Chlamydia: Symptoms, Risk, Treatment, and Prevention
Best At-Home STD Tests Of 2023
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here's our process.
How we vet brands and productsHealthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Was this helpful?
At-home STD tests can provide an accurate and convenient method for knowing your STD status. Find out which test kit is best for you.
Best at-home tests Bonus: Best in-lab testingRegular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important for overall health and any necessary treatments. At-home tests can provide an accurate and convenient method for knowing your status.
STDs and STIs are very common. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide.
One reason for this is that contraceptive methods, such as condoms, are not always failproof. Overall, if you're sexually active, you could contract an STI.
Nowadays, there are dozens of at-home testing kits that may make getting tested easier.
Here's some information on quality at-home testing options, how to figure out what type is best for you, and when to contact a doctor.
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:
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewEverlywell 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.
What our tester saysOur 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."
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."
Product details*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
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 results are positive, a nurse or physician will call you to explain your results and provide treatment options.
What our tester saysLois Zoppi (she/they), our U.K.-basked editor for our sister site Medical News Today, has tried a couple different products from LetsGetChecked, and overall, her experience was positive. The registration process was easy and simple, taking only 3–5 minutes, and the process of drawing blood for the tests she took was also straightforward.
They gave detailed instructions on when to take blood and in what conditions to do so.
"For those worried about whether the lancet hurts, the pain was a small pinch followed by a very mild ache. You don't have to push hard at all to use the lancet, and I found it helpful to rest my hand on a flat surface to do it. The incisions are very small — around a millimeter — and formed a small bruise a few hours after I took the sample. There is a bit of tenderness at the tip of the fingers I used the next day but not enough to interfere with typing or other everyday actions. Overall, it was quick and relatively painless, and took about 5–7 minutes in total."
Zoppi's final notes are that LetsGetChecked makes the whole process quick and simple by guiding you through.
Lois Zoppi (she/they), our U.K.-basked editor for our sister site Medical News Today, has tried a couple different products from LetsGetChecked, and overall, her experience was positive. The registration process was easy and simple, taking only 3–5 minutes, and the process of drawing blood for the tests she took was also straightforward.
They gave detailed instructions on when to take blood and in what conditions to do so.
"For those worried about whether the lancet hurts, the pain was a small pinch followed by a very mild ache. You don't have to push hard at all to use the lancet, and I found it helpful to rest my hand on a flat surface to do it. The incisions are very small — around a millimeter — and formed a small bruise a few hours after I took the sample. There is a bit of tenderness at the tip of the fingers I used the next day but not enough to interfere with typing or other everyday actions. Overall, it was quick and relatively painless, and took about 5–7 minutes in total."
Zoppi's final notes are that LetsGetChecked makes the whole process quick and simple by guiding you through.
Product details*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewmyLAB Box offers several at-home STD kits:
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.
Product details*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewAlthough 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:
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.
Product detailsiDNA 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:
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.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewQuick, 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.
Product details*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewThough 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:
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.
Product detailsAlso, you can use this chart for a quick comparison of the nine tests in our roundup:
*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.
STIs are infections transmitted from one person to another during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
An STI is considered an STD when it causes symptoms. Usually, an infection is the first step on the road to potentially developing a disease.
Not all diseases start as infections. But in the case of STDs, they do. In both cases, STIs and STDs are used interchangeably, mostly because of the stigma that is associated with the term "STD." We also use these interchangeably throughout the article.
According to the CDC, in 2018, 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STD or STI.
Although common, most people don't realize they have an STI because most of these infections have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
Common symptoms of STDs include:
Vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of an STD.
While most STIs are contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, some can be transmitted through nonsexual means, such as blood transfusions and shared products, like needles and syringes.
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.
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.
While every home STI testing service is different, most of the brands recommended here offer professional advice or support for reading test results at home.
If you do a fully at-home STI test, there is a risk that you'll misinterpret your results. Lab-based tests can also be difficult to interpret if you have no 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 you on treatments and safety.
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:
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:
Our roundup of seven 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:
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:
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.
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.
Top 10 Hottest OnlyFans Near Me & Sexiest Local OnlyFans 2023
So much sexy is available at the click of a button, there's nothing you can't find with a few clicks but knowing these sexy ladies are Local OnlyFans. Just makes it all the more tempting to know that these hot babes are here to play and only a simple subscription away, local babes ready to play.
