15 Common STD Symptoms - Common Signs of STDs in Men and Women
My Shame Over Having An STD Is One Of The Hardest Things I've Ever Dealt With
What ensued was years of painful treatments, including surgery, to manage the warts, and crippling loneliness, even though the nurse practitioner gave me clear statistics that proved I was not alone. I confided in two girlfriends, but beyond that, my biggest fear in life became anyone discovering my dirty little secret, which I held close. The isolation nearly destroyed me. I deemed myself permanently damaged goods and was convinced no one would ever love me again.
I now know that's not true. What is ironic about the shame I felt is that, according to the National Cancer Institute, HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people are expected to be infected at some point in their lifetime. Around half of those diagnoses will be high-risk HPV, which can cause several types of cancer. I'm grateful that there's now an HPV vaccine that has helped reduce the number of HPV-related cancer cases.
While HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are dozens of others — and it's important to break the stigma around all of them. I don't ever want anyone to go through what I went through. Here are a few things I think we can do to combat that:
For me, my shame began to take a toll on my mental health. The warts had been clinging to my body for four years when I finally sought therapy, by recommendation of my gynecologist. I spent four months working with a cognitive behavioral therapist, and the warts finally went away, never to return.
What did return was my confidence, and I began to tell my family and friends what I'd been hiding for so long. All of them were devastated to learn I'd carried that secret alone. Nine out of ten friends I spoke with admitted that they'd been diagnosed with HPV at some point, too. Most had never told a soul.
Stories like mine are common but rarely told. A few years after the warts went away, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, ocular melanoma, unrelated to the HPV. Just like when my mom was sick, the support from my friends and family was humbling and unwavering — a stark contrast to the shame and seclusion I felt when dealing with HPV. It made me wonder, why are some of us allowed to get support through illness and others are left to suffer alone?
I learned that while these seismic life events shaped me, they did not define me. I'd always been open about the loss of my mother. I was open about my cancer journey. I decided I wanted to do more with my STD story. I heard about a bill being debated at my state's capitol to require comprehensive sex education if a school was providing sex education. When faced with your own mortality, you realize that nothing in life is so awful that it can't be spoken aloud. I testified on public record about my lonely and harrowing experience navigating an STD. The bill passed.
STDs are diseases, just like cancer. When I think back to the hardest things I've faced in my life, it was community and openness that made them bearable. It's so easy for us to show grace to the person suffering from a loss or battling cancer. Why aren't we showing that same grace to each other — and ourselves — for things like STDs?
If I could go back and talk to my 25-year-old self I would tell her, "You are worthy. It's not your fault. Let go of the shame."
At Home STD Test Kits - A Boon For Consumers
STDs or STIs are a significant public health concern, with millions of new cases reported each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young people aged 15-24 account for half of all new STD cases. Despite the high prevalence of STDs, many people are hesitant to get tested due to the stigma associated with STDs and the inconvenience of visiting a healthcare provider. However, with the advent of at home STD test kits, consumers can now take control of their personal health from the comfort of their own homes.
What are At Home STD Test Kits?At home STD test kits are medical devices that allow individuals to test themselves for STDs in the privacy of their own homes. These kits typically involve collecting a sample, such as urine, blood, or a genital swab, and then reading the results from the test cassette after following the required instructions.
Benefits of At Home STD Test KitsAt home STD test kits offer several benefits to consumers. First and foremost, they provide a convenient and confidential way to get tested for STDs. Individuals can take the test at a time and place that is convenient for them, without the need to schedule an appointment or visit a healthcare provider. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may be hesitant to get tested due to the stigma associated with STDs or who may not have access to health services.
At home STD test kits also provide rapid results, often in as quick as minutes. This is particularly important for individuals who may have been exposed to an STD and need to receive treatment as soon as possible. In addition, at home STD test kits can help to reduce the spread of STDs by making testing more accessible and convenient.
How to Choose an At Home STD Test KitWhen choosing an at home STD test kit, it is important to consider several factors. First, individuals should ensure that the test kit has been approved and that it has been validated through clinical studies. It is also important to choose a test kit that is appropriate for the individual's needs, based on their health history and risk factors. It is also important to consider the accuracy of the test kit, as well as the privacy and security of the results.
Common STDsThere are over 20 types of STDs that can affect both men and women. Some of the most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes. According to the CDC, there are an estimated 7.8 million new cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea reported each year, with syphilis and herpes also being prevalent.
As an example, Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is usually associated with oral herpes, which causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. HSV-2, on the other hand, is typically associated with genital herpes, which can cause sores or blisters on the genitals, anus, or thighs. However, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause infections in the genital area.
