DEAR ABBY: I'm 14 and my name is "Pearl." I just found out that I might have chlamydia. I really like this guy and I need to know if I should tell him. What should I do? I am a little scared. Please answer soon. -- NEEDS TO KNOW IN LANCASTER, CALIF.
DEAR NEEDS TO KNOW: You should be examined by a doctor right away. If you do indeed have chlamydia, your partner must be notified so he can also be treated.
Ask your mother to schedule an appointment for you. If you cannot talk to her about this, then call the county health department and ask for the location of the nearest clinic where you can be treated confidentially. DO NOT PUT IT OFF. If you have chlamydia and aren't treated, it could cause fertility problems for you in the future.
Since you are sexually active, it is important that you learn to protect yourself against an unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases so that you are not reinfected or infect others.