A
female
age
26-29,
anonymous
writes:Hi, I am in need of advice.I am 18 years old and I recently had sex with 7 different men throughout the year. I had unprotected sex with 5 of those men. I am afraid that I caught an STD so I want to get checked. I plan to go to Planned Parenthood, however, I want to be anonymous. Nowadays with technology being so advanced, I do not trust anyone with my private information (even if it is confidential). Should I give them a fake name? Or is there any other options I should be looking into?
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female
reader, like I see it +, writes (15 April 2016):
 I have personally used Planned Parenthood for birth control and STI testing before/between new partners at the times in my life where I couldn't afford regular health insurance, and have never had issues with my visits remaining confidential. Nor have I ever felt judged by my health care providers for wanting those tests done.
I strongly advise against lying about your name - not only for future referral purposes should you need one, but also because PP will ask for your full name and possibly your social security number to start your medical record and verify your eligibility or lack thereof for free or low-cost testing and care. Providing false information may, depending upon your state, lead PP to suspect that you are trying to defraud the system and jeopardize your eligibility for any financial assistance should you happen to need it.
I just want to mention for your peace of mind that Planned Parenthood seems to understand very well the sensitive nature of the information they handle and that some of their patients could face serious harm if partners or family members found out about their visits. They don't even assume, or at least they didn't when I last went in a few years ago, that it is safe to call you with follow-up questions. During your visit you will be asked to designate a preference about the best way to reach you for any follow-up questions or concerns, to make sure that no one other than you has to know that you ever visited. Even my current (private) doctor's office has yet to ask me that same question!
Regardless of where you get tested, though, please don't let fears about confidentiality stop you from accessing the health services you need. Certain STIs can be both "silent"/symptomless and extremely damaging to your long-term fertility if left undetected and untreated.
Hope this helps. Good luck and best wishes!
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 April 2016): I'm the original owner of this post and I would just like to thank everyone for their advice. It was really helpful and it helped me come to the conclusion that I should just give out my real name without worrying too much. (And yes I will start using condoms each and every time I have intercourse).
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A
female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (14 April 2016):
 I wouldn't advice using a fake name, look these tests are private, and they are there to help you not judge you. Yes it is scary getting these done, especially when you know you have risked your health in the last year, but still they have saw it all before and to them you are only a number, they won't judge you. They won't tell your family and friends. They might however need your real information to get you help if you have caught something.
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A
female
reader, chigirl  +, writes (14 April 2016):
 You should trust the protocols of confidentiality. If there is an option to be anonymous, then you will not be asked to give a name, so no need for pseudonyms. But be my guest, if you want to use a fake name why not.
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A
male
reader, Fatherly Advice + ♥, writes (14 April 2016):
 it is true, you can die of embarrassment.
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A
male
reader, no nonsense Aidan  +, writes (14 April 2016):
It isn’t wise to give health professionals false information. If there needs to be any follow-up, for example with your regular doctor, how will this be achieved? It’s fair to assume that if they have protocols in place ensuring the privacy of your information, that information is secure. It is fair to assume that no-one who shouldn’t have access to it will be able to obtain it, and those who do will treat it confidentially. I think you’re worrying about nothing: this is a big deal to you, but it’s their bread and butter. To the staff you will be one of many patients and they’ll have seen it all before. They’ll have probably forgotten all about you by next week. To anyone else, even if by some extraordinary means they did obtain the information, why are they going to be remotely interested in it? I think you shouldn’t be concerning yourself about this but should go for it and get the tests done. I know you’ve probably figured this one out for yourself, but if you’re going to have multiple sexual partners, you’re taking a huge gamble by not using protection. Not all STDs are treated with a simple course of antibiotics and some can be life-changing. Pregnancy will be pretty life-changing too. Use condoms.
I wish you all the very best.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie + ♥, writes (14 April 2016):
 Hmmm, that is actually a hard question for me.
I get that you don't feel like your information would be keep as private as you may like, but I would like to add that if you GIVE a false name the privacy act might not even COVER the testing. Where as you are guaranteed the RIGHT to privacy and Confidentiality of YOUR personal medical record. Which means records with YOUR name on it.
If you don't trust them (Planned Parenthood) to keep your records safe and confidentiality why not use a private doctor?
You are over 18 so they can not contact your parents.
If I were you I'd be more concerned with my health, which means I would go get tested for STD's and HIV.
And I would be more cautious with my health in the future. AS IS learn how to put on a condom and NOT have sex without them.
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