USE COUPON CODE FIFTYOFF AT CHECKOUT FOR 50% OFF YOUR ORDER—OFFER AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME
USE COUPON CODE FIFTYOFF AT CHECKOUT FOR 50% OFF YOUR ORDER—OFFER AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME
Before you choose home testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it’s important to know all of your options. Everyone’s situation is different, but the pros and cons list and the answers to frequently asked questions below should help you decide.
NOTE: Home testing is only appropriate if you do not have any symptoms. If you have symptoms like itching, burning, discharge, or a rash, you should see a health care provider in person to get most the most accurate results and quickest treatment.
Yes. Most regular health care providers and gynecologists offer STI testing. If you already have a regular doctor or other health care provider, it probably makes sense to talk to them first. Your provider will help you decide what STI tests are best and take all the samples they need.
This keeps all of your care in one place and makes follow-up care easy. It’s also usually covered by your existing insurance.
Your provider will keep your results confidential. But if you share health insurance with anyone (a parent or a partner), they might be notified about the visit.
Next steps: Call your provider’s office and make an appointment or ask to speak to the nurse if you have further questions.
If you don’t have a regular health care provider, there are other options for in-person STI testing.
These in-person providers can easily offer follow-up care if you do test positive for any STIs.
Next steps: Search for an urgent care in your area or click the button below to find a clinic or a Planned Parenthood location.
If you don’t have insurance or don’t want to use your insurance, you may want to look for a local clinic. There are likely clinics in your area that offer free or low-cost testing or use a sliding scale for payment.
There are also many health departments and programs that will send free at home test kits for HIV and/or other STIs. Unfortunately, free test kits may not be available in all areas.
Yes (but…). In-person providers and at-home testing companies keep your test results confidential. But if you’re worried about privacy there are a few things you should know.
Things to think about: Who might get a statement from the insurance company? Who might be home when the test kit arrives?
Lots of places. There are many places to get at-home tests. You might want to start by checking to see if there are free or low-cost home test kits offered in your area. You can also ask your health care provider if they offer tests kits, as some offices and clinics do. Many local health departments also offer tests that can be taken at home.
You can go to your local pharmacy to get tests, or you can buy one from any number of places online. The American Sexual Health Association has partnered with Diagnostics Your Way to offer easy access to home STI testing.
Things to think about: How much does the test kit cost? Am I testing for the right STIs? Is there anyone at home who might open the test kit package I order online?
It varies. In some cases, you can get your results right away. Some providers offices and clinics offer “point-of-care testing.” This means they have the machines they need to process your results on site. You may get your results back within about 30 minutes. But most providers send your sample to a lab. In these cases, it could take a a few days to a week or more to get the results back.
Most home tests ask you to send the samples back to a lab. You should get your results in about a week. But there are some home tests for certain STIs (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trich) that give you results in 15-30 minutes.
Next steps: You can ask your health care provider whether they have point-of-care testing and/or how long results take to come back. If you’re buying a test kit online, see what the company says about how long results usually take and look at some online reviews.
Testing is typically quick and easy. If you get tested by a health care provider in a clinic or office setting, they may start with a visual exam of your genitals. They may swab your vagina, penis, urethra, anus, or throat. They will also likely ask for a urine sample (you just have to pee in a cup) and/or take a blood sample.
When you test in person, blood samples are usually drawn from a vein in your arm. It shouldn’t hurt, but it does involve a needle.
If you choose to test at home, you may be asked to swab your own genitals, mouth, or anus. You may also have to collect a urine sample or provide a blood sample. (Don’t worry—the test kit will come with specific instructions.)
With home testing, blood samples are usually done by pricking your finger. Some tests require more than one drop of blood, so you might have to prick multiple fingers.
Things to think about: How comfortable are you collecting your own samples? Swabbing your genitals is easy, but it does make some people uncomfortable. How comfortable are you with blood or urine? Blood samples at home may require multiple finger sticks and you may have transfer your pee from the cup into a different container.
Usually a patient portal. Most provider’s offices and online test companies use an online patient portal to provide you with your results. Test kits will come with instructions about how to access the portal.
If you’re seeing your regular health care provider, you may already have a portal set up. If you’re seeing a new provider (like at a clinic) or you haven’t set up a portal, ask for instructions. Some provider’s offices may call with results.
Next steps: If you get tested in person, make sure to check how results are sent. Make sure the provider’s office has your current phone number and/or email address to contact you about results. If results are sent via an online patient portal, set up your account in advance so that you can view your results as soon as they’re ready.
Don’t panic. You are not alone; millions of people test positive for STI every year. All STIs can be treated, and many can be cured. The most important thing is that you get treated as soon as possible.
Next steps: Get the follow-up care you need! Untreated STIs can lead to long-term health issues. We know you care about your sexual health, because you are thinking about getting tested. If you test positive, it’s really important to take that next step.
