Youth — Arkansas Recovery & STI Hub

Can I get tested without my parents finding out?

You can consent. In Arkansas, minors who believe they have an STI can consent to care without parental permission. Privacy has limits: state law allows a physician to inform a parent or guardian, and insurance billing may reveal a visit. Ask the clinic how it protects your privacy before you use insurance.

Before you use insurance

Important to know: If you're on your parents' insurance, they might see a claim for the visit. Ask the clinic about confidential billing or free services to avoid this. County health units do not require insurance for testing or treatment. Read Ark. Code Ann. § 20-16-508 →

Exception: If a provider believes you're in immediate danger or being abused, they may be required to report it. Clinics and labs must also report certain results to public health. Ask the clinic what must be shared and whether you will be told before a disclosure.

Find a testing location

Where to Go for Confidential Care

These services can help you get sexual health care. Ask about confidentiality, costs, eligibility, and how results or bills will reach you before booking.

Public Health Clinics

Free or low-cost STI testing and treatment. No insurance needed. Confidential services for minors.

Call ahead to book and confirm which tests are available
Free for most people
No parental consent needed

Planned Parenthood

Comprehensive sexual health services, including testing, treatment, birth control, and education.

Ask about fees and financial assistance
Teen-friendly staff
Ask about privacy protections and exceptions

At-Home Testing

Mail-in programs let you order a kit online, test at home, and read results privately. Which programs ship to Arkansas changes — ask a health unit before you order.

Check packaging, delivery, and account privacy
Results online in days
Check availability in Arkansas first

Find confidential testing near you

STI Basics for Teens

STIs are super common. Most are easy to treat. Here's what you actually need to know.

What Are STIs?

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. They're infections that spread through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex).

Common ones: chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, syphilis, HIV
Most don't have symptoms at first
Many are curable, all are manageable

Signs & Symptoms

Most STIs have no symptoms. That's why testing is important even if you feel fine.

When symptoms do show up:

Unusual discharge or smell
Pain or burning when you pee
Sores, bumps, or rashes
Pain during sex

How Common?

Really common. Young people account for a large share of new STIs. You are not alone.

Having an STI doesn't mean you did anything wrong. It just means you need treatment.

People ages 15–24 accounted for 45.5% of new U.S. STIs in 2018, according to a CDC study. Ask a provider which tests you need.

Treatment

Good news: Most STIs are curable with antibiotics. Others are manageable with medication.

Curable: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trich
Manageable: Herpes, HIV, HPV (your body often clears HPV on its own)

Treatment is usually free or low-cost to teens. Don't let money stop you from getting care.

How to Protect Yourself

Use condoms every time (external or internal condoms work)
Get tested regularly if you're sexually active
Talk to partners about testing before sex
Get the HPV vaccine (prevents certain cancers)
Limit number of partners (fewer = lower risk)

Getting Tested

Testing is quick, easy, and usually just a urine sample or quick swab. Results in a few days.

When to get tested:

Before having sex with a new partner
On a schedule based on your age, exposure, pregnancy, and prior results; ask a provider
If you have symptoms
If a partner tells you they have an STI

Find free testing near you

Myths vs. Facts

MYTH

"You can tell if someone has an STI by looking at them."

Most STIs have no visible symptoms. The only way to know is to get tested.

MYTH

"Only people who sleep around get STIs."

You can get an STI from just one sexual encounter. More partners can increase exposure, but an STI is never a measure of your worth.

MYTH

"You can't get an STI from oral sex."

Many STIs can spread through oral sex, including herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

MYTH

"Birth control protects against STIs."

The pill, IUDs, and other birth control don't prevent STIs. Condoms and dental dams reduce risk. Vaccines and medicines such as HIV PrEP can also protect against specific infections.

Questions Teens Actually Ask

No question is too awkward or too basic. Here are honest answers to the questions we hear most.

What if I'm too embarrassed to go to the doctor?

That's completely normal. Clinic staff talk about this stuff every day and won't judge you. If visiting a clinic feels difficult, ask a health unit about at-home options. Check age eligibility, Arkansas availability, delivery privacy, and follow-up before ordering.

Do I need to tell my partner if I have an STI?

Telling partners helps them get tested and treated, and protects your health too. If telling them directly feels hard or unsafe, many clinics offer anonymous partner notification. Not sure what to say? See the basics or the full talking guide with word-for-word scripts.

Will getting tested hurt?

Usually not. Most tests are a urine sample or a quick swab. Some use a small blood sample, which feels like a fast pinch.

Can you get an STI from kissing or sharing drinks?

STIs don't spread from sharing drinks, food, or casual contact. Oral herpes can spread through kissing, sometimes even without a visible cold sore. Routes of transmission depend on the infection.

What if I test positive? Will my life be over?

No. Many STIs can be cured; others need ongoing care. Medicines help manage HIV and herpes. HPV often clears naturally; treatment addresses the health problems it causes. Your provider can explain your treatment and follow-up plan.

Is it normal to be scared to get tested?

Totally normal. Most people feel nervous before testing. Knowing your status puts you in control of your health, and the relief afterward is worth it.

Does drinking or using drugs make STIs more likely?

It can. When you’re drinking or high, it’s easier to skip protection or end up somewhere you didn’t plan, and sharing needles can pass HIV or hepatitis C. That’s not a judgment; it just means testing matters. If you or a friend is struggling with drugs or alcohol, free and confidential help is at FindTreatment.gov or 1-800-662-HELP.