Why get tested for a possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease (STD)? Because knowledge is power! Once you know if you are pregnant or have an STD, you can make important decisions about your health and well-being.

Think you might be pregnant? The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. You can buy a home-pregnancy test at a pharmacy or drugstore or take a blood test at a health care provider’s office or clinic. Teens can get pregnancy tests for free or at low-cost at their local clinics.

Think you might have an STD? Most STDs have no visible symptoms, and if left undetected, some can eventually cause infertility, chronic pain or death. You can get tested for STDs at your doctor’s office or at a local clinic.

Worried the clinic might tell your parents? Most clinics are completely confidential, meaning your parents don’t need to give permission for you to go and they won’t be contacted by the clinic. Even if your parents called the clinic and asked if you had received services, the clinic cannot give out that information. Since each clinic works a little differently, the best way to know for sure is to ask the clinic when you make your appointment. You can ask: Will you call me at home? Will you send me a bill? Will you send other mail?

Or you can call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to be connected automatically to the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you. Planned Parenthood clinics are also low-cost and confidential.

Still have questions? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions about testing: