STD Testing: Everything You Need to Know
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD on April 22, 2021.
To give you technically accurate, Evidence-based information. Content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
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Being sexually active is normal for most adults, but it comes with the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Estimates suggest that in 2018 in the United States, 1 in 5 people had an STI on any given day.
That’s why taking care of your health and wellness as a sexually active adult means getting tested regularly—but the thought of that might be a little intimidating if you aren’t too familiar with how STD testing works. The good news? Sexually transmitted disease testing can be quick and easy, as you’ll find out by reading this guide that breaks down what you need to know about STD testing.
Types of STDs you can get tested for
There are many different kinds of STDs that can affect sexually active adults. For this reason, specialized tests have been created to help screen for or diagnose a large variety of STIs.
Some of the most common types of STDs that you can get tested for are below.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common STI caused by a type of bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis). Although all sexually active adults face some risk of chlamydia, this infection is most common among youth and younger adults who are in the 15-24 age range [ref]. It can infect the genitals, anus, and— rarely—the eyes. When it does present with symptoms, chlamydia can contribute to general pain and discomfort in the affected area, along with abnormal genital discharge.
An untreated chlamydia infection can progress to more serious health concerns, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) among women—which is a risk factor for infertility.
Gonorrhea
Another common STI, gonorrhea most often affects the throat, rectum, urinary tract, or even the cervix. Any signs or symptoms that do show up usually occur about a week after the infection first began. Common symptoms include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Genital discharge (vaginal discharge can appear bloody or yellow, while penile discharge can appear white, green, or yellow)
- Burning, pain, or discomfort when urinating
- Swelling in the testicles
Left untreated, gonorrhea can contribute to fertility problems and increase your risk of HIV (also called human immunodeficiency virus, the virus responsible for AIDS)
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. While it can affect all sexually active adults, most men don’t display any noticeable symptoms of this infection. Trichomoniasis can result in vaginal itching, pain or burning when urinating or having sex, and a foul-smelling discharge.
HIV (1 and 2)
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a potentially deadly virus that operates by attacking the immune system. If HIV isn’t treated, over time the infection can prevent your immune system from functioning properly and significantly hamper its ability to combat even the simplest of infections and diseases. This is a condition known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Even the common cold could be potentially life-threatening for someone with AIDS.
There are two main types of HIV. HIV-1 was the first type discovered and is more globally common. HIV-2 is rarer and geographically more confined to West Africa, though some HIV-2 infections are reported in the United States and other parts of the world.
In its earliest (or acute) stage, HIV can present with flu-like symptoms. While these symptoms can be mild, the viral load (the amount of virus) in the bloodstream is especially high, allowing for easier transmission during this stage.
Following this early phase, the HIV infection can proceed to a chronic stage in which the virus is established within the body but does not present with noticeable symptoms. This stage can last for several years before progressing to AIDS. During this stage, the immune system has become so damaged that you are more susceptible to opportunistic infections and cancers.
That’s why AIDS is so dangerous and can be life-threatening.
There is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS, but medication can help control the infection and significantly slow down its progress—and even prevent HIV from advancing to AIDS, which is why early detection of the infection is important. Treatments can also reduce the amount of the virus in your blood and potentially prevent transmission.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a common bacterial infection that is spread via sexual skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms may not always be noticeable, but syphilis is most often characterized by the appearance of sores (called chancres) in and around the infected area. These can show up on the genitals, within the anus, and around the lips or mouth. They can be easily mistaken for pimples, in-grown hairs, and other blemishes. While these chancres are usually painless, they are highly contagious, especially when they are open and wet.
In its secondary stage, syphilis presents with mild flu-like symptoms and a rash affecting the palms of your hands and soles of your feet.
In its latest stage, syphilis can contribute to serious health issues, including tumors, nerve issues, blindness, and paralysis.
Syphilis can be treated, but it’s important to identify it sooner rather than later. Even after the infection is eliminated from the body, treatment can’t reverse certain issues, like blindness or paralysis.
Hepatitis (A, B, and C)
Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. There are five different strains of the virus, but hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common. Hepatitis A is caused by the ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated by the fecal matter of someone with the virus [ref]. Hepatitis B can spread via blood, semen, and vaginal fluids entering the bloodstream. Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, most commonly from sharing needles and syringes. While hepatitis B is most likely to spread via sexual contact, hepatitis C can also be spread through sexual contact and is more common among people with multiple sex partners. Hepatitis C is also especially prevalent among people born between 1945 and 1965.
