Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Healthy New Jersey

For the Public

Sexual Health and STI Prevention in New Jersey

Your Health. Your Rights. Your Resources.

Sexual health is an important part of your overall health. Whether you need testing, treatment, or prevention tools, you have the right to confidential, affordable care—wherever you are in New Jersey.

On this page, you'll find:

  • Your health care rights
  • Resources for testing and support
  • Info on Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
  • Preventive treatments like DoxyPEP
  • Tips for talking with your partner about STIs
Image of a group of people smiling.

On this page

Everyone deserves sexual health care that's private, accessible, and free from stigma. In New Jersey, you have the legal right to confidential STI testing, treatment, and preventive services—even if you're a minor, in many situations.

Your Right to Confidential Care

You have the right to get tested and treated for STIs—privately. That means your personal health information is protected by law, and no one (including parents, in many cases) has to know unless you choose to share it.

Here’s what that means for you:

  • Your Health Info Is Protected: Your STI testing, treatment, and records are private under both New Jersey law and federal HIPAA rules.
  • Worried About Parents Finding Out? You’re not alone. Many teens and young adults skip care because they’re afraid their parents will be notified. That fear shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need.
  • Doctors Support Your Privacy: Medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics believe private care helps protect your health—and the health of others.
Why It Matters

When care is truly private, people are more likely to:

  • Get help when they need it
  • Be honest with their health care provider
  • Get the right treatment, sooner

Minor Consent Laws in New Jersey

If you're under 18, you can get certain types of health care without needing permission from a parent or guardian. In New Jersey, minors can consent to their own care in these situations:

  • STI testing and treatment
  • Pregnancy-related services
  • Mental health counseling (ages 16 and older)
  • Substance use treatment
  • Sexual assault care
Birth Control and Contraception

In New Jersey, you don’t need a parent’s permission to get birth control.

You can access confidential services through the New Jersey Family Planning League (NJFPL)  , which supports Title X health centers across the state. These services include:

  • Birth control
  • Pregnancy tests
  • Counseling and education

All Title X services are protected by federal privacy laws.

What This Means for You

If you're under 18, you can get STI testing, birth control, mental health care, and more—privately, in many situations.

Confidentiality Protections for Minors

In most cases, your care stays private. But there are a few important things to know:

  • Health Care Provider Discretion– Your provider may choose to talk to your parent or guardian—but they are not required to.
  • Special Protections – There are extra privacy protections for care related to HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance use, and sexual assault.
Exceptions to Confidentiality

Sometimes, a provider must break confidentiality to keep someone safe. These are the main exceptions:

  • Child abuse or neglect: Providers must report suspected abuse.
  • Danger to self or others: If someone is at risk of serious harm, a provider must act.
  • Some infectious diseases: Certain infections must be reported to public health officials (but your name may not always be included).
What This Means for You

Your sexual health care is private most of the time, but there are a few exceptions. If you're not sure how it works, you can always ask your provider—they're there to help you understand your rights.

Federal Laws that Protect Your Privacy

In addition to New Jersey laws, federal protections help keep your health information private.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
  • Protects your personal health information
  • Limits who can see your medical records
  • If you’re a minor and you consent to your own care, HIPAA often prevents parents from accessing those records.
Title X Family Planning
  • Guarantees confidential access to birth control, STI testing, and pregnancy-related care—even for minors.
  • Title X clinics can't share your information without your permission.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
  • Applies to health records kept at schools
  • These records may follow different privacy rules than hospitals or clinics

Know the Limits of Privacy

Even though the law protects your privacy, some systems—like billing and electronic records—can still accidentally share information.

Insurance and Billing

If you're on someone else’s insurance (like a parent’s), an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) might be sent to them. It can include details about the care you received—even if the visit was confidential.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Some hospitals and clinics give parents access to your medical info through online portals. This can make private care less private.

What You Can Do:

If you're worried about your information being shared:

  • Ask about confidential billing. Some providers let you pay out of pocket instead of using insurance.
  • Go to a Title X clinic. They offer free or low-cost care and won’t send bills to your home.
  • Limit online access. You can ask for restrictions on who can see your patient portal.

Your Rights Matter

  • You have the right to confidential sexual health care in New Jersey.
  • Minors can get STI testing, pregnancy care, and mental health support without parental consent in many cases
  • Most care is private, but it’s important to know the exceptions
Need More Information?

If you’re unsure about your privacy or how to get care, talk to your health care provider—or reach out to a confidential hotline for answers:

NJ Family Health Line: 1-800-328-3838

National STI Hotline: 1-800-227-8922

Need STI testing or support services? These tools and programs can help you find what's available in your area. While not a complete list, the links below can point you in the right direction.

Find Testing Site Near You

Use GetTested.cdc.gov   to search for nearby testing locations for:

  • HIV
  • STIs
  • Hepatitis
  • Vaccines (HPV, Hepatitis A & B)
Why Get Tested?

Regular testing helps you stay healthy and protect others. STIs are often treatable—and early testing makes a big difference.

New Jersey Programs and Resources

NJ AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline
Your Local Health Department

Many local health departments offer STI testing and related services. Find your local health department.

NJ Family Planning League Health Centers

The New Jersey Family Planning League (NJFPL) supports a statewide network of clinics that provide:

  • Testing and Screening
  • Treatment and Follow-up
  • Counseling and Education
  • Contraception and Risk Reduction

Find a NJFPL Center Near You  

Educational Resources

Hotlines and Live Chat Support

If you or your partner are diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea, you may be able to get treatment for your partner—without them needing a separate medical visit. This option is called Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT), and it’s available in New Jersey.

