5 Best At-Home STI and STD Tests of 2023

26 Oct.,2023

 

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At-home STI and STD tests offer private, accurate, and convenient ways to test for sexually transmitted infections and diseases. You can find out your status quickly and even get post-diagnosis guidance, all from home. Read on for details on Everlywell, Nurx, and others that made our list of the best.

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Healthline’s picks for the best at-home STD tests

Best overall

Everlywell Sexual Health Tests

  • Results in:

    a few days

  • Tests for:

    chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis

  • Cost:

    $49–$169

Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.

SHOP NOW AT EVERLYWELL

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Healthline 's review

Everlywell 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.

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.”

  • convenient at-home testing options

  • wide range of tests available

  • offers follow-up at no additional cost

  • can be expensive for some

  • requires you to collect your own sample, which may be difficult

  • Collection method :

    finger prick, vaginal swab, urine sample

  • Accepts insurance :

    no

  • Follow-up guidance :

    contact from board certified physician if results are positive

  • Medication provided :

    no

  • Returns :

    returns within 15 days

  • Shipping :

    free shipping

Best for insurance

Nurx At-Home STI Testing

  • Results in:

    7 business days

  • Tests for:

    chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C

  • Cost:

    $29.50–$234.50

SHOP NOW AT NURX

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Healthline 's review

Although 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:

  • Healthy Woman Kit ($190): This kit tests for infections most common in people with vaginas: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
  • Basics Covered Kit ($150): This is a great option for people who have completed comprehensive testing before and just want a checkup. It includes testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
  • Full Control Kit ($220): This is a comprehensive test for anyone who hasn’t gotten tested before or who hasn’t gotten tested in over a year. It tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C.

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.

  • discreet options

  • available to those without insurance

  • affordable

  • some have reported difficulties with customer service

  • in-person assessment not available

  • Collection method :

    finger prick, throat swab, vaginal swab, rectal swab, urine sample

  • Accepts insurance :

    yes

  • Follow-up guidance :

    access to medical team regardless of result

  • Medication provided :

    yes

  • Returns :

    no returns or refunds

  • Shipping :

    free shipping

Best for variety of tests

myLAB Box At-Home Sexual Health Tests

  • Results in:

    2–5 days

  • Tests for:

    HIV 1 and 2, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, syphilis, chlamydia trachomatis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HPV, Mycoplasma genitalium, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections

  • Cost:

    $59–$399

SHOP NOW AT MYLAB BOX

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Healthline 's review

myLAB Box offers several at-home STD kits:

  • Safe Box ($169): This box includes tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV (1 and 2).
  • Total Box ($369–$389): The company’s most comprehensive test includes tests for every condition in the Safe Box, plus hepatitis C, herpes type 2, syphilis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and HPV (an optional add-on for people over 30 years old).
  • Uber Box ($199): This comprehensive 8-panel test option tests for the most common STIs, including HIV (1 and 2), hepatitis C, herpes type 2, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
  • V-Box ($189): This at-home vaginal test pack tests for all common causes of atypical vaginal discharge, including yeast and bacterial vaginosis (both of which are not STIs), trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
  • Love Box – Couple’s Kit ($378): This comprehensive 8-panel test option tests couples for the most common STIs. It has tests for HIV (1 and 2), hepatitis C, herpes type 2, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. It includes a vaginal swab, urine collection, and blood test.

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.

  • convenient at-home testing options

  • discreet packaging

  • easy sample collection

  • results may take up to 5 days

  • not available in New York

  • Collection method :

    finger prick, saliva sample, urine sample

  • Accepts insurance :

    FSA/HSA only

  • Follow-up guidance :

    free physician telemedicine consult if results are positive

  • Medication provided :

    for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis

  • Returns :

    no returns or refunds

  • Shipping :

    free shipping in the United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)

Best for medical support

LetsGetChecked At-Home STD Tests

  • Results in:

    2–5 days

  • Tests for:

    chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, syphilis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma

  • Cost:

    $99–$249

Use code “HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off

SHOP NOW AT LETSGETCHECKED

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Healthline 's review

Available 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:

  • Simple 2 ($99): This test checks for chlamydia and gonorrhea, the two most common STDs.
  • Standard 5 ($149): This includes the tests in Simple 2, and it also tests for trichomoniasis, HIV, and syphilis. This is LetsGetChecked’s most popular STD test and uses a finger prick and urine sample.
  • Complete 8 ($249): This checks for all the tests in Standard 5, and it also includes testing for Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma. This uses finger-prick and urine testing methods. (Note that Gardnerella vaginalis is often caused by bacterial vaginosis, but it is not a sexually transmitted disease. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend routine screening for Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma.)

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.

  • convenient at-home testing options

  • provides fast results

  • offers substantial savings with subscription

  • doesn't accept insurance

  • Collection method :

    finger prick, urine sample

  • Accepts insurance :

    HSA/FSA only, offers itemized receipt for reimbursement

  • Follow-up guidance :

    $39 consultation with healthcare professionals to discuss positive results

  • Medication provided :

    yes, at an additional cost

  • Returns :

    no returns or refunds

  • Shipping :

    free shipping in the United States (Alaska and Hawaii included)

Best for bundling tests

iDNA Sexual Wellness Tests

  • Collection method:

    blood sample, urine sample, vaginal swab

  • Accepts insurance:

    no

  • Follow-up guidance:

    as part of membership

  • Medication provided:

    as part of membership

  • Returns:

    refunds within 30 days

  • Shipping:

    free shipping

SHOP NOW AT IDNA

Healthline 's review

iDNA 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:

  • Complete Test ($298): This kit includes 10 STI tests, namely chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes 2, hepatitis C, HIV 1/2, HPV, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma.
  • Standard Test ($198): This kit includes seven STI tests, namely chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes 2, hepatitis C, and HIV 1/2.