To test for herpes, there are several options available, including an at home herpes test. These tests can detect the presence of HSV antibodies in the blood, indicating a past or present infection. At home herpes tests are convenient and private, allowing individuals to test themselves without having to visit a healthcare provider. However, it is important to note that at home herpes tests may not be able to distinguish between a new or recent infection and an infection that occurred in the past.
If an at home herpes test comes back positive, it is recommended to follow up with another herpes test and/or visit a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. Treatment for herpes usually involves antiviral medications, which can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.
ConclusionAt home STD test kits are a boon for consumers, providing a convenient and confidential way to get tested for STDs. These kits offer several benefits, including rapid results, increased accessibility, and reduced stigma associated with STD testing.
While at home STD test kits offer many benefits, they are not a replacement for regular healthcare provider visits. Individuals who test positive for an STD should follow up with a healthcare provider to receive treatment and to ensure that they do not have any complications.
In conclusion, at home STD test kits are a valuable tool in the fight against STDs, providing individuals with a convenient and confidential way to take control of their personal health. By increasing accessibility and reducing stigma, at home STD test kits can help to reduce the spread of STDs and promote overall health and wellness.
Note - This article is written by Brand Desk.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
5 Best At-Home STD Tests For 2024
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The best at-home STD tests use CLIA-certified labs and can identify many STIs, including chlamydia and HIV. Companies such as Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, and Nurx offer convenient and discreet testing services.
Below, we look at five of the best STI tests people can order and complete at home.
Disclaimer: All the services tested below were tried by Medical News Today and Healthline editors, who received test kits for free. All opinions are their own.
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
MNT's reviewLetsGetChecked offers a range of multiple STI tests in collaboration with CLIA-certified laboratories. This test can identify the five most common STIs, making it a good option for those who want to regularly check their sexual health. LetsGetChecked states it is its most popular STI test.
The service provides a self-collection testing method, meaning individuals collect their sample at home and return it on the same day.
Those who require regular STI testing may purchase a 3-, 6- or 12-month subscription plan, which offers discounts of $104.30, $119.20, and $126.65, respectively.
People generally receive their results within 2–5 days. They may also contact a company nurse at any time if they wish to discuss their results and treatment.
LetsGetChecked offers prescriptions for medication, but the cost of this service is not included in the test price.
LetsGetChecked sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
Use code HEALTHLINE30 for 30% off.
What our tester says"I would recommend this product to MNT readers. It's an easily-accessible way to take tests that provide insight into your health. The ordering and testing process is very easy and relatively pain-free, and results come quickly. LetsGetChecked tests could be a great option for people who find it hard to get health tests done due to location or price, although they may be unsuitable for people on a very tight budget."
– Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor.
"I would recommend this product to MNT readers. It's an easily-accessible way to take tests that provide insight into your health. The ordering and testing process is very easy and relatively pain-free, and results come quickly. LetsGetChecked tests could be a great option for people who find it hard to get health tests done due to location or price, although they may be unsuitable for people on a very tight budget."
– Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor.
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off.
MNT's reviewEverlywell offers a finger-prick sample collection, providing individuals with all the tools they need to take the test at home.
After mailing the sample to one of the company's CLIA-certified testing facilities, people receive their results on the company's website.
If a person requires regular testing, they could subscribe to a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual subscription, which provides savings of 25, 20, or 15%, respectively.
Everlywell tests reportedly feature 99% accuracy, and if an individual receives a positive result, a physician may contact them to discuss the next steps.
Everlywell sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.
Read our Everlywell review.
What our tester says"I used the Everlywell STD panel test and found that collection was relatively easy, the instructions were extremely clear, and the results were fast. The results provided a lot of helpful (and easily understandable) context about what was being tested for.
I'd recommend Everlywell's tests to people who want to test themselves without having to go to the doctor. Whether they're too busy, needing to be discreet, or don't have insurance for a doctor's visit, this test can provide clarity, quickly."
— Laramy Applekamp, Healthline Content Project Manager
"I used the Everlywell STD panel test and found that collection was relatively easy, the instructions were extremely clear, and the results were fast. The results provided a lot of helpful (and easily understandable) context about what was being tested for.
I'd recommend Everlywell's tests to people who want to test themselves without having to go to the doctor. Whether they're too busy, needing to be discreet, or don't have insurance for a doctor's visit, this test can provide clarity, quickly."
— Laramy Applekamp, Healthline Content Project Manager
Pros & consNurx offers a range of screenings, including these three at-home tests for STIs:
The company says its labs have accreditations and approvals from CAP and CLIA and that it protects personal and health information according to the statutes of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
One advantage of choosing Nurx is that the company allows payments from insurance plans. While this lowers the cost of the test kit, there is also an additional $29.50 service fee for every kit. The service fee is $14.50 for those without insurance.
