Update: Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Active Component Service Members, U.S. Armed Forces, 2014–2022
Best Over-the-Counter STD Kits For 2024
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We personally tested and compared the best at-home STD tests available online and found that Everlywell offers users the best overall experience.
Regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs) is crucial for overall health.
STD rates have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic, with syphilis infections at a 70-year high. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have issued warnings about this surge. Globally, over 1 million STIs are acquired daily, most without symptoms.
At-home STD testing kits offer convenience and accuracy. For a comprehensive check, consider an STD panel test. However, if you're concerned about a specific STD, a simple test may suffice and is often quicker and cheaper.
Here's some valuable information on at-home and private lab-based STD testing options, helping you choose the best test for your needs and knowing when to seek medical advice.
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off.
Healthline's reviewEverlywell at-home STD test kits are designed separately for males and females. Each package tests for six commonly transmitted STIs. The Everlywell STD kit for females lets you test with just a finger prick and vaginal swab. Each purchase comes with:
Aside from Everlywell STD test kits, the company offers individual tests for:
Every Everlywell test is reviewed and approved by an independent board certified doctor in your state. If you test positive, Everlywell will connect you with their independent physician network at no additional cost to discuss questions and treatment options.
Everlywell also offers a membership plan for $39 a month ($33 a month if paid annually) that offers up to 56% off regular test prices, as well as a monthly credit toward any available Everlywell test.
What our tester saysOur market editor Christy Snyder tried 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.
Our market editor Christy Snyder tried 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.
Pros & consmyLAB Box offers a variety of at-home STD kits, including:
The service also sells individual tests for each STD or STI. These allow you to get the answers you need without visiting a lab or spending money on copays to visit a doctor's office.
Every package comes with a single-use collection kit, instructions, a specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope.
Pros & consAlthough 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 get missed.
Nurx offers three at-home test kits. You'll also pay consult and service fees:
Insurance usually covers these tests, and Nurx will bill your plan directly (or you can pay out of pocket). With insurance, you'll pay consult and service fees, plus applicable copays or deductibles.
Once Nurx collects your samples, they'll bill your insurance directly for the cost of the lab test. Without insurance, see the rates for each kit above. These prices include:
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
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 STD results are positive, a nurse or physician will call you to explain your results and provide treatment options.
What our tester saysFreelance writer Breanna Mona tried the LetsGetChecked herpes test kit. She found the testing setup easy and quick. Although the kit took about a week to arrive, the test process itself only took minutes to carry out. She had her results within 2 business days after returning the activated kit by mail.
She said she would recommend the product for anyone looking for quick results at a middle-of-the-range price. "This brand has an easy-to-navigate process, clear instructions, and fast results," she said. "It can be a satisfying process, especially for those who want fast results and prefer to skip a visit to their doctor."
She added that the test kit is best for users who are not squeamish dealing with blood, as the test requires pricking your finger with a provided lancet and filling a tube with blood.
"Odds are that first-timers will need a few tries to get the hang of it," she said. "The tube is skinny, and you have to position your bleeding finger just right so that the blood drops into the tube and not all over your workspace. It's a delicate balancing act of working quickly but also staying patient and vigilant enough to massage your finger properly to work up blood flow and not minding some mess."
Freelance writer Breanna Mona tried the LetsGetChecked herpes test kit. She found the testing setup easy and quick. Although the kit took about a week to arrive, the test process itself only took minutes to carry out. She had her results within 2 business days after returning the activated kit by mail.
She said she would recommend the product for anyone looking for quick results at a middle-of-the-range price. "This brand has an easy-to-navigate process, clear instructions, and fast results," she said. "It can be a satisfying process, especially for those who want fast results and prefer to skip a visit to their doctor."
She added that the test kit is best for users who are not squeamish dealing with blood, as the test requires pricking your finger with a provided lancet and filling a tube with blood.
"Odds are that first-timers will need a few tries to get the hang of it," she said. "The tube is skinny, and you have to position your bleeding finger just right so that the blood drops into the tube and not all over your workspace. It's a delicate balancing act of working quickly but also staying patient and vigilant enough to massage your finger properly to work up blood flow and not minding some mess."
Pros & consQuick, 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. With 4,500 locations nationwide, STDCheck․com offers convenient access to testing.
Lab-based tests are typically more thorough than self-collected ones and often provide faster results, usually within 24–48 hours, compared to waiting for mail-in samples.
