Pictures of STDs: A visual symptom guide
Which STDs Can You Get From Kissing?
Many STDs either cause no signs or symptoms or they cause symptoms so mild that they are easy to overlook. Still, it is important to treat the underlying infection.
Since not all of these health issues cause obvious problems, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be a more accurate term than STDs, the American Sexual Health Association note.
There are more than 26 infections that mainly spread through sexual contact. A vast majority of STIs are transmitted through contact with the genitals, including genital fluids or sores, typically during intercourse or oral sex.
For most healthy people, kissing is a very low risk sexual activity.
But a few STIs can spread through kissing, especially when someone has an active infection or symptoms such as oral sores. Among these infections are:
HerpesThe herpes simplex virus has two subtypes: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Both viruses cause lifelong infections. A person with either infection can experience symptom-free periods followed by symptoms.
Herpes is most contagious when symptoms are present, but a person can still pass it on when they are asymptomatic.
Most people with oral herpes have an HSV-1 infection. This causes sores, painful blisters, or ulcers to form in, on, or around the mouth or lips. These skin lesions are often known as cold sores.
In most cases, HSV-1 spreads through oral-to-oral contact such as kissing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) report that roughly 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 have HSV-1 infections around the world. Most people acquire it in childhood.
Meanwhile, an estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 worldwide have an HSV-2 infection. This typically causes painful genital sores, blisters, or ulcers. It spreads through sexual contact, usually genital-to-genital contact.
People with HSV-1 may not require professional treatment. It is important to practice good hygiene, and a person may use over-the-counter medication to combat cold sores. People with active sores may want to avoid kissing until their sores go away.
People with HSV-2 may take antiviral medications indefinitely to reduce the risk of experiencing symptoms and transmitting the virus.
SyphilisSyphilis is a bacterial STI spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore. These sores can develop on the genitals, in the mouth, or on the lips. Syphilis can also spread to a baby during pregnancy.
Symptoms grow more severe as syphilis progresses. Initially, a person tends to have round, firm, painless sores. These often heal on their own within 3–6 weeks.
Later, a person may develop a rough, reddish-brown rash, which may appear on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or both. A person may not notice the rash right away, as it may not itch.
A person with syphilis may also experience:
These symptoms often resolve on their own. However, anyone with syphilis requires antibiotic treatment to prevent the disease from progressing.
Within 10–30 years of the initial infection, syphilis can cause life-threatening complications. At this stage, a doctor may refer to the issue as tertiary syphilis.
Some people have latent syphilis — they experience no symptoms early on. However, if they do not receive treatment, they can develop the dangerous health issues associated with tertiary syphilis and require urgent medical care.
CytomegalovirusCytomegalovirus (CMV) is very common — nearly 1 in 3 children in the United States develop the infection by age 5, and more than half of the adults in the country have it by age 40.
The virus can spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, including semen, breast milk, blood, and tears. It also spreads through contact with saliva or urine — especially in babies and younger children.
In healthy people, the immune system usually prevents CMV from causing severe infection or illness. Most people with the infection are unaware that they have it.
When CMV does lead to symptoms, it tends to cause:
People with compromised immune function and a CMV infection may experience more severe symptoms that affect the lungs, liver, eyes, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
A baby born with a CMV infection may have impaired growth, hearing loss, and problems affecting the brain, liver, spleen, and lungs.
Once someone has a CMV infection, they have it for life, and it can reactivate.
There is no cure for CMV, but most people who have the infection do not require treatment. Babies and people with reduced immune function may need to take antiviral medications to prevent complications.
HPVHPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are several of these viruses, and some can cause cancer later in life.
In rare cases, a person can pass the infection through oral contact or contact with infected saliva. The most common way to transmit the virus is through direct contact with the genitals, however.
Around 3.6% of women and 10% of men in the U.S. Develop oral HPV. Most people clear the infection within a couple of years.
Oral HPV infects the throat and mouth and can cause cancers of the oropharynx, the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils. Health experts believe that 70% of cases of oropharyngeal cancer in the U.S. Are caused by HPV.
Common symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer include:
Best At-Home STD Tests Of 2023
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Everylwell checked all the boxes for us as the top at-home STD test. See which other kits provide accuracy and convenience for knowing your STD status.
Best at-home tests Bonus: Best in-lab testingRegular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important for overall health and any necessary treatments. At-home tests can provide an accurate and convenient method for knowing your status.
STDs and STIs are very common. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide.