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.

  • offers customizable bundle testing

  • offers self-collection of results

  • affordable prices through membership

    • Results in :

      2–7 days

    • Tests for :

      chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, HPV, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, syphilis, and trichomoniasis

    • Cost :

      $78–$88

    Best in-lab STD tests

    Best for fast results

    STDCheck Tests

    • Results in:

      1–2 days

    • Tests for:

      chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis (A, B, and C), HIV, herpes type 1 and 2, and syphilis

    • Cost:

      $24–$259

    SHOP NOW AT STDCHECK.COM

    *Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

    Healthline 's review

    Quick, 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.

    • tests for STIs individually or in a single panel

    • no prescription required

    • same-day testing available

    • results available in 1 – 2 days

    • accepts health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) payments

    • insurance payments are not accepted

    • requires a lab visit

    • no doctor’s consultation for negative test result

    • Collection method :

      blood sample, urine sample

    • Accepts insurance :

      no

    • Follow-up guidance :

      $95 physician consultation for positive results

    • Medication provided :

      yes, for $95

    • Returns :

      refunds if canceled before lab visit

    • Shipping :

      none (lab-based test)

    Best for privacy while not at home

    PrioritySTD Tests

    • Results in:

      1–3 days

    • Tests for:

      chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis

    • Cost:

      $59–$198

    SHOP NOW AT PRIORITYSTD

    *Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

    Healthline 's review

    Though 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:

    • Twin STD Panel ($119): This panel tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
    • 10-Panel Test ($198): PrioritySTD’s most popular test option tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, herpes type 1 and 2, HIV 1 (Ab and Ag), and HIV 2 (Ab).

    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.

    • no doctor referral needed

    • over 4,500 testing centers across the country

    • uses CLIA-certified labs

    • fast results

    • no at-home tests available

    • doesn’t accept health insurance payment

    • orders are canceled without refund if not used within 90 days of purchase

    • Collection method :

      urine sample, blood sample

    • Accepts insurance :

      no

    • Follow-up guidance :

      yes, if positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis

    • Medication provided :

      yes, if positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis

    • Returns :

      refunds if canceled before lab visit

    • Shipping :

      none (lab-based tests)

    STD test comparison chart

    Also, you can use this chart for a quick comparison of the nine tests in our roundup:

    PriceTest forInsurance acceptedMedicationResultsFollow-up guidance

    Everlywell$49–$169basics*, hepatitis Cnonowithin daysyes, if positive

    Nurx$30–$234** basics*, hepatitis Cyesyes7 business daysyes

    myLAB Box$59–$399basics*, MycoplasmaFSA/HSA onlyyes, for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis2–5 daysyes, if positive

    LetsGetChecked$99–$249basics*, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, UreaplasmaHSA/FSA only, offers itemized receipt for reimbursementyes, at an additional cost2–5 daysyes, if positive, $39

    iDNA$78–$88basics*, hepatitis C, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasmanopart of iDNA membership2–7 dayspart of iDNA membership

    STDCheck$24–$259basics*, hepatitis (A, B, and C)noyes, $951–2 daysyes, if positive, $95

    PrioritySTD$59–$198basics*, hepatitis B and Cnoyes, for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis1–3 daysyes, if positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis

    *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.

    Why you can trust us

    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:

    • Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)- and/or Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)-certified
    • guidance available to customers who test positive for an STD
    • prescription services available in the event of positive test results
    • physician orders for in-person lab testing available where necessary

    Pros and cons of at-home STD testing

    Pros

    • It’s more discreet.
    • They can test for multiple STDs and STIs at once.
    • The timing for collecting the sample may be more convenient for you.

    Cons

    • If results are positive, treatment is not readily available.
    • The results may be difficult to read.
    • There may be delays in sending and receiving tests.
    • The tests may be expensive.

    Was this helpful?

    How to choose the right test for you

    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.

    Reasons to testFully online test Home-to-lab test In-office test out of curiosity X X X after sex without a condom or another barrier method, or after a condom broke X X experiencing unusual symptoms X before or after a new partner X X recent or current partner received a positive test X want to stop using a condom with your current partner X X haven’t had an in-office test in 1 or more years X X X

    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.

    When to talk with a doctor

    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:

    • You’re between 13 and 64 years old and have never been tested for HIV.
    • You share needles. Your doctor may recommend annual HIV testing.
    • You have sex without a condom or other barrier methods. Your doctor may recommend annual HIV testing.
    • You have oral or anal sex regularly. Your doctor may recommend throat and rectal testing.
    • You’re pregnant. Your doctor will test you for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis.

    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:

    • People who are sexually active and assigned female at birth, people assigned male at birth, and people under 25 years old may want to undergo annual chlamydia and gonorrhea testing.
    • People who are sexually active and assigned male at birth who have sex with other people assigned male at birth may want to undergo testing as frequently as every 3 to 6 months.

    Frequently asked questions about at-home STD tests

    How can you test for STDs at home?

    Our roundup of five 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:

    • vaginal or penile burning or discharge
    • frequent urination
    • pelvic or genital pain
    • sores or bumps around your genitals, anus, or mouth
    • atypical bleeding (bleeding other than menstruation)

    How often should I get tested?

    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:

    • age
    • sex and gender
    • risk factors
    • pregnancy status

    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.

    Takeaway

    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.

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