Why should I go to a clinic?

OK, so an appointment at the clinic may not be as much fun as going out with your friends. But the fact is, going to a clinic for a check-up is the best way get the real deal on your sexual questions- and we all have sex questions. It's also the place to take care of yourself. If you're having sex, or thinking about having sex, you can find out about birth control and safer sex at a clinic, and you can get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Even though it might seem scary or embarrassing to go to a clinic and talk about sex, you'll likely find that the doctor or nurse wants to support your choices to stay healthy. And believe it or not, you'll feel better once you know the answers to all your questions.

You can find clinics near you that are free or very low-cost, and many have services just for young people. Think about this: One in four, to as many as one in TWO, Americans gets a sexually transmitted disease (STD) sometime in their life - and each year most of these new STDs are among people under 25. Young people get STDs, and young people need to know how to be safe, and get tested. A clinic can help answer your questions about how you can stay safe and healthy.

So we'll take you through the quickest and easiest way to get to the clinic. It's not as scary and it doesn't take nearly as long as you might think.

Where should I go? Will it be free or low-cost?

You can find a clinic near you by calling the Planned Parenthood National Hotline (at 1-800-230-PLAN) or the National STD Hotline (at 1-800-227-8922). You can also ask your friends to tell you about clinics they've liked, or check the Yellow Pages under 'health clinics', 'birth control', or 'family planning'. When you call a clinic, ask if they have services or special days that are just for teens. And check with them to make sure the services will be free or low-cost.

When should I go to a clinic?

If you're a young woman, you should go to a clinic or to your doctor for a pelvic exam by the time you're 18 and even earlier if you're starting to have sex, having period h provider has probably heard something like it before, and wants to give you the best care and advice she can. The most important thing to remember is this is your appointment, on your time, and you can ask any question, ask to slow down, or even to stop. So, what's going to happen? First, the nurse or doctor will ask about your medical history, and personal questions about whether you're having sex, or using drugs or alcohol.

If you're a young woman, you may be having a pelvic exam. Many young women are worried that this is going to hurt. It may feel a little strange or uncomfortable for a moment, but it's really quick, and we'll walk you through it. And this one quick exam can tell you a lot about whether or not you have an STD or some other health concern. You'll take off your clothes, and put on a paper robe or paper blanket, and lie down on an exam table. You'll then put your feet up in holders or 'stirrups' and the health provider will put on latex gloves and examine your vagina for signs of infection.

Then, she'll insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to get a close look at your cervix and take a Pap smear - this is a test for cervical cancer, where the health provider takes a little brush and gets some cells from your cervix. If you get nervous or uncomfortable at this part, breathe deeply and close your eyes, or if there's a picture on the ceiling, you can look closely at it. You can ALWAYS ask your provider to slow down or to talk to you. Your doctor or nurse will then take the speculum out and put a gloved finger or two into your vagina and with her other hand press on your abdomen to check your ovaries and uterus for growths or swelling. Then it's over!- and it doesn't last more than a few minutes.

If you're a young man, the health provider will look at your testicles and your penis, checking to make sure everything looks healthy.

What tests should I make sure I get?

When you go to a clinic for an exam, you don't necessarily get tested for STDs , and unless they ask you about an HIV test, you won't be getting an HIV test either - unless you ask. Doctors get asked that, and do these tests, all the time - you won't be judged, and you'll probably be supported for taking care of yourself. If you're sexually active and have multiple partnbers or have ever had unprotected sex, ask to be tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV trichomoniasis and syphillis. If you're under 25, it's a smart idea to ask for the hepatitis B vaccination. That way, you'll have one less STD to be concerned about.

If you're having any kind of painful feeling like it hurts when you pee, or if you have bad cramps or a smelly discharge, talk to you r doctor or nurse about getting STD tests (Click here to find out about the most common STDs). But even if you don't feel anything, and you are having sex or have had sex recently, ask about getting STD tests - because many STDs don't have symptoms until they get very painful. A visit to the clinic can clear up your concerns, and answer your questions about STDs and HIV. So get tested- and get peace of mind.

What happens in an STD or HIV test?

For some STD tests, the doctor or nurse might look at, or take a few cells from your penis or vagina, or give you a blood or a urine test. You'll know the results anywhere from right away to one or two days. To find out about the treatments for STDs, click here.

If you're getting an HIV test, it might take up to two weeks for the results. This can feel like a long time to wait, but the faster you find out if you have HIV, the faster you can get learn how to protect your self and stay negative, or get treatments if you're positive. There are new treatments for HIV that are helping people live much longer and healthier lives.