One reason for this is that contraceptive methods, such as condoms, are not always failproof. Overall, if you're sexually active, you could contract an STI.
Nowadays, there are dozens of at-home testing kits that may make getting tested easier.
Here's some information on quality at-home testing options, how to figure out what type is best for you, and when to contact a doctor.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewEverlywell sells STD kits geared to males and females. With a finger prick and a vaginal swab, the Everlywell at-home STD kit for females lets you test for six of the most common STDs. Each purchase comes with instructions, the materials for sample collection, prepaid shipping both ways, and both digital and printable results.
Aside from the kits, Everlywell also offers individual tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV.
Every Everlywell test is reviewed and approved by an independent board certified doctor in your state. If your results are positive, Everlywell will connect you with their independent physician network (at no additional cost) to discuss questions and treatment options.
What our tester saysOur market editor Christy Snyder tried out a couple of different products from Everlywell. The review of each product she used was different, but overall, she had a decent experience with the test kits. She found it was easy to register her kits as the directions were straightforward.
Snyder also warns that some test kits may require a big blood sample that people may not be able to fulfill. She recommends doing your own research before purchasing a kit. She also advises knowing what information you will get from these kits as some, like the food sensitivity test, show that the "the science behind it isn't necessarily full proof."
Our market editor Christy Snyder tried out a couple of different products from Everlywell. The review of each product she used was different, but overall, she had a decent experience with the test kits. She found it was easy to register her kits as the directions were straightforward.
Snyder also warns that some test kits may require a big blood sample that people may not be able to fulfill. She recommends doing your own research before purchasing a kit. She also advises knowing what information you will get from these kits as some, like the food sensitivity test, show that the "the science behind it isn't necessarily full proof."
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewAlthough self-collected samples aren't typically as good as those taken in a lab, Nurx ensures accuracy by collecting fluids from various areas, such as a vaginal swab, throat swab, and rectal swab. This makes it possible to test for oral and anal STDs that might otherwise be missed.
Nurx offers three at-home test kits to choose from:
These tests are usually covered by insurance, and Nurx will bill your plan directly (or you can pay out of pocket). With insurance, you'll pay $75 for the test kit, shipping both ways, and a $15 medical consultation fee.
Once Nurx collects your samples, they'll bill your insurance directly for the cost of the lab testing. Without insurance, see the rates for each kit above. These prices include the test kit, lab work, and shipping.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewmyLAB Box offers several at-home STD kits:
Aside from these, the service sells individual tests for each STD or STI. These allow you to get the answers you need without driving to a lab or spending money on copays to visit a doctor's office.
Every kit comes with a single-use collection kit, instructions, a specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewAvailable at CVS locations across the country and covered by both flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs), LetsGetChecked is a convenient and accessible option for at-home tests and diagnostics.
They offer three types of tests:
LetsGetChecked tests require you to collect a urine and blood sample, depending on which test you select.
The service also includes a medical support team to answer any questions. If your results are positive, a nurse or physician will call you to explain your results and provide treatment options.
Pros & consiDNA has a number of individual STI tests, including a test for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, the bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis. They use a self-collection method, which means that you don't need to go into a lab to get your results.
Additionally, they offer two combination tests and a customizable test bundle. The customizable bundle — which starts at $78 — is useful if you want to be tested for numerous STIs, as it can be more convenient than ordering individual tests.
Their pre-selected bundles include:
iDNA also offers memberships. Their $24.99-per-month membership offers you discounted tests, affordable doctor consultations, and one free monthly test of your choice. Their $49.99-per-month membership offers the same benefits, but with the option of a free doctor's consultation or a free test every month.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewQuick, secure, and completely confidential, STDCheck․com is a lab-based at-home test. This means you order the test over the phone or online and then go to a facility for sample collection.
Lab-based tests are generally more thorough than self-collected examinations. STDCheck․com has 4,500 locations nationwide.
While you can order individual tests from $24 to $99, the company's 10 Test Panel is their most comprehensive offer.
If you're concerned about a recent exposure, you can add the HIV RNA Early Detection Test, which can detect an HIV transmission as early as 9 to 11 days after exposure.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewThough this is not an at-home testing service exclusively, PrioritySTD is one of the most reputable STD testing options. Most reviews say the tests are fast, private, and accurate. You can get same-day testing, same-day medications, and results in 24 to 72 hours.
You can purchase your PrioritySTD test privately, online, or over the phone. PrioritySTD has more than 4,000 labs across the country. After your testing, you can access your results online or by calling a care counselor. Treatment options are available as well.
