIV and syphilis are typically tested through blood tests[10]. (Certain rapid HIV tests can also use an oral swab.) In some cases – such as syphilis or herpes – if you have an open sore, the doctor can take a sample from the sore for examination, in addition to or instead of drawing blood[10]. Results for some rapid tests can be ready the same day, but often you’ll wait a few days for lab results.
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Physical Exam: The doctor or nurse might also do a visual check for signs of STIs. Some infections are identified by examination rather than lab tests. For instance, genital warts caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) can be diagnosed by simply looking at the warts. There is no routine blood or swab test for genital warts – the provider recognizes them by appearance and can treat or remove them. (Similarly, pubic lice (“crabs”) are diagnosed by seeing the tiny lice or eggs in pubic hair.) For women, a Pap smear to screen for HPV-related cervical changes is usually first done at age 21, so most teens do not need an internal pelvic exam or Pap test yet unless recommended by a doctor.
STI testing might sound awkward, but it’s a normal health procedure – doctors do these tests all the time. You can always ask questions if you’re unsure what’s happening. Remember, the sooner you know your status, the sooner you can get treatment if needed.
How Treatment Works for Bacterial, Viral, and Parasitic STIs
Not all STIs are the same – some are curable with medication, while others are not curable but can be managed. In fact, of the eight most common STIs, four are curable (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis) and the other four are caused by viruses and are incurable (hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and HPV)[11]. Here’s how treatment generally breaks down by type:
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Bacterial STIs: Infections caused by bacteria – like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis – can be cured with antibiotics[12]. The treatment might be a single dose or a course of antibiotic pills, or sometimes an injection. It’s important to take all the medication as prescribed to fully clear the infection. These infections respond well to treatment, especially if caught early. (If left untreated, however, they can lead to serious complications, so prompt treatment is key.)
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Viral STIs: STIs caused by viruses – such as HIV, genital herpes (HSV), hepatitis B, or HPV – cannot be cured in the sense of completely eliminating the virus from your body[12]. However, there are effective treatments to manage them. For example, HIV is treated with daily antiretroviral therapy (ART) that can lower the virus to undetectable levels, keeping the person healthy and greatly reducing the risk of transmission. Herpes can be managed with antiviral medications that reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. HPV infections often clear on their own over time, and there are treatments for the problems HPV can cause (like creams or minor procedures to remove genital warts, and monitoring or treating any precancerous cervical changes). There are also vaccines to prevent some viral STIs – notably the HPV vaccine (recommended for teens to prevent HPV infections) and hepatitis B vaccine. So while viral STIs stay with you, medicine can control them and help you live a healthy life, and preventive measures can protect against them.
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Parasitic STIs: These are infections caused by parasites (organisms like protozoa or insects). An example is trichomoniasis (caused by a tiny parasite), which is curable with specific oral medication (an anti-parasitic antibiotic)[12]. Other examples include pubic lice (aka “crabs”) and scabies – these are small parasites that infest the skin/hair, and they are treated with special creams or shampoos that kill them. Parasitic STIs are generally curable with the right medicine, similar to bacterial STIs. It’s also important that your sexual partner(s) get treated at the same time to avoid passing the infestation or infection back and forth.
No matter the infection type, treatment is important. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Always finish the full course of treatment prescribed, even if you start feeling better[13]. Also, avoid sexual contact until treatment is completed – for curable STIs, you typically need to wait until you and your partner have fully finished treatment and cleared the infection before having sex again[14]. This ensures you don’t re-infect each other or others. And if you’re told to return for a follow-up test (for example, some doctors recommend re-testing for chlamydia or gonorrhea a few months after treatment), make sure to do so to confirm that the infection is gone.
Telling a Partner About Results
One of the toughest conversations can be telling a partner (or former partner) that you tested positive for an STI. It’s normal to feel embarrassed or nervous, but remember that STIs are very common and having one is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, being honest shows maturity and respect for your partner’s health. If you do find out you have an STI, you should inform your current sexual partner(s) (and even recent ex-partners) so they can get tested and treated as well[15]. This is important to protect their health and to prevent the infection from spreading or ping-ponging back to you[15].
When you talk to your partner, choose a time and place where you can have a private, calm conversation. Be direct and truthful about your results, and let them know what steps you’re taking (or have taken) to treat it. You can frame the discussion in a caring way, for example: “I recently found out I have ______, and I wanted to tell you so you can get checked and we can take care of it.” Emphasize that you’re telling them because you care about their health. It might help to have some information ready about the STI (like how it’s treated) in case they have questions – this can make the talk less scary and more focused on health solutions[16][17].
Your partner’s initial reaction may be surprise or concern, but most reasonable people will appreciate that you told them. If you stay calm and factual, it will help reduce panic or blame. Remember, having an STI doesn’t mean someone was cheating or “dirty” – anyone can catch an infection, sometimes even when using protection, and many STIs can lie dormant. It’s about health, not judgment. In fact, discussing STIs openly can even strengthen trust in a relationship and reduce stigma. Studies have shown that people who disclose their STI status to partners often feel relieved and positive for doing the responsible thing, compared to those who hide it[16][17].