How EPT Works

  • Your health care provider gives you medication (or a prescription) for your partner when you’re treated
  • Your partner doesn’t need their own appointment
  • EPT helps stop reinfection and reduces the spread of STIs

Why EPT Matters

  • Prevents reinfection – Both partners must be treated to fully clear the infection
  • Reduces STI transmission – Quick treatment helps stop the spread
  • Saves time – No extra appointment required

What to Do Next

If you’re being treated for chlamydia or gonorrhea, ask your provider about EPT. You can say:

  • "Can I get medication for my partner through EPT?”
  • “Does your clinic offer EPT for chlamydia or gonorrhea?”
  • "I want to make sure my partner gets treated too—can you prescribe their medication today?"

If your provider doesn’t offer EPT, your partner should visit a clinic for free or low-cost STI treatment.

What Your Partner Should Know

  • They should take the medication as prescribed, even if they don’t have symptoms.
  • Wait to have sex until treatment is complete
  • If they have symptoms or concerns, they should get additional testing
Need Help Finding Treatment?

Use GetTested.cdc.gov   to find a clinic near you.

What is DoxyPEP?

Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) is a preventive antibiotic treatment that can lower the risk of some bacterial STIs when taken after unprotected sex.

It has been shown to lower your chances of getting:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
Who Is DoxyPEP For?

DoxyPEP may be recommended for people with frequent STI exposure. In New Jersey, health care providers are still evaluating how and when to offer it.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are a man who has sex with men (MSM), or a transgender woman with multiple partners
  • Have had frequent STIs or repeated exposure
  • Are in an open or non-monogamous relationship where STI risk is higher

Ask your provider whether DoxyPEP is right for you, and what the latest guidelines are.

Not Sure If DoxyPEP Is Right For You?

You can ask:

  • "Do I qualify for DoxyPEP based on my STI risk?"
  • "Can we talk about whether DoxyPEP is a good option for me?"
  • "What are the pros and cons of using DoxyPEP?"

What DoxyPEP Does Not Protect Against

DoxyPEP only helps prevent certain bacterial STIs. it does not protect against:

  • HIV (Consider PrEP for HIV prevention)
  • Mpox
  • Other viral infections

How to Get DoxyPEP

  1. Talk with a provider to see if you're eligible
  2. Schedule a visit for evaluation
  3. Get STI testing and bloodwork to confirm eligibility.
  4. Follow up every 3 months for routine STI screening and prescription refills.

Important Things to Know

  • DoxyPEP can be used with PrEP for HIV without any known issues
  • It is not 100% effective— studies suggest it lowers STI risk by about 60%.
  • Researchers are still studying long-term effects, including possible impacts on gut bacteria and antibiotic resistance

If you develop STI symptoms while on DoxyPEP, get tested and treated right away.

Talking about STIs can feel awkward, intimidating, or uncomfortable. But these conversations are part of taking care of yourself—and each other. Whether you're discussing testing, sharing a diagnosis, or setting boundaries, it’s all about mutual care, respect, and trust.

Why These Conversations Matter

  • Helps protect both of you
  • Builds trust and openness
  • Reduces stigma around sexual health.

How to Start the Conversation

Starting is often the hardest part. Here are a few ways to make it easier:

  • Start simple: "I want to make sure we’re both staying safe. Have you been tested recently?"
  • Acknowledge the awkwardness: "I know this might feel uncomfortable, but I care about you and our health."
  • Share your experience: "I just got tested, and it made me feel good to know my status. When was your last test?"

If You Need to Share an STI Diagnosis

  1. Choose a private, calm place to talk
  2. Be honest and direct: "I was recently tested and found out I have [STI]. I wanted to tell you because I care about our health."
  3. Focus on solutions: "I’m getting treatment, and I think it’s a good idea for you to get tested too.”
If Your Partner Reacts Negatively

They might feel surprised, scared, or overwhelmed. Stay calm and supportive.

  • Validate their feelings: “I understand this might feel like a lot. I felt the same way at first.”
  • Reassure them: “I care about our relationship. That’s why I wanted to be honest and handle this responsibly.”
  • Suggest next steps: “Let’s talk to a provider together or visit a clinic to get more information.”
Tips for Keeping the Conversation Positive
  • Avoid blame: Focus on moving forward, not pointing fingers
  • Use “we” language: “We’ve got this—let’s both get checked to be safe."
  • Stay calm: If things get tense, pause and pick it up again later

Approach the conversation with care and respect. It’s about health, not blame.

Empathy Goes a Long Way

Your partner may need time to process. Be patient. These conversations aren’t just about STIs—they’re about building trust, understanding, and connection.

Taking small steps now can reduce your risk of STIs and support your overall health.

Quick Guide to Protecting Yourself:

  • Use condoms and dental dams consistently to reduce STI transmission.
  • Get tested regularly—at least every 6 to 12 months, or after being with a new partner(s)
  • Get vaccinated for:
    • HPV (Gardasil 9): Protects against strains that cause cervical, anal, and throat cancers, as well as genital warts
    • Hepatitis B: Prevents a virus that can cause serious liver damage
    • Mpox: Recommended if you're at high risk
  • Consider DoxyPEP if you have frequent STI exposures or multiple partners

What's Next?

  • Get tested: Know your status.
  • Use protection: Keep yourself and your partners safe
  • Stay informed: Talk your health care provider about prevention options.
Need Help?

Call the NJ Family Health Line at 1-800-328-3838 or visit GetTested.cdc.gov  to find free or low-cost testing near you.

 

Man with a yoga mat in hand

Take Charge of Your Health

  • Get tested if you’re sexually active
  • Use protection to reduce risk
  • If diagnosed, complete treatment and inform your partners
Find a Testing Center Near You (CDC)