STD testing.

I think I was date raped on Sunday. I'm trying to do everything the right way and be responsible about it, but it's all very overwhelming. I've taken Plan B already and I'm trying to figure out what's next. I know I should probably be tested for STD's because he didn't use any protection. My question is: is there a way to get tested for STD's/HIV without using an insurance card? I do have insurance, but I need to do this is a way that doesn't allow my parents to find out. There is a planned parenthood near my college, but I don't know how that works.

How does the testing work? Do I have to have a pelvic exam?

I'm overwhelmed and scared and I just really could use some guidance right now. Thanks.

I don't think that you should hide it from your parents, but I can't say that I would not do the same. I just hope that you have someone that you can lean on for support. Also, it is kind of late but you should report it (if you're in college you can file a police report through the school that doesn't require parental signature or anything).

In regards to your question - yes please get checked.

I don't know who provides STD testing without insurance; so I apologize I can not offer you advice on that. But I will say it's pretty costly to do without it, so be aware of that.

My suggestion would be to schedule a "check up" at your female doctor (you can say you've had cramps which isn't a lie and also could be the result of a Urinary Tract Infection if anyone asked how it went, or could just go for an annual). That way the doctors visit would be covered by insurance without any secrets. Once in the room, you could mention to the doctor about your concerns and they can go from there.

Yes it does require a pelvic exam to be tested for STD's. They will do the equivalent of a "pap smear" and take 1-2 swabs (with a q-tip) that they will send to run for the most common STD's (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia I think) and the results will take a few days to come back. If it is something that needs treating, they will send a prescription to your pharmacy wherever you are and often, you will be cured.

The emotional scars from the whole experience from the date rape to the testing to the diagnosis (if there is one) are not as easily fixed, so try to take it slow and really process them instead of pushing them away. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk.

Some clinics (there's a non-profit near my campus, for example) provide testing without insurance. Planned Parenthood might have similar policies, although I think it can vary from region to region. Find your local PP phone number and see what their policies are. Their website is very helpful (Sexual & Reproductive Health - Sex Education - Planned Parenthood), and you can chat with their representatives to find out more about their policies. Also, have you considered your university's health services? Most universities offer free and confidential counseling, and can direct you to an appropriate and confidential STD testing resource.

I just went on the department of health website and found a clinic near my school that offers free confidential std testing on Thursdays. Now I just have get up the courage to go next week. It's so embarrassing.

If you were infected with the HIV virus it can take up to six weeks for tests to detect it. At least it was that long ~ ten years ago when I got stuck with a sharp at work. Ask them about that when you go to the clinic.

I am so sorry you were assaulted.

Okay, I will ask. Thank you. You don't have to be sorry, it's okay. I'm okay. I'll be even more okay once I know I'm not pregnant or infected with anything.

Two things:1) HIV can take six months to a year to show up so you will have to have followup testing.
2) Don't report to your campus police, go to the local police department to report it. Some schools try to cover these things up (despicable that they do) and so wont help you press charges if you want to.

Please take care of yourself and reach out for help.

This is true. Yale, Princeton, and Amherst College -- which are among the best educational institutions in the country -- have attracted national attention for their negligent policies.

They would not have opened the clinic had they not been prepared to greet embarrassed patients. You will be in good hands. Keep us posted.

Hi everyone. I didn't want y'all to think I fell off the face of the earth. I had a busy end to the semester with finals and everything and just needed to focus on finishing the semester strong. I never got up enough courage to go get tested after all. My period was very very late and I ended up taking a pregnancy test: negative! Finally got my period so I think it was just stress from finals and everything delaying it. I'm feeling okay so I'm not all that worried anymore. Now that I am home I may schedule an appointment with my gynecologist for my annual visit and ask to be tested. Idk. At the same time the thought of going to the gynecologist makes me cringe. I hope you all are well. Thank you again for all of your advice, support, and encouraging words <3

I am still so sorry this happened to you but am glad you were able to finish the semester strong and that is good news about the pregnancy testing. Please do follow-up on the STD testing and HIV testing, with regular checks thereafter. Besides the ramifications of HIV, STDs can cause infertility if not caught early. For your immediate and lifelong health and wellness, please get checked sooner than later.

Congrats on getting through the semester. Please do what you need to take good care of you and enjoy your break and time at home. (((((( user_name))))))

I sai you were embarrassed- a few posts back within this thread. U have nothing at all I be embarrassed about. Nothing you did caused this. I also work at a college and just went trough a training to help women and mn who have been assaulted and they fear we will try and cover it up. We just want you to feel okay coming forward and it doesn't matter what happens to the college- we want you to get better.

I do encourage you to still get tested for studs since they can be "dormant" and you essentially could be symptom free. I hope you are doing better hun. So sorry this happened to you.

So have you been tested for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia? Those are the two most likely STI's, and not HIV.

When you get an annual pap, std testing is done as well. Please go get one done. One thing I didn't see listed is hpv. They test for that as well, and if untreated, can cause cancer. Also please report that pos to the police. He will wind up doing it to someone else. I was raped years ago, but was too afraid to report it. I regret that to this day. Best of luck to you and keeps excelling in school!

I would hope that given OP's age (in college), she has immunity to HPV's most dangerous strands through vaccination.