my brother had sex with a girl and I believe its the only time he’s had sex, anyways…he said he has like some sores or rash on his penis but its not red and it doesn’t look like any of the pictures we’ve seen on the internet. I am older than 18 would I be allowed to take him in to get tested? Please answer ASAP!
First thing, while STDs can be scary, try to relax. It’s really difficult to tell if you have an STD by looking at pictures on the internet, so don’t freak yourselves out by looking at that stuff online. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested, which is why it’s great that you want to take him to do so.
The good news is testing is easy, fast, and can be low-cost or even free at community health centers and Planned Parenthood health centers.
Depending on the state you live in, he can probably get confidential STD testing (meaning your parent(s) won’t know) no matter what his age is, even if you don’t go with him. Some states, however, may require that your parent(s) be notified if he’s under a certain age and gets tested – you could definitely go with him, but they would still have to notify whoever his legal guardian(s) is. The best thing to do is to call your local Planned Parenthood health center or STD testing clinic and ask what their privacy policies are.
Lastly, good for you for looking out for your brother and encouraging him to get tested! He’s lucky to have someone like you for support. Next, why not talk to him about condoms and the importance of safer sex, so he doesn’t have to stress out about this next time?
-Kendall at Planned Parenthood.