While you can order individual tests from $24–$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 9–11 days after exposure.
Pros & consThough 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:
You can get same-day testing, same-day medications, and results in 24–72 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 STD 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 & cons*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.
FSA/HSA =FSA/HSA accepted only i =insurance accepted
There are many factors to consider when choosing an over-the-counter (OTC) STD test, which is why we turned to the experts.
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:
Both the CDC and the HHS pointed to an overwhelming recent surge in STDs:
Dr. Dhaval Desai, a physician board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics and director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, emphasized the urgency of getting tested. "STDs or STIs are still a major concern for public health," he said. "These diseases are still spread. We want to encourage safe sex practices among our population, and make sure people are aware of disease manifestations and symptoms."
"Sex does not have to be looked at as a taboo topic or one that we shouldn't be talking about," he added. "It's something we should embrace about doing safely and with knowledge to ensure a long-term healthy sex life and overall health."
"Getting tested for STDs regularly is important, even if you always use barriers like condoms and feel totally fine," Planned Parenthood said in a February 2024 blog.
"Most people with STDs don't have symptoms or know they're infected, and they can easily pass the infection to their partners. So testing is the only way to know for sure whether or not you have an STD."
Dr. Gary Bucher, an anal health specialist who is the medical director and founder of Anal Dysplasia Clinic MidWest in Chicago, emphasized the urgency of testing:
"Regular STD testing in sexually active persons is key in preventing sexual partners from becoming infected and spreading STDs," he said. "Treatment of STDs is necessary to prevent health issues that occur with untreated STDs.
"Some STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, can have reproductive and individual health consequences if left untreated, and other STDs like human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause certain cancers," he explained.
Home tests for STDs are relatively new. You used to have to go to a clinic or doctor's office to get tested. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted its first authorization for marketing a test using OTC sample collection for an STD other than HIV to the LetsGetChecked Sample 2 test for chlamydia and gonorrhea in November 2023.
At that time of the authorization, the FDA gave a green light to the future of at-home STD tests.
"This authorization marks an important public health milestone, giving patients more information about their health from the privacy of their own home," said Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in a November 2023 press release.
"We are eager to continue supporting greater consumer access to diagnostic tests, which helps further our goal of bringing more health care into the home."
The doctors we reached out to for expert opinions, Dr. Desai and Dr. Bucher, agree about the convenience and anonymity that home tests can offer. However, they also point to potential downsides, including mistakes in collecting samples, unreliable results, privacy breaches, and lack of follow-up care.
"If there were to be a positive reading on a home test, the individual would still need to proceed to see a primary care or urgent care [clinician] for the best treatment and steps moving forward," Dr. Desai advised.
Bucher pointed out that home kits are not available for all STDs. "Until home kits are available for a broad range of STDs and STIs, it is important that patients seek out primary care from healthcare [professionals] who are highly trained clinically and that prioritize patients' privacy," he pointed out.
With dozens of at-home testing kits available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. After all, what does a reliable at-home STD test 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. They may also change over time.
This chart can help you decide which type of home test is right for you.
If you think you'll need help determining results from your test, taking an in-office test may be preferable. It's an immediate source of information, and you can work with a healthcare professional to create on-site in the case of a positive result.
Also, be sure the test you choose is FDA-approved. You can check on the FDA website.
At-home STD tests arrive with all the tools needed to collect a sample, such as:
You might need to provide a blood or urine sample or perform a rectal, oral, or vaginal swab. It's best to return the samples the same day you take them. The company then sends your test results through your online account, usually within 1–7 days.
While every home STD testing service is different, most brands recommended here offer professional advice or support for reading your test results at home.
If you do a fully-at-home STD test, there's a risk you'll misinterpret your results. Lab-based tests can also be difficult to interpret without a 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 on treatments and next steps.
You can talk with a healthcare professional if a partner 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, you can contact a healthcare professional to further evaluate your symptoms. They can help you with STI testing and treatment.
The CDC makes the following additional recommendations for screening for people who are sexually active:
Our roundup of 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 is done online, including the:
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 sound idea to contact your primary care doctor to share your results.
Our roundup of 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 is done online, including the:
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 sound 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:
The samples are sent to a lab, and results are shared discreetly.
If you receive a positive STD result, you can contact your primary care clinician to discuss the best treatment option for you. Also, be prepared to notify any partners of the positive result.
