Hello @justamanz028 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect- thank you for sharing your symptoms and experience. I think you made a great choice to reach out and see what others have to say related to your symptoms of a possible STD. It sounds like you have been dealing with this for a few years now, so it’s probably time to be seen by a provider especially if you feel that symptoms are progressing and are concerned about your health.

You have some valid questions about privacy and protecting your health information from those you choose not to share it with (parents, employers). From what I could research, it depends on your state, but the following is true: “For laws related to HIV and other STI services, pregnancy care, adoption or medical care for a child, state consent laws apply to all individuals aged 12 through 17. In some cases, however, states allow only certain groups of young people—such as those who are married, pregnant or already parents—to consent. Several states have no relevant policy or case law; in these states, physicians commonly provide medical care without parental consent to individuals younger than 18 they deem mature, particularly if the state allows minors to consent to related services.” The list of states is here: (https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/overview-minors-consent-law)

Here are a few other links that might help answer some of your other questions.

Protecting Adolescents' Right to Seek Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases without Parental Consent: The Arizona Experience with Senate Bill 1309: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314068/

STD testing: What's right for you?: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Diagnosis & Treatment: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246

STD Testing, Treatment & Vaccines in Rochester, MN: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/minnesota/rochester/55901/rochester-health-center-2799-90720/std-testing-treatment

As far as your questions related to cost, I think that will depend on treatment options, insurance, etc. I would ask the appointment desk for an estimate of the first visit, then consult with your provider about additional costs on treatment options. Hopefully this gives you additional information. Please let us know how it goes.

Are you close to a Mayo Clinic campus or different clinic that you can be seen at?