Discreetly test for six common sexually transmitted infections

Why take an STI/STD test?

We’re all adults here but let’s face it, STD testing isn’t exactly fun, no matter how comfortable you are with talking about your sex life and sexual health. Anyone who's sexually active should engage in regular STD testing, and we're excited to make testing easier and more discreet than ever before.

Fortunately, testing for STDs is easy and straightforward: with our STD Test, you can check for 6 common sexually transmitted infections from the convenience of your home—and view your results securely online.

Consider checking out other tests Everlywell offers:

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis C
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

How Often to Test for STDs

The frequency of necessary STD testing really varies based on how sexually active you are and if you’re currently outside of a monogamous relationship. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends every 3-12 months depending on risk category, but most medical professionals would agree that a yearly STD test is the minimum responsible frequency and testing should be done more if—and when—you engage in unprotected sex with a new partner. Preventing the spread of STIs and STDs is everybody’s responsibility and knowing your status is a great way to do your part while also keeping yourself and your partner(s) healthy.

Our STD Test suite is taken in the privacy of your own home and covers many common sexually transmitted diseases including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
• Syphilis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV 1 and 2)
• Trichomoniasis

This Everlywell at-home STD Test requires two samples—blood spot and vaginal swab. All necessary components are included inside the kit. We provide easy-to-read instructions, as well as helpful digital videos on the process, and the collection process is quick. Simply follow a few steps and return your at-sample to our lab for processing.

Common Risk Factors for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Various risk factors are linked with a greater likelihood of getting an STD. These include the following:

• Age - According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 15–24 year olds account for half of all new sexually transmitted infections.
• Biological sex - Young people assigned female at birth are more biologically susceptible to many sexually transmitted infections than those assigned male at birth at the same age.
• Sexual behaviors - Certain behaviors, like having unprotected sex, can heighten the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
• Substance use - Among sexually active people, using drugs or alcohol is linked with a greater likelihood of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection.
• Sex partners - The risk of getting an STI increases the more sex partners you have and if you have sex with someone who has an STI.

STD Symptoms in Women and People with Vaginas

Not all sexually transmitted infections result in symptoms, so it’s important to screen regularly.

That being said, STIs often do result in symptoms. These symptoms can include:

• Vaginal discharges that may have an unusual odor or color ([learn more here](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.everlywell.com/blog/std-test-female/what-does-std-discharge-look-like/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1661373265351197&usg=AOvVaw0f5CtoTJkooXm_V7MAK4GC))
• Genital warts (small bumps on the genital area or inside the vagina)—typically caused by genital herpes or an HPV infection
• Other sores in and around the genital area
• Flu-like symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, or fevers
• Pain or burning sensations while urinating or during sex
• Spotting between periods

How to know if you have an STD

Our at-home female STD test gives you an accurate, confidential STD check that can help you discover if your symptoms may be the result of sexually transmitted infections—allowing you to get the right treatment as soon as possible.

Get Test Results at Home for These Common STDs

This at-home STD test will accurately tell you whether you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, and whether you have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis C or syphilis. As with all Everlywell tests, our at-home STD Test is taken in the privacy of your own home, and shipped to the lab in a prepaid mailer.

Once you return your test sample to our lab and your sample is processed, you’ll be notified via email that your results are ready. You will receive your results through an easy-to-understand report on our secure online platform. In the event that you have any abnormal results, which do not always mean that you are positive for an STI, a representative from our physician network will reach out to you, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions about your particular case. For some tests, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, you may also be offered a prescription if deemed necessary, at no extra cost to you.

Results are not only easy to understand, but Everlywell also offers suggestions on any next steps you may need to take in your particular case.

This at-home STI test checks whether or not you test positive for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. In the event that your test results are abnormal, a board-certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your particular case and prescribe medication where applicable.

In rare cases, you may not receive a definitive result because of short post-exposure time or inadequate sampling. These results do not mean that your results are going to be abnormal, it just means that the testing was unable to provide a clear answer at this time, and repeat testing is suggested.

Will my results be shared with my state health department?

We take customer privacy very seriously and only you will have access to this information. As is the case with all STI testing—whether through Everlywell lab tests or your healthcare provider—some positive results require a report to state health departments by law. This is only done to track infection prevalence. If you test positive for chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis C, or gonorrhea, Everlywell’s physician network will report this data to your state health board for tracking.

Know where you stand with our comprehensive at-home STD test.

You can get the Everlywell at-home STD Test by ordering online (shipping is free).

If you receive an abnormal test result, our independent physician network partner will contact you to schedule a consultation at no additional cost, so you can discuss your results with a board-certified physician in your state. When appropriate, and at the physician’s discretion, you may be offered a prescription for medication.

What types of samples do STD tests use?

There are several different types of samples that STD tests can use. For example, urine tests use a sample of urine—while other tests might require a blood sample.

The Everlywell at-home STD Test for Women uses two sample types (a small blood sample and a vaginal swab). The test does not require a urine sample.

Can you get an STD through oral sex?

Yes, oral sex is one kind of sexual contact that can increase the risk of getting or transmitting STDs like HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Using a physical barrier (like a condom) during sexual activity can help reduce this risk, as well as making sure there aren’t any cuts in the mouth (like bleeding gums or lip sores) or sores on or near the genitals.

How long does an STD test take?

STD testing doesn’t have to take long! With the Everlywell home STD test, collecting your samples will typically take only a few minutes. You’ll usually get your test results several days after you send your samples to the lab for processing.

What is the difference between an STI and an STD?

Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they don’t actually mean exactly the same thing. STD – or “sexually transmitted disease" – is a common term used to describe an infection that is passed on through sexual contact, and becomes a disease after a certain point of severity. STI stands for “sexually transmitted infection.” Many people, mostly within the medical community, have begun transitioning from “STD” to “STI” in an effort to clarify that not all sexually transmitted infections turn into a disease.

What is a venereal disease?

“Venereal disease” (or VD) is an old term for sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. So a “VD test” is simply another way of referring to an STD test.

How can STIs affect your health?

Sexually transmitted infections can harm your health, especially if they aren’t detected early. In people with penises, STIs can cause infertility—as well body aches, fever, nausea, vomiting, or other flu-like symptoms; a burning sensation of pain during urination; abnormal genital discharges; pelvic inflammatory disease; and more. In people with vaginas, STIs can lead to complications like cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. If you have multiple sex partners, engage in unprotected sex, or have any other STD risk factors, regular STI testing may help prevent health complications associated with untreated sexually transmitted infections.