Symptoms of hepatitis can vary from case to case, but left untreated, hepatitis C can contribute to severe liver problems. This can include an increased risk of liver cancer and, ultimately, liver failure (a life-threatening emergency). For this reason, early detection and treatment of hepatitis C is important, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends screening for hepatitis C at least once for all adults age 18 or above.
HPV
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. There are over 200 different types of human papillomavirus, and about 40 of those can infect the genitals, mouth, and throat. Fortunately, most HPV infections are harmless, often don’t present with any symptoms, and go away on their own. Some types of HPV are known to cause warts, which can be uncomfortable but are generally not harmful and do not lead to any serious complications.
However, several strains of HPV—known as high-risk HPV—are associated with an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer, such as cervical cancer (which is what a Pap smear screens for). In fact, two high-risk HPV strains—HPV 16 and HPV 18—are thought to contribute to about 70% of all cervical cancer cases.
Thankfully, high-risk HPV can usually be treated before it becomes cancerous, which makes HPV testing and/or routine Pap smears for cervical cancer screening important for early detection of precancerous cells.
Herpes
Caused by two different forms of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes is a common infection that can stay in your body for your entire life but usually presents with mild, recurring symptoms. Estimates suggest 1 in 6 Americans have genital herpes, while half of Americans have oral herpes. Herpes is primarily characterized by painful sores or blisters appearing in the infected area. Infections can also show up as flu-like symptoms, burning when you urinate, and general pain and discomfort in the genitals.
Herpes can be painful and uncomfortable, and it can easily spread to other individuals through sexual contact. However, it typically does not lead to any serious, long-term health complications,
and treatment with medication can help minimize the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Where to get tested
There are a wide range of places where STD testing services are available, including:
- Your doctor’s office
- A community health or STD clinic
- The health department of your school
- Your local Planned Parenthood
- Some pharmacies
Many people now prefer an at-home STD test. Everlywell at-home STD tests are discreet and are also easy to use and provide accurate results. At-home tests also allow you to avoid a trip to the doctor’s office, which many people may prefer considering the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing.
How STD tests are performed
There are a few different types of STD tests that you can take depending on the infection that you may be dealing with. These tests vary based on the kind of sample used, and some tests may take a few different samples. The three main types of samples taken are urine samples, blood samples, and genital swabs. Below, you’ll learn how at-home STD testing works with Everlywell tests.
Before collecting a urine sample, it’s important to wait until 24 hours have passed since you last had sexual intercourse. If you are on antibiotics, do not collect a sample until seven days after you have taken your last dose. Also, be sure not to pour out any of the preservatives in the tube.
Collecting blood samples can seem a little scary, but with Everlywell collection kits the process is straightforward and only requires a simple finger prick—instead of a full syringe and vial of blood. Our tests that require a blood sample include our Hepatitis C test, Syphilis test, HIV test, STD Test - Female, and STD Test - Male.
A genital swab is essentially a long Q-tip gently inserted into the genitals to collect a sample for testing. The cotton at the end of the swab can soak up any fluids and tissues within the genitals, and the lab can then assess the fluids for certain STIs. While some Everlywell tests use vaginal swabs, such as our STD Test - Female, some clinics also use penile and urethral swabs for STD testing. Here’s how it works:
Note: Avoid collecting a genital swab sample during your period.
How long do STD tests take?
While there are some rapid tests that can provide results within an hour, most tests will take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks in order to receive lab results. With Everlywell, you can expect to get accurate results—sent to your device—within a few days of sending your samples to the lab.
If your results come back negative, remember to still get tested regularly if you are sexually active.
If your results come back positive, the Everlywell team will connect you with our independent network of physicians at no extra cost. You can discuss your STD test results with a physician to help understand what next steps to take for treatment and better health. When appropriate and permitted by law, the physician may prescribe treatment for positive results. To learn which states prescriptions are available in, click here.
What to do after you receive your STD test results
RELATED ARTICLES:
STDs vs. STIs: is there a difference?
How are STDs spread?
How to prevent STDs: key steps you can take
How often should you get tested for STDs?
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What is STD testing?
STD testing is the process of collecting and testing samples from the body for the presence of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes known to cause sexually transmitted infections. Samples can range from blood and urine to swabs with vaginal or penile fluids. The samples are then typically sent to a laboratory for analysis. Used alongside a general health exam, STD tests allow healthcare providers to accurately determine if you have an infection and identify the specific type and cause of the infection. This is important as it allows a healthcare professional to recommend the right treatment.