Are you sure you can handle knowing how many Hot local OnlyFans there are? We weren't ready for the level of sexy we found but we sure are glad we got to bring you the hottest Locals for your divine pleasure. So check out our list of Hottest Local OnlyFans and let us know who you can't resist.
Best OnlyFans Near Me: Featured This Month Best OnlyFans Near Me Accounts of 2023 Best 10 OnlyFans Near Me #1. Alanna Jade – Sexiest OnlyFans Near Me
Features:
Where to follow:
About Alanna: Who doesn't love a redhead? This spicy lady is a complete knock out, sexy and a big booty too!! Alanna loves to chat with her fans while getting to know all the things that will ensure the peak of desire is achieved, check out her page and maybe send that spicy dm.
#2. Leena Wild – Local OnlyFans Wild Child
Features:
Where to follow:
About Leena: This hot inked babe loves to interact and get naughty with her fans. She loves to play and get naughty so go check her out!
#3. Skylarmaexo – Only Fans Near Me Babe
Features:
Where to follow:
About Skylar: Spicy doesn't begin to describe this hot babe, she will turn you all the way on! This ex-teacher will teach you all about new ways to burn with desire.
#4. Brandy – OnlyFans By Location Hottie
Features:
Where to follow:
About Brandy: Fun loving prank playing babe this Tik Tok famous duo has a naughty side you're ready for, you need it! Brandy has the best personality and a body to drool over … why wouldn't you subscribe?!
#5. Angel Youngs – Local Only Fans Sweetheart
Features:
Where to follow:
About Angel Youngs:
Angel is always ready to show you a hot time, this sexy woman is naughty and proud of it. Check her out for some spicy content on Local OnlyFans
#6. Mia Monroe – Baddie OnlyFans Accounts Near Me
Features:
Where to follow:
About Mia: This bootylicious lovely is ready to chat and play with you. What are you waiting for? You know that with a booty this thick you're gonna drip until you implode.
#7. Scarlett – Spicy OnlyFans Search By Location
Features:
Where to follow:
About Scarlett: This Horny local is always glad to play with you, are you ready to play with her? You know you want to know all about the naughty things available on her account. So go check it out.
#8. Jessica Sunok – OnlyFans Location Cutie
Features:
Where to follow:
About Jessica: Jessica is sexy lady who knows how to turn you all the way on, there's no end to the sexy things you will explore with this hot local OnlyFans Babe.
#9. Amber – Naughty OnlyFans In My Area
Features:
Where to follow:
About Amber: This fiery lady is sure to ignite your soul and other body parts. She's sexy, sassy, and a redhead. What more could you desire in a woman?! Be sure to check out her OnlyFans you won't be sorry, there's nothing this woman can't do.
#10. Jenna Haze – Feisty OnlyFans Girls Near Me
Features:
Where to follow:
About Jenna: Jenna is a spicy lady who is always ready to please you and tease you. Now she's ready, are you?
Top OnlyFans In My Area FAQ's Q: Why are these the hottest local OnlyFans?A: Well after exhaustive searching we have determined that there's tons and tons of hot Local OnlyFans but in our humble opinion these are some of the best of hott Local OnlyFans.
Q: What type of content do these local Only Fans have?A: Oh there's all kinds of things on Local OnlyFans they have sexy to sweet! Naughtiest to nice there's so many sexy options we are sure you will find all you need when you check out the hottest Local OnlyFans.
Q: Are these the only local OnlyFans?A: No no there's tons upon tons of Hot Local OnlyFans, there's no end to the options you are sure to be able to find all you need on Local OnlyFans. The never ending hotness you will find on this list.
Top OnlyFans Near Me in ConclusionThe greatest thing about OnlyFans and the digital age we live in is that these dream babes aren't just amazingly hot, they are local hotties and wonderfully creative and naughty. There is so much sexy content available to us all at the click of a few buttons and knowing they are local is all the more sexy. Check out our top OnlyFans Near Me List and tell us which local hottie you fell for? Personally we have subscribed to them all. We just couldn't make a choice so why not share the love right?!
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.
