GYT

Should I Get Tested for STDs?

Use our tool The Check to determine if you should be tested for STDs. 

How much does testing cost?

Planned Parenthood offers affordable STD testing and treatment. We also have programs in place to provide free STD testing to those who qualify. To learn more about those program, click here if you live in NH or click here if you live in VT.  You can also call us 1-855-969-8405 to get an estimate on your STD testing. 

What is GYT?

1 in 2 young people will get a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by age 25 – and most won't know it. The GYT campaign seeks to reduce stigma around sexually transmitted diseases and encourage all sexually active people to get tested. Since most STDs are asymptomatic, the only accurate way to know your status is to get tested.

Click here to learn about the most common STDs

GYT FAQs

STDs are very common...so are questions around testing. Visit our Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page to get answers to the most common STD and GYT questions. 

Where can I get tested?

Visit any Planned Parenthood health center for affordable and confidential STD testing. Some tests, like Rapid HIV, produce results in 20 minutes or less! 

How should I bring up testing with my partner? 

*Be Yourself*

Try saying something like:

"I'm kind of nervous to say this...but...I think it's important we go get tested together."

"I heard 1 in 2 sexually active people in the U.S. will get an STD by age 25 - and most won't even know it. The only way to know sure is if we get tested."

"Getting tested before we hae sex will protect both of us. Why take a chance when we can know for sure?"

How do I ask my health provider to test me?

Some doctors’ offices and clinics ask you to fill out a form about any health issues or concerns. Take advantage of this and write down any questions about STD testing. If your provider doesn’t bring it up, don’t assume that you don’t need testing or that you’re STD free. Doctors don’t always bring it up, so you may have to.

You may feel a little nervous or embarrassed to ask to be tested – that’s okay, a lot of people do. Many people find that once they’ve brought it up and gotten past those first nervous moments, they feel a lot more comfortable.

Remember, STDs are very common and this is nothing new to your doctor. They do this every day. So spit it out however you can. You can say that…

• Is it true that people my age should be tested regularly for STDs? It’s something I think I should do for my health.
• I have a new gf/bf…we’ve been using condoms, but not necessarily every time. I was wondering if I should get tested just so I can know for sure?
• A friend of mine was recently tested, and I want to know if it’s something I should do as well?