Regular STD testing among sexually active adults and their sexual partner(s) is key. It helps protect one’s overall health and minimizes the spread of infectious diseases. Although treatment for most STDs is relatively straightforward, many STDs don’t present with any noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the infection. Testing can help you detect the infection before it progresses to a more severe phase with more serious implications for your health.
With a urine sample, a physician can detect potential infectious microbes within the urinary tract. Our tests that use urine samples as a testing method include our Trichomoniasis test, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea test, and STD Test - Male.
The urine test starts with you unfolding the urine collection cup.
With a urine sample, a physician can detect potential infectious microbes within the urinary tract. Our tests that use urine samples as a testing method include our Trichomoniasis test, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea test, and STD Test - Male.
Then, you’ll urinate into the sample collection cup.
From there, you will use a pipette
to transfer the urine into the tube containing a preservative until the liquid hits a designated fill line.
You’ll screw the lid back onto the cup.
After screwing the lid tight, mark the tube’s label with your name, birthday, and collection date.
Seal the sample in the biohazard bag and send it to the lab for testing.
Results are then sent securely to your device, typically within days
of sending your sample to the lab.
Before collecting a urine sample, it’s important to wait until 24 hours have passed since you last had sexual intercourse. If you are on antibiotics, do not collect a sample until seven days after you have taken your last dose. Also, be sure not to pour out any of the preservatives in the tube.
The urine test starts with you unfolding the urine collection cup.
Then, you’ll urinate into the sample collection cup.
From there, you will use a pipette to transfer the urine into the tube containing a preservative until the liquid hits a designated fill line.
You’ll screw the lid back onto the cup.
After screwing the lid tight, mark the tube’s label with your name, birthday, and collection date.
Seal the sample in the biohazard bag and send it to the lab for testing.
Results are then sent securely to your device, typically within days of sending your sample to the lab.
After fully washing and drying your hands, wipe your fingertip using the alcohol pad.
With the provided lancet, prick the tip of your finger.
Squeeze the base of your finger toward your fingertip to increase the blood flow.
Allow blood drops to drip onto the designated circles without actually touching the collection card with your finger. Just one good drop of blood is enough for each circle.
Once you have filled each circle, let the collection card dry for at least 30 minutes.
In the meantime, clean up any remaining blood on your finger and use a band-aid if necessary.
Once the blood on the card has dried, fill out the identifying information and mail it out.
Collecting blood samples can seem a little scary, but with Everlywell collection kits the process is straightforward and only requires a simple finger prick—instead of a full syringe and vial of blood. Our tests that require a blood sample include our Hepatitis C test, Syphilis test, HIV test, STD Test - Female, and STD Test - Male.
Results are then sent securely to your device, typically within a day of sending your sample to the lab.
After fully washing and drying your hands, wipe your fingertip using the alcohol pad.
With the provided lancet, prick the tip of your finger.
Squeeze the base of your finger toward your fingertip to increase the blood flow.
Allow blood drops to drip onto the designated circles without actually touching the collection card with your finger. Just one good drop of blood is enough for each circle.
Once you have filled each circle, let the collection card dry for at least 30 minutes.
In the meantime, clean up any remaining blood on your finger and use a band-aid if necessary.
Once the blood on the card has dried, fill out the identifying information and mail it out.
Results are then sent securely to your device, typically within a day of sending your sample to the lab.
Open the sealed swab packet.
To collect the sample, hold the swab from its base and gently it into the vagina. Swirl the swab for about 30 seconds, ensuring that it is properly saturated.
Unscrew the tube and insert the swab (cotton-side first).
Break the swab at the line and seal the tube.
Properly label and seal the tube.
Results are then sent securely to your device, typically within a day of sending your sample to the lab.
A genital swab is essentially a long Q-tip gently inserted into the genitals to collect a sample for testing. The cotton at the end of the swab can soak up any fluids and tissues within the genitals, and the lab can then assess the fluids for certain STIs. While some Everlywell tests use vaginal swabs, such as our STD Test - Female, some clinics also use penile and urethral swabs for STD testing. Here’s how it works:
Note: Avoid collecting a genital swab sample during your period.
Open the sealed swab packet.
To collect the sample, hold the swab from its base and gently it into the vagina. Swirl the swab for about 30 seconds, ensuring that it is properly saturated.
Unscrew the tube and insert the swab (cotton-side first).
Break the swab at the line and seal the tube.
Properly label and seal the tube.
Results are then sent securely to your device, typically within a day of sending your sample to the lab.