To buy a test, a person must fill out a health history questionnaire on the Nurx app or website. Next, the person selects their kit, with or without advice from the Nurx medical team.
Once the kit arrives, the person takes their samples, packages them in the prepaid envelope, and drops them in the mail. The company says it provides results within 7 business days.
Nurx does not offer free medical consultations. The company charges $15 for unlimited messaging with the medical team about test results.
Read our Nurx review.
Pros & consThe total box is the most comprehensive STI testing kit from myLAB BOX. It involves testing blood, saliva, and urine samples for 14 STIs.
The company states the labs involved have Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and CLIA qualifications.
Using FDA-approved technology, the test screens for:
People over 30 can also be tested for human papillomavirus (HPV). This test costs $20 extra.
The company says that providing the samples takes 5 minutes and that results are available on a secure online platform within 2–5 days. It also offers free consultations with certified physicians to anyone with a positive result.
myLAB BOX sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.
Learn more about myLAB Box.
Pros & consOraQuick offers an at-home HIV test kit that only detects antibodies after 3 months of exposure to the virus.
This is the only at-home oral HIV test with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
The test kit includes a test stick that people use to swab their upper and lower gums. They then insert this into the test tube and read the result within 20–40 minutes.
People can order multiple packs at once for a discount.
OraQuick does not sell tests for other STIs.
Pros & consTelehealth options make it possible for a person to work directly with some labs to get an in-lab STD test. With an in-lab test STD test, a person knows their sample will be collected by a health professional and they have ready access to professional medical advice. However, in-lab STD tests also mean a person has to schedule a test, travel to the lab, and have less privacy.
People can get a full panel STD test kit that tests for 10 STIs:
The company states that it offers FDA-approved tests and works with CLIA-certified labs. Its medical team is available 24/7, so individuals who wish to ask questions can get in touch anytime.
Results are available within 2 days. Those who get a positive result can talk with an STDcheck doctor who may offer a prescription for $95.
The 10 test panel is available for $139, but the price increases to $259 for persons who want to add the HIV RNA Early Detection. This tests for HIV 9-11 days after exposure.
Pros & consThe table below compares the STI test kit brands listed above. The prices listed in this table are for one-time purchases without insurance.
Some advantages and disadvantages of at-home STI tests, compared with lab tests, include:
After receiving their test kit from an online provider, people can take the STI test with all the company's tools. This may include needles or lancets, swabs, collection tubes, alcohol wipes, bandaids, and a prepaid envelope.
An individual might need to take a blood or urine sample or a rectal, oral, or vaginal swab, depending on the STI test. They can then return their sample to a testing center through the mail.
Typically, companies will ask people to take and return their samples on the same day.
The company will then test the sample — usually at a CLIA-certified lab — and send a person's results through a secure online portal. People can then discuss their results with the company's medical team or a healthcare professional.
People should not make health decisions based on the results of an at-home test without first consulting a doctor.
The FDA states that at-home tests are cost-effective, fast, and confidential ways to test for health conditions at home. However, it warns that these tests should not replace regular care from a doctor. People can find FDA-approved at-home tests on the FDA website.
The accuracy of these tests may depend on the sample collection method, how quickly a person ships their sample back, and the lab that tests the sample.
To ensure accuracy and quality, a person should look for tests with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) certifications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that these are established quality standards for laboratory testing that offer an accreditation program for clinical labs.
Healthcare insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically cover some or all STI testing costs. However, there are several places where a person may receive free or low cost STI screening, including:
Learn more about where to receive STI testing.
The CDC mentions that STI tests may benefit people with an increased risk of contracting a sexual infection. They include:
The CDC also states that taking an STI test during pregnancy may help prevent complications.
It is important to note that STIs do not always cause symptoms. However, people may wish to take a test if they experience:
Individuals may wish to take a test if they believe they have had exposure to an STI.
Some people may prefer to get tests done in person. This may be a more suitable option for those who feel uncomfortable collecting a sample themselves. Others may not want to have an STI test sent to their home.
Below, we list some of the best in-person STI testing options.
Some people may feel nervous talking about their STI results and may not know which questions to ask. Below are some examples that may help people discuss with a healthcare professional about their results.
Yes, many companies offer STI testing at home.
At-home testing often requires collecting a urine sample or a vaginal, rectal, or throat swab. People must then send these samples to the lab the company uses. Individuals will typically receive their results within 2 weeks of sending off their samples.
Yes, many companies offer STI testing at home.
