QUESTION
If you need to get checked for STDs, is there an age limit? Do your parents have to know?

ANSWER
In California, anyone age 12 yeas or older can get a medical check-up that is completely private and your parents do not need to know. However, if you use insurance, your parents, may see the insurance bill. Planned Parenthood and most public clinics see young patients and can bill you privately or provide care for free.

For more information on getting tested easily and confidentially, visit http://www.sexetc.org/page/get_tested/. Or for a list of places to get tested in California, visit http://dphwww.sfdph.org/sfcityclinic/info/PublSTDSvcsDir.pdf. For testing opportunities across the country, call the CDC National Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO. http://www.sexetc.org/ is a great resource for sexually active teens.

To your health,
Dr. K