If you need help, you’re not alone. Doctors and clinics can assist with partner notification. In many places, if you prefer, a clinic can reach out to your past partners for you to inform them of the need to get tested without naming you as the source[15][18]. There are even anonymous notification services in some areas. The bottom line is that informing partners is important for everyone’s well-being. It might be an awkward talk, but it’s a sign of respect and care, and it helps stop the STI from spreading further.
Confidentiality and Teen Rights
It’s common for teens to worry: Will my parents find out if I go for STI testing or treatment? The good news is that in many places, teenagers have the right to confidential sexual healthcare. Healthcare providers generally take privacy very seriously, especially for sensitive services like STI testing. Many countries and states allow minors (under 18) to consent to STI tests and treatments without parental permission. For example, in the United States, all 50 states and DC let minors get STI services on their own[19]. (There may be age nuances by state, but broadly, teens can seek testing and treatment independently.) This means the clinic or doctor does not have to inform your parents, as long as the law permits you to consent yourself. Similarly, in the UK and many other countries, sexual health clinics see under-18s confidentially – you don’t even have to give your real name if you don’t want to, and they won’t contact your family doctor or anyone else unless you ask them to[20]. The aim is to make sure young people feel safe getting the care they need.
Doctors and nurses understand that privacy is crucial for teens. In fact, confidentiality isn’t just a nice gesture – it’s considered essential for good healthcare. Research shows that adolescents are more likely to seek care and be honest about their health if they know the information won’t be shared without their consent[21]. Medical organizations emphasize how critical it is for sexually active teens to have access to confidential health services[22]. So when you go to get tested, you can expect the clinic staff to explain your privacy rights. You can also ask them upfront, “Will my visit be confidential?” so they can reassure you and let you know of any exceptions.
What are those exceptions? In general, healthcare providers will keep your test results and discussions private unless you give permission to share them. The only exceptions are rare situations where not telling someone could result in serious harm – for instance, if you are in danger, being abused, or have thoughts of self-harm, the provider might by law have to involve others to ensure your safety. Also, certain positive STI results (like HIV or syphilis) are reported to public health authorities for tracking and prevention purposes, but this does not mean your parents or school are notified – it’s a private health data report. Aside from such safety or public health exceptions, your visit stays between you and the healthcare team.
If you’re using your parents’ health insurance, you might wonder if they’ll see a bill or record of the visit. This can vary, but many clinics can help find ways to maintain privacy (for example, some clinics have free or low-cost testing for teens, or can use confidential billing). You can ask about this at the clinic. The important thing is: don’t let fear of parents finding out stop you from getting tested or treated. Doctors would much rather help you confidentially than have you avoid care. If you honestly feel you can’t involve a parent, there are teen-friendly clinics (such as Planned Parenthood or local health department clinics) that specialize in youth sexual health and confidentiality.
Confidentiality builds trust. When you know you can see a doctor and get truthful answers and help without everything being reported to your parents, you’re more likely to take charge of your health. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to your parents at all – in fact, if you have a reasonably good relationship, you might be surprised that many parents ultimately just want you healthy and safe. But it’s your choice whom to tell. Health professionals will not lecture you or announce your personal business; their job is to support you in making responsible decisions for your own body. As one medical ethics publication put it, protecting adolescents’ confidentiality is essential to providing quality care, because it encourages teens to seek the services they need[21]. So, know your rights: you deserve respectful, private care. Don’t be afraid to get tested or ask questions about sexual health. Clinics are there to help you safely and confidentially, so you can take care of yourself and your future.
References
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024, November 22). STI Testing – Information for Parents of Adolescents. Retrieved from CDC Healthy Youth website: [1]
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American Sexual Health Association. (2023). Get Tested for STIs – When Should I Get Tested? Retrieved from ASHA website: [2][4]
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American Sexual Health Association. (2023). Get Tested for STIs – Testing Recommendations. Retrieved from ASHA website: [5][6]
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American Sexual Health Association. (2023). Get Tested for STIs – What Happens During STI Testing? Retrieved from ASHA website: [7][8]
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MedlinePlus. (2023). Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Diagnosis and Tests. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: [10][12]
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American Sexual Health Association. (2023). Get Tested for STIs – Visual Diagnosis and Pap Testing. Retrieved from ASHA website:
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Grant County Health District (Washington). (n.d.). Sexual Health – About STDs/STIs. Retrieved 2025, from Grant County Health District website: [11]
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NHS (National Health Service). (2024). Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Telling Partner and Treatment. Retrieved from NHS website: [15][13]
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Clue by BioWink GmbH. (2018). How to tell your partner you have an STI. (J. Bell, Author). Retrieved from HelloClue website: [16]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Adolescents – STI Treatment Guidelines 2021. Retrieved from CDC website: [19]
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AMA Journal of Ethics. (2012). Protecting the Confidentiality of Sexually Active Adolescents. (X.M. Santos, Author). Virtual Mentor, 14(2), 99–104. Retrieved from AMA Ethics site: [21]
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NHS (National Health Service). (2024). Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Confidentiality. Retrieved from NHS website: [20]
[1] [19] STI Testing | Healthy Youth Parent Resources | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth-parent-resources/positive-parental-practices/sti-testing.html
[11] Sexual Health | Grant County Health District, WA