Untreated chlamydia: Risks, complications, and more
STI Screening Clinics
Take care of your sexual health!Dalhousie Student Health & Wellness provides free* and confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) right on Halifax campus to Dalhousie and King's students.
Testing for some STIs is done by either a swab (swabs are like Q-tips with a long handle) or a urine test.
Students are given the following options for STI testing through the mobile STI Screening Clinics, or by booking an appointment with a nurse or doctor:
There are currently no upcoming STI Screening Clinics at Truro campus. Check back for upcoming clinics!
To book an appointment for STI screening, please contact Health Services.
What to expectTreatment can depend on where the STI is detected, so consider routine testing any areas you have had sexual contact, especially when barriers like condoms or dental dams are not used.
Can't attend a mobile clinic and/or located in Truro?Drop by one of Dal's health clinics to get tested by a nurse or book an appointment.
If you require anal swabbing or bloodwork for Hep C, HIV and syphilis, a doctor's visit is required. Please book an appointment with a doctor at one of Dal's health clinics.
Is it covered by my insurance?STI screening at the Centre by a physician is covered by most health plans.
*If you have a Canadian provincial health card, testing is covered by your province. You must have your health card with you to register for the STI clinic, otherwise we are unable to process the request.
If you are an international student or have private health care coverage, please contact your provider PRIOR to attending the clinics to ensure appropriate coverage. Please be aware that if you are not covered by your health plan, you may be sent a bill from the laboratory.
DSU International Student Health Plan covers 2 tests per year (Fall/Winter).
Why should I get tested?The majority of STIs are asymptomatic, which means that there are no signs or symptoms, but there are possible consequences, including:
Note: A Pap test is not the same thing as an STI check. You will need to book an appointment with a doctor if you want just a Pap test, or if you want both a Pap and STI check.
You can book a nursing appointment or visit a mobile STI Screening Clinic for just an STI test. Typically, we do STI tests with all Paps, but you can always have just one of these tests if you'd prefer.
Blood TestingStudent Health & Wellness Centre in Halifax and Health Services in Truro can provide requisitions for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis through blood work in locations across Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). They are antibody tests. This means that they measure your immune system's response to the virus, not the virus itself. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, you should book an appointment to get tested after the potential exposure (e.G., unprotected vaginal or anal sex; unsafe tattooing; sharing equipment for IV drug use; sharing other drug paraphernalia such as straws/bills/crack pipes, etc.). If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and/or syphilis, you should book an appointment to get tested after the potential exposure. Even if your test is negative, it may be a good idea to come back for follow-up testing as these viruses/bacteria can take longer than 4 weeks to cause changes in your body that we can measure. Testing for blood-borne pathogens (HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis) without previous risk (baseline testing) can be done at any time.
What We Cannot Test ForCurrently, there is no blood test available in Nova Scotia to detect human papillomavirus (HPV – the virus that causes genital warts and cervical cancer). Pap tests screen for cervical cell changes that can be caused by strains of HPV. Therefore, if someone has abnormal Pap test results, it is a good indication that they are carrying a strain of HPV. Currently, in Nova Scotia, we do not offer testing to detect early cell changes in the anus/rectum or throat caused by HPV. HPV can be diagnosed visually (warts), but clients need to have a symptom in order to be diagnosed by a doctor. Anyone who ever notices any unusual lumps, bumps, blisters, etc. On their genitals should call their family doctor or our clinic to arrange an appointment as soon as possible. If someone has symptoms of herpes simplex virus (HSV), such as genital blisters or a cold sore, we can swab it and send the sample to the lab for confirmation. However, there is no blood test available in Nova Scotia to detect HSV. In other words, if you do not have any symptoms, we are unable to do any testing that would allow us to tell you whether or not you are carrying the virus.
Best At-Home STD Tests Of 2023
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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.
Amid Spikes In Sexually Transmitted Infections, A Texas Clinic Is Struggling To Stay Funded
AUSTIN (KXAN) – A Texas sexual health clinic with multiple locations across the state reported that the demand for sexually transmitted infection testing increased by 176% from 2021-2022. Despite the clear need for the services, the clinic has seen a 53% reduction in funding during the last 12 months.
Texas Health Action's Kind Clinic was founded in 2015 and, at no cost, "provides sexual health services in a safe and supportive environment with expertise in serving the LGBTQIA+ community," according to the clinic. The clinic said it serves 11,000 people annually at its Central Austin location.
"Over the years, we have just seen such a need for this service," said Christopher Hamilton, the CEO of the Texas Health Action. "Austin's population is booming, and more people are moving to the area," he said.
"Our current clinic program has been slowly able to meet that demand. But we're getting to a breaking point," Hamilton continued.
In addition to Austin's population growth, STI rates have been rising nationally and in Central Texas. The CDC reported last year that cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis surged in 2021. Further, Austin Public Health said in April that visits to its sexual health clinic increased year of year by 38% from 2021 to 2022.
"Being on the front lines, as we are at Kind clinic, we're working to provide treatment so that we can bring those rates down," Hamilton said.
In 2021, Gilead Sciences, a pharmaceutical company that produces HIV medication, announced it would cut some of the revenue that sexual health clinics across the country were using to fight the spread of sexually transmitted infections, according to NBC reporting. This decision had its most significant impact in the South, including Texas, where the largest proportion of uninsured people live, per NBC.
Hamilton said the cut went into effect in January 2022 and caused some programs across the U.S. To close. The Texas Health Action said Gilead's decision caused them to lose $9.2 million in funding.
"[It] has been a staggering loss for us," Hamilton said. "We're now at a point of we have to find other sources of funding in order to continue this work," he continued.
Hamilton said that the State of Texas does contribute money towards HIV prevention and treatment, but not as much for STI testing and prevention. He said they now must look towards local entities for additional support.
"We're headed in a direction that if we don't have other investments from the government or city, we are going to be headed into a crisis where more people will have STIs and won't have access to testing," Hamilton said.
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