Aside from individual STD tests, PrioritySTD offers the following panel tests:
The service complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and will not mail anything to your home or report anything to your healthcare professional.
Pros & consAlso, you can use this chart for a quick comparison of the nine tests in our roundup:
*Note that we use the term "basics" to encompass chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Other STDs tested are unique to that brand.
**All prices are rounded up to the nearest dollar.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an at-home STD test, which is why we turned to the experts.
Our vetting team goes the extra mile to make sure you have the best options available to you. Every product we recommend and brand we work with is thoroughly vetted by our team. If there are any lawsuits, recalls, or regulatory action letters documented about these products or companies, our vetting team makes sure they're reported and listed.
In addition to legalities, our team always checks for medical credibility, good business practices, privacy practices and security, social impact, and the validity of any health claims a brand makes about a product. At-home testing services are required to abide by telehealth standards in the following circumstances:
STIs are infections transmitted from one person to another during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
An STI is considered an STD when it causes symptoms. Usually, an infection is the first step on the road to potentially developing a disease.
Not all diseases start as infections. But in the case of STDs, they do. In both cases, STIs and STDs are used interchangeably, mostly because of the stigma that is associated with the term "STD." We also use these interchangeably throughout the article.
According to the CDC, in 2018, 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STD or STI.
Although common, most people don't realize they have an STI because most of these infections have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
Common symptoms of STDs include:
Vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of an STD.
While most STIs are contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, some can be transmitted through nonsexual means, such as blood transfusions and shared products, like needles and syringes.
With dozens of at-home testing kits available, it can be hard to choose the right one. After all, what does a good at-home STD testing kit look like? What should it entail? What do you need?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your needs will vary, depending on your situation and circumstances. Also, they may change over time.
This chart can help you determine which type of test is right for you.
If you think you'll need help determining results from your at-home test, taking an in-office test may be preferable. It's an immediate source of information, and an action plan can be created on-site in the case of a positive result.
Also, be sure the test you choose is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To determine whether the FDA approves a product, you can check the FDA's website.
While every home STI testing service is different, most of the brands recommended here offer professional advice or support for reading test results at home.
If you do a fully at-home STI test, there is a risk that you'll misinterpret your results. Lab-based tests can also be difficult to interpret if you have no medical background.
As such, it's best to opt for a testing service where you have access to a healthcare professional who can discuss your results with you. They can help you interpret your results and advise you on treatments and safety.
Talk with a healthcare professional if one of your partners has recently tested positive for an STD or STI or if you're experiencing possible symptoms of an STI.
The CDC recommends STD screenings from a healthcare professional in the following cases:
If you have an STI but are experiencing more or worsening symptoms, like genital discharge or urinary symptoms, contact a healthcare professional to further evaluate your symptoms.
The CDC makes the following additional recommendations for screening:
Our roundup of seven at-home STD tests is a good starting point if you want to get tested without contacting a doctor.
Depending on the test, you may need to visit a lab for collection. Every other part of the process, including the lab order, payment, and results, is done online.
If you receive a positive test result, the testing kit company may offer a consultation with one of their doctors. During that consultation, you can discuss any next steps, such as further testing or treatment.
At this point, it's also a good idea to contact your primary care doctor to share your results.
How do at-home and lab-direct STD tests work?With both at-home and lab-direct tests, you'll provide a sample. The samples may include blood, urine, anal, vaginal, or oral swabs.
The samples are submitted to a lab, and results are shared discreetly.
If you receive a positive STD result, contact your primary care clinician to discuss the best treatment option for you. Also, be prepared to notify any partners of the positive result.
How do I know if I should get tested?If you're sexually active or engaging in activities that have the potential to increase your chance of an STD or STI, it's important to get tested.
In fact, according to the CDC, "Getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health."
How can I tell if I have an STD without going to the doctor?An at-home test may confirm whether you have an STD, but it's important to contact your doctor if you have symptoms of a possible infection. These symptoms may include:
The CDC recommends that people ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once a year as part of their routine health checkup.
The CDC also recommends that sexually active women under 25 years old get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
In addition, the CDC suggests that pregnant people get tested for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV early in their pregnancy.
Sexually active men who have sex with men may want to also get tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually.
If you experience symptoms at any time, don't wait to get tested. The quicker you're tested, the sooner you can begin treatment.
Are STD tests accurate?Most modern STD tests are very accurate. Still, test accuracy can vary, depending on the type of sample and the test detection method.
