STDs & Safe Sex

If I visit a reproductive health center, will my parents find out?

That’s up to you. Pennsylvania reproductive health centers offer confidential care those who request it.

If you can’t talk to your parents about birth control, pregnancy tests or STD tests, tell the nurse practitioner or doctor at your reproductive health visit. They’ll make sure your care is confidential, meaning no forms or statements will be mailed to your home, even those from health insurance companies.

With that said, open communication between parents and teens is usually a good thing — and is good for you, too.

Tips for talking with your parents about birth control, STDs and sex

1. To start a conversation on sex, sometimes it’s easier to use a magazine article or TV show to start talking about sex. Keep it general and keep it about the article or show. Once you break the ice, you can talk about stuff that’s more personal to you.
2. The longer you drag it out, the tougher it’ll be. Be honest and say something like, “This feels weird for me to talk about, and it may be for you, too, but I want to ask about…”
3. You may need to ease their panic. Try saying something like, “Just because I’m asking about birth control doesn’t mean I’m sexually active. I just want to be as responsible and informed as possible.

Find a teen-friendly reproductive health center near you.