Where to get STD testing

November 13, 2006 8:10 PM

Where should I go for STD testing?

I am just over 18 and had unprotected sex on saturday (2 days ago). This was the first time I ever had sex (we also gave each other oral). I am uncircumsized and I when I pulled my foreskin back today I noticed a little bit of red irritation and some small bumps near the head of my penis. I want to have it checked out but I would rather not involve my parents at this point in case it is actually nothing. I live in the fairfax area and was wondering if there was a way I could get tested anonymously, hopefully for free.

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

Planned Parenthood. It's not anonymous, but it is confidential. It's probably not free since you're over 18, but they'll find a way to get you what you need.

They do, however, give out free condoms. Please do yourself a favor and grab as many as you can.
posted by jrossi4r at 8:22 PM on November 13, 2006

It is very unlikely that any std would show up so soon after sex. If the "fairfax area" you mention is Fairfax County, VA then they have a great health department. Here is the link. I know you can get anonymous testing at no cost. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/health1a.htm
Good luck and try not to worry.
posted by JayRwv at 8:23 PM on November 13, 2006

Yeah, a little bit of red irritation after you have sex for the first time isn't exactly surprising. I mean, there was probably a lot of friction. One hopes. And an STD showing up in 2 days would be unusual.

Still, JayRwv pretty much nailed it for anonymous STD testing to ease your mind.
posted by Justinian at 8:36 PM on November 13, 2006

I'd generally recommend Planned Parenthood over the health department, though I'm not familiar with Fairfax's health department in particular. Planned Parenthood will generally do things like STD testing on a sliding scale basis. In D.C., it looks like you can get it done for free if you're under 25.
posted by chickletworks at 8:39 PM on November 13, 2006

I don't work for your health department or anything, but skip Planned Parenthood. In my experience, they're a bunch of knuckleheads.

The Fairfax County, VA Communicable Diseases Program allows for "confidential and anonymous HIV testing ... at no charge" and "free, confidential testing and treatment for diseases which are transmitted by sexual contact." Use their list of clinic sites and hours to determine which clinic you should attend and when.

Other posters are probably right - it should be nothing, and asking this question is a good place to start. But using a condom would also have been a good place to start... Hopefully this scare will help you remember for the next time. Good luck!
posted by youngergirl44 at 9:14 PM on November 13, 2006

If you want extra anonymity drive to another county, or since it's close, another state/district.
posted by Pollomacho at 9:23 PM on November 13, 2006

I have a little experience with Fairfax County health service that might nudge you in that direction. I gave first aid to a person at an accident scene before paramedics arrived and was exposed to their blood. Police at the scene put me in contact with someone from the county health service who later informed me of results the (deceased) victim's blood tests. The victim was negative on all tests, but health service made me feel welcome to come in for any tests that would put my mind at ease. In talking to them I was impressed by their professionalism, compassion and courtesy. I didn't visit one of their clinics so I don't have any experience there.
posted by peeedro at 7:07 AM on November 14, 2006

The Whitman-Walker Clinics are the reasonable choice in the NoVA area. If you are afraid of browser histories or whatever....

from http://wwc.org/regional_centers/nova.html#test

Whitman-Walker Clinic of Northern Virginia
5232 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22207-1621

STD and HIV Testing and Counseling
Testing for HIV is available:
Monday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Testing for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis A, B and C is available:
Monday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday 1:30-7 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

call [phone] to make an appointment
posted by phearlez at 7:19 AM on November 14, 2006