Traditional in-office tests are more accurate than fully online tests, and home-to-lab tests are more accurate than self-collected tests. But all are highly efficient.
How reliable are at-home STD tests?While in-office STD tests may be considered the most reliable, the at-home test kits on our list also have a reputation for being accurate.
It's important that you don't rely on home testing in place of contacting your doctor if you have any possible symptoms of an STD or STI or have other important questions about your overall health.
Does insurance cover STD tests?Most insurance plans cover the cost of STD tests, as these tests are considered preventive and covered under the Affordable Care Act. But whether your plan covers a specific STD test depends on several factors, including your:
Also, the coverage of at-home tests varies.
To learn more about your specific options, talk with a nurse, a doctor, or your insurance company.
You can also find free or low cost STD testing sites across the country.
Can you test for STDs by yourself?Yes. For at-home STD testing, you collect a urine sample or an oral or genital swab and then send it to a lab for analysis. You can collect the sample in the privacy of your home without the need for a pelvic exam or office visit.
Testing for STDs and STIs regularly is important.
Testing can help prevent the transmission of STIs. It can also help you get the appropriate treatment if you have a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, as many STDs and STIs can be treated or cured.
Contacting a doctor or other healthcare professional is generally the most reliable way to know whether you've contracted an STI or have an STD. But an at-home test is an excellent alternative. For many, an at-home test is a confidential and convenient option.
Kimberly Zapata is a mother, writer, and mental health advocate. Her work has appeared on several sites, including The Washington Post, HuffPost, Oprah, Vice, Parents, Health, and Scary Mommy — to name a few. When her nose isn't buried in work (or a good book), Kimberly spends her free time running Greater Than: Illness, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower children and young adults working through mental health conditions. Follow Kimberly on Facebook or Twitter.
Kristeen Cherney is a freelance writer and PhD candidate who specializes in covering topics related to mental disabilities, women's health, skin health, diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, and allergies. She's also currently working on her dissertation, which explores intersections of disability studies and literacy studies. When she's not researching or writing, Cherney enjoys getting outdoors as much as possible. She also practices yoga and kick-boxing.
Which Washington State Counties Have The Highest Rate Of Sexually-transmitted Infections?
Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) have been, and continue to be, the most commonly-diagnosed and reported conditions in the state of Washington, according to the Department of Health, excluding COVID-19 during the pandemic. . STIs is used interchangeably by medical health professionals with STDs, or sexually-transmitted diseases, according to the CDC.
Certain STIs are more common in certain counties, but the risk of contracting an STI is present everywhere in the state.
Washington's DOH analyzes STI data across the state and by county. The most recently available complete data sets include numbers from 2020 that were released in 2022. Preliminary data for 2021 and 2022 is also available, but could change.
Only three of the Evergreen State's 39 counties did not have enough reported cases in 2020 for in-depth analysis: Columbia, Garfield and Wahkiakum.
Washington statewide STI ratesAcross the entire state, there were 45,215 reported cases of STIs in 2020, according to DOH data. The vast majority were chlamydia cases — more than 31,000. However, 2020 had a significantly lower prevalence than in 2019, dropping to the best rate since 2016. More than 11,580 cases of gonorrhea were reported, the first time statewide total has dropped since 2011. The least prevalent was syphilis, with 837 reported cases. The remainder of the reports were for genital herpes, under 1,400.
Preliminary data shows reports dropping significantly in 2021, with only 31,352 reported cases. Data for 2022 is also preliminary, but shows a further decrease in cases. This is in sharp contrast to trends reported by the CDC, which showed a nearly 32% increase in infection rates nationally. Gonorrhea and chlamydia rates also increased nationally.
Washington STI rates by countyCounty STI rates are available in two numbers, total reported cases and the adjusted county rate. The county rate indicates the number of new diagnosed cases per year divided by that year's recorded population. The rate is given per 100,000 people, so that county-by-county comparisons can factor in population differences.
With so many more people in King County than Pacific County, it seems obvious that there would be more diagnosed STIs in the former. But that wouldn't necessarily mean it's more common in King County, because your risk of contracting an STI can also be represented by the number of people with no history of them. When less than 17 cases are reported, no county rate is calculated.
According to the available data, the counties with the most individual diagnosed cases in 2020 were:
Chlamydia - King County - 8,290
Gonorrhea - King County - 4,277
Syphilis - King County - 335
Genital Herpes - Pierce County - 445
However, the highest prevalence per county rate varies:
Chlamydia - Yakima County - 704.5
Gonorrhea - Pierce County - 245.1
Syphilis - Spokane County - 15.3
Genital Herpes - Pierce County - 49.4
The only instance in which the most reported cases matches the highest county rate is regarding genital herpes in Pierce County.