At-home testing often requires collecting a urine sample or a vaginal, rectal, or throat swab. People must then send these samples to the lab the company uses. Individuals will typically receive their results within 2 weeks of sending off their samples.
Are at-home STD tests accurate?The Preventive Services Task Force states that at-home testing is highly accurate for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not state how accurate self-testing is, it recommends healthcare professionals use at-home HIV tests as an additional strategy to encourage testing among gay and bisexual males.
While self-testing is accurate, people need to be aware that there is always the risk of collecting a sample incorrectly, leading to a potentially inaccurate result. If a person receives a result they do not understand or were not expecting, they can contact a healthcare professional for further advice.
The Preventive Services Task Force states that at-home testing is highly accurate for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not state how accurate self-testing is, it recommends healthcare professionals use at-home HIV tests as an additional strategy to encourage testing among gay and bisexual males.
While self-testing is accurate, people need to be aware that there is always the risk of collecting a sample incorrectly, leading to a potentially inaccurate result. If a person receives a result they do not understand or were not expecting, they can contact a healthcare professional for further advice.
How do I get myself checked for STDs?If a person believes they have an STI, they should contact a doctor or clinic to arrange testing or purchase an at-home test kit.
Some clinics and organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, offer free or low cost testing.
Insurance covers most STI testing, but it is always worth checking with the insurance company before making an appointment. Many companies that offer at-home testing do not accept insurance.
Different STI testing will require different samples. However, people will typically need to collect a urine sample or a throat, rectal, or vaginal swab. Then, the samples will go to a lab where technicians will test for signs of STIs.
People will often receive their results within a couple of weeks. If a person goes through a clinic or doctor's office for testing, they will receive a prescription for medication if they receive a positive result.
Most companies offering at-home testing do not provide prescriptions with a positive result.
If a person believes they have an STI, they should contact a doctor or clinic to arrange testing or purchase an at-home test kit.
Some clinics and organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, offer free or low cost testing.
Insurance covers most STI testing, but it is always worth checking with the insurance company before making an appointment. Many companies that offer at-home testing do not accept insurance.
Different STI testing will require different samples. However, people will typically need to collect a urine sample or a throat, rectal, or vaginal swab. Then, the samples will go to a lab where technicians will test for signs of STIs.
People will often receive their results within a couple of weeks. If a person goes through a clinic or doctor's office for testing, they will receive a prescription for medication if they receive a positive result.
Most companies offering at-home testing do not provide prescriptions with a positive result.
What is a full panel STD test?A full-panel STI test screens for the most common STIs. Generally, these will look for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
Some full panels may test for other STIs, such as trichomoniasis, herpes, and Gardnerella. However, these are likely to be more expensive.
A full-panel STI test screens for the most common STIs. Generally, these will look for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
Some full panels may test for other STIs, such as trichomoniasis, herpes, and Gardnerella. However, these are likely to be more expensive.
Where can I get free STI testing?Free or heavily discounted STI testing may be available in the U.S. People can search the CDC database to find free tests nearby.
Certain foundations and nonprofit organizations also provide free testing. For example, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation offers this in over 28 locations nationwide.
Learn more about where to get free or low cost STI testing here.
Free or heavily discounted STI testing may be available in the U.S. People can search the CDC database to find free tests nearby.
Certain foundations and nonprofit organizations also provide free testing. For example, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation offers this in over 28 locations nationwide.
Learn more about where to get free or low cost STI testing here.
What happens if the result comes back positive?If a person gets a positive result from an STI test, the next step is to receive medical advice. A doctor can suggest a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and prevent the infection from passing to others.
A healthcare professional can also guide any other sexual health concerns and describe ways of reducing the risk of getting or passing on STIs.
If a person gets a positive result from an STI test, the next step is to receive medical advice. A doctor can suggest a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and prevent the infection from passing to others.
A healthcare professional can also guide any other sexual health concerns and describe ways of reducing the risk of getting or passing on STIs.
How do at-home STD tests protect privacy?This depends on the testing company's security and privacy measures, including HIPAA compliance. Some use internet encryption and discreet packaging and destroy samples and data after the test is complete and the person has seen their results.
An STI test can easily link back to a person through their DNA, so using a reputable service that protects personal information and healthcare data is crucial.
This depends on the testing company's security and privacy measures, including HIPAA compliance. Some use internet encryption and discreet packaging and destroy samples and data after the test is complete and the person has seen their results.
An STI test can easily link back to a person through their DNA, so using a reputable service that protects personal information and healthcare data is crucial.
An at-home STI test may suit people needing convenient, discreet STI testing. Various companies offer test bundles, consultations, and retests, and the results are generally available within a few days.
Follow the company's instructions carefully to increase the likelihood of an accurate result.
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