With both at-home and lab-direct tests, you'll provide a sample. The samples may include:
The samples are sent to a lab, and results are shared discreetly.
If you receive a positive STD result, you can 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 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 a doctor if you have symptoms of a possible infection. These symptoms may include:
An at-home test may confirm whether you have an STD, but it's important to contact a doctor if you have symptoms of a possible infection. These symptoms may include:
The CDC recommends that people ages 13–64 get tested for HIV at least once a year as part of their routine health checkups.
The CDC also recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
In addition, the CDC suggests that pregnant people get tested early in their pregnancy for:
Sexually active men who have sex with men may want to also get tested annually for:
If you experience symptoms at any time, don't wait to get tested. The quicker you're tested, the sooner you can begin treatment.
The CDC recommends that people ages 13–64 get tested for HIV at least once a year as part of their routine health checkups.
The CDC also recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
In addition, the CDC suggests that pregnant people get tested early in their pregnancy for:
Sexually active men who have sex with men may want to also get tested annually for:
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 highly 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.
Most modern STD tests are highly 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 highly accurate.
It's important not to rely on home testing in place of contacting a doctor if you have any possible symptoms of an STD or STI or have other important questions about your overall health.
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 highly accurate.
It's important not to rely on home testing in place of contacting a 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 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, you can talk with:
You can also find free or low cost STD testing sites across the country.
Most insurance plans cover the cost of STD tests, as these 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, you can talk with:
You can also find free or low cost STD testing sites across the country.
Is STD testing free in Alabama?Alabama, as well as many other U.S. States, offer confidential free STD testing and treatment options through the state's Department of Public Health in a variety of clinics and healthcare settings.
These STD testing options are in-person, not at-home. To find free testing sites near you, contact your local county health department.
Alabama, as well as many other U.S. States, offer confidential free STD testing and treatment options through the state's Department of Public Health in a variety of clinics and healthcare settings.
These STD testing options are in-person, not at-home. To find free testing sites near you, contact your local county health department.
How do I get myself checked for STDs?Any one of the platforms providing at-home STD tests listed in this article is a solid first step. You can order a test online and get results within a couple of days. Either the service or your regular healthcare professional can prescribe treatment if the test is positive.
You can also find free and low cost in-person STD testing in your area through these resources:
Any one of the platforms providing at-home STD tests listed in this article is a solid first step. You can order a test online and get results within a couple of days. Either the service or your regular healthcare professional can prescribe treatment if the test is positive.
You can also find free and low cost in-person STD testing in your area through these resources:
Where can I buy a rapid STD test?Not all online services offer rapid tests, but many do promise quick service. For example, STDCheck promises results in 1–2 days and PrioritySTD in 1–3 days, when you are tested in their network facilities.
Many people want at-home STD test instant results, but this is not possible. You can usually carry out the test within minutes, but processing STD test kits takes time. They must undergo analysis in reliable labs and be reviewed by qualified personnel.
Transporting the test to and from your home also takes time. The testing process is fastest if you are able to visit a lab within the provider's network rather than rely on the mail to receive and deliver tests.
Not all online services offer rapid tests, but many do promise quick service. For example, STDCheck promises results in 1–2 days and PrioritySTD in 1–3 days, when you are tested in their network facilities.
Many people want at-home STD test instant results, but this is not possible. You can usually carry out the test within minutes, but processing STD test kits takes time. They must undergo analysis in reliable labs and be reviewed by qualified personnel.
Transporting the test to and from your home also takes time. The testing process is fastest if you are able to visit a lab within the provider's network rather than rely on the mail to receive and deliver tests.
How can I check my STD at home?To check for STDs at home, you can use an at-home STD test kit. These kits typically require you to provide a sample of blood, urine, or a swab from the affected area (oral, rectal, or genital). You then send the sample to a lab for testing, and you can usually receive your results online within a few days.
To check for STDs at home, you can use an at-home STD test kit. These kits typically require you to provide a sample of blood, urine, or a swab from the affected area (oral, rectal, or genital). You then send the sample to a lab for testing, and you can usually receive your results online within a few days.
How accurate are at-home STD tests?At-home STD tests can be quite accurate, but the accuracy can vary depending on the specific test and how it's performed. Most at-home tests claim to be around 95–99% accurate, which is similar to the accuracy of tests done in a clinic or doctor's office.
However, it's important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best accuracy.