The five counties with the most reported cases of Chlamydia in 2020 were King, Pierce (5,567 cases), Snohomish (2,604 cases), Spokane (2,469 cases) and Clark (1,859 cases). With only 40 fewer cases than Clark County, Yakima narrowly missed the top five. However, it topped the charts for highest county rate, followed by Franklin (647), Whitman (631.9), Pierce (618.1) and Benton (474.5).
The five counties with the most reported Gonorrhea cases in 2020 were King, Pierce (2,208 cases), Spokane (900 cases), Snohomish (796 cases) and Clark (677 cases). But the counties with the highest adjusted rates were Pierce, Yakima (226.2), King (189.2), Benton (184.2) and Franklin (175.7).
The five counties with the most reported Syphilis cases in 2020 were King, Pierce (111 cases), Spokane (80 cases), Clark and Snohomish (62 cases each). Only nine counties even had enough reported cases of Syphilis for an accurate county rate. The top five were Spokane, Benton (15.1), King (14.8), Clark (12.4) and Pierce (12.3).
The five counties with the most reported cases of Genital Herpes in 2020 were Pierce, Snohomish (174 cases), Clark (136 cases), Kitsap and Thurston (84 cases each). Only a dozen counties had enough reported cases for an accurate county rate. The top five were Pierce, Benton (37.4), Franklin (35.1), Kitsap (30.9) and Thurston (28.9).
Safe sex, common STIs in WAFour STIs were reported in Washington state in 2020: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and genital herpes. Other STIs are tested for but were not detected.
▪ Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI, both in Washington and nationwide, according to the DOH. It generally initially causes minor discomfort, but can pose further risks over time. It can increase your likelihood of contracting other STIs and HIV. Untreated chlamydia in women can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and other reproductive health issues, according to the DOH.
Symptoms:
Abnormal discharge
Painful urination
Chlamydia is detected by healthcare providers through a urine sample or swab test. It can be treated if detected. Even if you take all the medication provided and all your partners were tested as well, you should still test again three months after the infection.
▪ Gonorrhea
Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and the infection spreading throughout the body. It can also increase the likelihood of contracting HIV and other STIs.
Symptoms:
Gonorrhea can be treated if detected by a healthcare provider through a urine sample or swab test. The CDC says gonorrhea is becoming more difficult to treat as drug-resistant strains emerge. Monitor your symptoms and return to your doctor if treatment is ineffective. Anyone who was diagnosed with gonorrhea should get retested around three months after treatment.
▪ Syphilis
Syphilis develops in stages, with different symptoms present in different stages. Untreated syphilis can cause internal organ damage, dementia, hearing loss and blindness. It can also increase the likelihood of contracting other STIs and HIV.
Symptoms:
Painless lesions
Rashes
Flu-like symptoms
Patchy hair loss
Headaches
Weight loss
Muscle aches, fatigue
Syphilis can be detected through a blood test. It can be treated if diagnosed, but treatment cannot undo any damage the infection caused, so the sooner it is found, the better.
▪ Genital herpes
There are two kinds of ways herpes is spread, HSV-1 and HSV-2, both can cause genital herpes. Oral herpes, which can cause cold sores, are often contracted during youth through saliva. But oral herpes can cause genital herpes through oral sex.
Genital herpes can be spread even if someone has no visible sores, according to the CDC. Many people with genital herpes have no symptoms or very mild symptoms.
Symptoms:
Healthcare providers may be able to visually diagnose genital herpes, but samples are often needed as well. Blood samples are used to detect HSV antibodies. There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are anti-herpes medications available to decrease the likelihood of spreading the infection. Other medications can manage symptoms and outbreaks.
How do you prevent an STI?STIs are preventable through communication, protection and awareness. It is recommended that anyone under age 25 that is sexually active get tested at least once a year. Those over 25 should contact their doctor regarding risk factors that should prompt testing, like new partners, multiple partners or a partner with an STI, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Anytime you think you may have been exposed to an STI, you and any partners you currently have should get testing immediately.
Abstinence is the only way to entirely avoid risk of STIs. Those who are sexually active can take certain steps to decrease their chances, like using condoms, limiting partners and testing regularly. Find testing sites near you using the DOH website. Be specific with your healthcare provider, as several samples or tests may be needed.
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