This Ultra-rugged Android Phone Has Every Battery Feature You Can Imagine
Matthew Miller/ZDNETWhile millions work in offices and remotely within their homes, there are many jobs that require a person to work outdoors, in warehouses, and in locations that are not always friendly to expensive glass sandwiches. People are also spending a lot more time exploring the world around us and don't want to break their expensive phones or wrap them in bulky protective cases.
Also: What is a rugged phone and which are the best?
The new Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 is built to withstand the rigors of the world to provide you with a smartphone that keeps on going long after others may have given up the ghost. I've used rugged smartphones for many years and it's great to see devices get slimmer, provide features for better usability, and improve the camera performance so that a single device can be used when operating in challenging conditions.
ZDNET RECOMMENDSThe Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 is built for tough conditions with features that offer you the opportunity to keep on going no matter what is thrown at you.
View at Verizon
A side fingerprint sensor/power button, three custom programmable buttons, four lanyard attachment points, 100dB+ stereo speakers, a removable battery, wireless charging, and enhanced rugged build features are provided with the DuraForce Pro 3. The lower right programmable button is perfect as a camera launch and then a camera capture button when holding the phone in landscape orientation. The AI-enhanced speakers are extremely loud, making it easy to hear when working outside or in areas where heavy machinery noises and other background sounds are present.
The phone is certified with an IP68 dust and water-resistant rating and has been MIL-STD-810-H tested against sand, vibration, shock, and more. I took it trail running and dropped it in the forest repeatedly, submerged it in water, and left it in the blazing sun for some similar trials, and the phone continues to work perfectly.
Matthew Miller/ZDNETA 5.38-inch OLED display that supports gloved hands and usage in wet conditions is present with the phone
Also: Why this rugged Android 13 phone reminds me of the good old Nokia days
Three cameras are positioned at the top of the back panel behind a glass protective cover with dual LED flashlights on each side for bright night illumination. The 64 MP main camera, 16 MP wide-angle camera, and 2 MP macro camera perform very well and will help you capture great photos and 4K video. There are advanced camera modes available that include action overlay (speed and GPS information captured on the display), multi-camera (excellent for field work when you want to show yourself and the subject of the discussion), and underwater (touchscreen turned off and buttons are optimized for camera control). I enjoy taking photos and videos of the fish I catch while the fish remains in the water, so this underwater mode is much better than trying to use an iPhone with a rugged case.
The back panel is held securely in place with a screw near the bottom that also has rear contacts for connecting to accessories for scanning and other functions. Kyocera also provided a rugged swivel holster from Axessorize to test out with the phone.
Matthew Miller/ZDNETI highly recommend taking the time to set up the single, double, and press/hold options of each of the three programmable buttons so that you can fully optimize using the phone with minimal interaction with the display. Having all of these button options to launch apps or perform key actions makes a huge difference when you are busy trying to get other things done with your hands.
Also: The best rugged tablets (and what 'military grade' means)
It's rare to find a phone with a removable battery, but the DuraForce Pro 3 has a 4,270 mAh battery under the rear cover. This means if you are planning to spend a significant amount of time in the field with no available charging option, you can pack extra batteries and stay connected. The removable microSD card means you can also swap in and out external storage cards, so you won't have to worry about storage limitations either.
Matthew Miller/ZDNETIn my experiences, I was able to get through a full day of work and play with the battery. I also appreciate having wireless charging available to easily keep the phone topped off as I performed desk work next to a wireless charging pad.
Android 13 is installed on the phone and it runs a fairly stock version of Android with just a couple of available settings provided for Kyocera-specific options. The review phone is running the April 1, 2023, Android security update. Looking at past Kyocera DuraForce phones, quarterly updates for security look fairly standard with a single likely firmware upgrade to Android 14 expected on the DuraForce Pro 3.
The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 3 is available now on Verizon for $900 or $25 for 36 months. Kyocera also provides a two-year manufacturer's warranty on the phone, so it is built to last.
Featured reviews Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 hands-on: These 3 upgrades make it ready for wider appeal Coros just made the most comfortable heart rate monitor I've ever tested Hands-on with the DJI Air 3: The perfect all-rounder drone Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: iPhone users are switching back, but which is better? Nothing Phone 2 review: If 'being extra' was an Android phone
Comments
Post a Comment