At-home STD tests can be quite accurate, but the accuracy can vary depending on the specific test and how it's performed. Most at-home tests claim to be around 95–99% accurate, which is similar to the accuracy of tests done in a clinic or doctor's office.
However, it's important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best accuracy.
Is there an over-the-counter test for chlamydia?Yes, there are OTC tests for chlamydia that you can purchase at pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart, or online. One example is the Simple 2 Test from LetsGetChecked, which is the first FDA-authorized test with at-home sample collection for any STD other than HIV.
These tests typically involve collecting a urine sample or a swab from the genital area and then sending it to a lab for analysis. However, it's important to ensure that any test you choose is FDA-approved and provides accurate results.
Yes, there are OTC tests for chlamydia that you can purchase at pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart, or online. One example is the Simple 2 Test from LetsGetChecked, which is the first FDA-authorized test with at-home sample collection for any STD other than HIV.
These tests typically involve collecting a urine sample or a swab from the genital area and then sending it to a lab for analysis. However, it's important to ensure that any test you choose is FDA-approved and provides accurate results.
How accurate is a urine test for STDs?Urine tests for STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are typically accurate when conducted correctly. However, the accuracy can vary based on factors such as the specific STD and the timing of the test in relation to potential exposure.
Following the test instructions precisely and consulting with a healthcare professional for result interpretation is crucial for accuracy.
Urine tests for STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are typically accurate when conducted correctly. However, the accuracy can vary based on factors such as the specific STD and the timing of the test in relation to potential exposure.
Following the test instructions precisely and consulting with a healthcare professional for result interpretation is crucial for accuracy.
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 options 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.
Perimenopause Vs. UTIs, STIs: How To Know Your Symptoms After Halle Berry Opens Up About 'razor Blade'-like Pain
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
At a recent roundtable discussion highlighting women's health research, actress Halle Berry opened up about a misdiagnosis she received when she was in perimenopause. (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images)
Hollywood star Halle Berry, 54, recently opened up about a startling health misdiagnosis. When she started experiencing unusual symptoms, her OBGYN initially suspected herpes, but it turned out to be signs of perimenopause.
At Monday's A Day of Unreasonable Conversation with U.S. First lady Jill Biden, Berry admitted she thought she would "skip menopause." The Oscar-winning actress, who is recently in a new relationship, said she started having symptoms after sex.
"I have this great sex," Berry said, "I wake up in the morning, I go to the bathroom, and guess what? I feel like I have razor blades in my vagina."
"I was so [uneducated] at that time. I wish I knew then when I know now."Halle Berry, at "A Day of Unreasonable Conversation"
The actress said she immediately went to her gynecologist, who then told her she has "the worst case of herpes" they have ever seen. She and her partner both got tested, and didn't have herpes. "I realized, after the fact, that [the sensation] is a symptom of perimenopause," Berry said.
Couple Van Hunt and Halle Berry recently had a herpes scare, but it turned out to be a misdiagnosis as Berry was actually experiencing symptoms of perimenopause. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
This incident shed a light on a common issue many women face: confusing perimenopause symptoms with other health conditions like UTIs and STIs. By understanding the common symptoms and how they differ from other conditions, women can seek appropriate care and avoid the pitfalls of misdiagnosis.
Yahoo Canada spoke to Dr. Michelle Jacobson, a menopause specialist in Toronto, on how women can distinguish between these overlapping symptoms — and when to see a doctor. Here's what you need to know.
Perimenopause vs. UTIs and STIs: How symptoms overlapWomen can still have regular periods when entering perimenopause, which makes it harder to link their symptoms to hormonal changes, the expert says. (Getty Images)
Perimenopause is a phase that often goes unrecognized because its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. Jacobson pointed out, "It's usually not very obvious that a patient's symptoms might be because of perimenopause."
Women might still have regular periods, which makes it harder to link their symptoms to hormonal changes.
One key aspect of perimenopause is the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which brings a range of symptoms like dryness, abnormal discharge and urinary discomfort. This happens because sex steroid deficiencies, like estrogen and testosterone, impact the tissue of the vulva, the vagina and the lower urinary tract. "It could be dryness, it could be abnormal discharge, it could be burning, itchiness," Jacobson said.
These signs are easily confused with infections, because they can mimic the sensation of a UTI, including bleeding during or after sex, or feeling like you can't empty your bladder. "All of these things happen when you get sex steroid deficiencies, but it's important to be able to recognize it for what it is."
Risks of misdiagnosis: What women should know
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