[MiaSoul]

Hello, I am Mia, I am 18 and I think I have an infection, but I'm not sure. I just have weird rash in my genital area. I had a few one night stands, and cause I would worry about my health I stopped doing it, and started a relationship with just one guy. I didn't know whether he had infection, and I never asked him. Now as I have the pain, I believe he might be. I want to check myself for any infection, but I'm very scared. I've heard about home STD testing, however I don't know much about it. I so would like to be healthy like everyone that's why I would like to perform this test. Can you please tell me how I should do it, so my mother and father won't know I performed it. And can you tell me just how much will it charge?

[Claret]

Please get to a clinic and have a proper test and diagnosis. An incorrect reading can have devasting results for you, especially if you do have an STD and it is left untreated. These are things you don't want to do a home test for.

[Ashlee T.]

At age 18, yes you can go to a clinic and have a full STD test without your parents knowing. I'm not sure how it works with insurance, like if you are on their insurance, will they get a statement from their insurance company? But, you could opt to pay out of pocket and not charge to insurance. It totally depends on your situation, but it sounds like you definitely need to get tested. If not an STD, you could have thrush or a female version of "jock itch" which can get really bad if untreated.

And in the future...... condoms condoms and more condoms.

[tamarin]

I don't think you should trust a home diagnosis with your health - doctors have to spend years of training before they are qualified to diagnosis and treat STDs, and I'm not sure that a home kit can replace that. You can look up private clinics in your area, but if that doesn't work out, then there's always Planned Parenthood. Depending on the branch, they can either administer a test or refer you to a variety of affordable options.