At Home STI Test: Free and Low Cost Options 2024
At-Home STI Tests Are Everywhere Right Now. How Well Do They Work?
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In the past few years, we've gotten very familiar with at-home rapid testing for COVID-19. In the midst of the pandemic, the need for another kind of health screening skyrocketed: Rates of STIs rose starkly between 2020 and 2021. Syphilis cases jumped up by 32%, and chlamydia and gonorrhea cases also increased. The rates of those three STIs had been steadily ticking up before the pandemic, but, as people had less access to in-person health care, it created a recipe for infections to run amok unchecked.
Since then, there's been a surge in the availability of at-home STI testing, meaning you can now do some panels without leaving your house. This concept isn't totally brand-new—home HIV testing collection kits increased access to detection and care in the mid-1990s. But for a long time, these HIV test kits were the only STI screenings that were FDA-approved for safe, effective use at home.
The FDA started approving STI self-tests other than HIV tests in late 2023, the first being the not-inexpensive Let'sGetChecked Simple 2 test ($99, letsgetchecked.Com) for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which works by way of a vaginal swab or penile urine sample. That opened the door for even more tests to be cleared by the agency (though not all on the market are). The Know test ($99.95, testwithknow.Com) is the first approved kit that screens for four STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and mycoplasma genitalium. It also detects yeast and bacterial vaginosis (BV) infections. It claims to provide accurate results from a urine sample in 15 minutes and offers follow-up telehealth support, including options for treatment, should you have a positive test result.
But…with health clinics back open, is it ever worth spending your money to do an often pricier STI screening at home? We asked ob-gyns what's actually up with do-it-yourself sexual health tests.
What are the potential benefits of at-home STI tests? They're discreet.You can place an order online and have a test kit from your cart to your front door in about two days. The procedure might involve a finger prick, urine test, or vaginal swab, all of which are pretty fast to complete. They're also convenient in that some can test for several strains concurrently and offer you the additional discretion of testing out of the comfort of your own home, Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, the director of perinatal services/maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals, tells SELF.
The exact type of test depends on the potential infection: For most viral infections, including HIV, a blood test is necessary, but for most bacterial infections or viral infections that can cause lesions—for instance, herpes—either a urine test or a swab of the affected area can be used. In-person testing usually yields results within a few days (blood tests for viruses can be quicker to process than bacterial swab or urine testing).
You're not saving a ton of time by testing at home if you go with a mail-in option, which could take longer to provide results than a doctor's office or clinic, Dr. Gaither points out. (For instance, LetsGetChecked's test takes at least two to five days to provide results—and you're at the mercy of the USPS when it comes to how long it takes your sample to reach the lab.) Still, the privacy factor might outweigh that for some people.
They offer an alternative if you can't get to a clinic (or don't want to go to one).STIs have social stigma attached to them, and this can be even more pronounced for people who need STI testing but have anxiety or trauma about seeking care due to having experienced dismissal or discrimination in connection to their health. Women, LGBTQ people, and people of color are more likely to have had negative experiences affecting their care. Due in part to historical medical racism, in particular, it's common for marginalized groups to have mistrust in medical systems and therefore avoid clinical settings.
A 2019 study found that Black people were 73% more likely to report mistrust in medical systems than white people were, and Latinx people were 49% more likely. This ends up having an effect on STI testing: According to the CDC, higher rates of STIs in communities of color are due to health inequity. Because of many providers acting on bias related to those statistics, marginalized people might not want to go to in-person clinics for STI testing if they can avoid additional encounters with medical racism.
For people with disabilities or mobility limitations, at-home kits might be a useful tool. The at-home STI kits might also be useful for people in health care deserts, which are (mostly rural) areas of the US where there's insufficient access to basic primary care services like STI testing, Dr. Gaither adds. Sadly, since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, at least 26 sexual and reproductive health clinics have closed nationally. Now, in many areas, there's only one reproductive health center per 5,000 people. (According to Power to Decide, a nonprofit tracking reproductive health care access in the US, regions in which a single clinic serves 1,000 people are typically known as contraceptive deserts, where people can't get the full range of birth control methods. These can also be sexual health care deserts, since people often go to the same clinics for a range of those services too.)
All of this comes with the massive caveat that most tests, like Know and the Let'sGetChecked kits, come with significant price tags. Since disabled people, people in health care deserts, and people of color are often also facing financial instability, it's unlikely that these are a magic solution to increased STI testing access for people who might especially need it.
The potential downsides to STI self-testing panels At-home tests are sometimes less accurate.Though they might test for the same amount of strains of STIs as a health care provider's office, at-home kits might not be as accurate as those conducted by a health care provider, Dr. Gaither says. A finger-prick test should usually be accurate enough to get proper STI results, but getting "enough" to test from a vaginal swab or urine test can be trickier if you're doing it yourself.
You'll pay more than you would in many clinics.According to Planned Parenthood, clinical STI testing is often available for free or at a reduced cost with health insurance or with Medicaid; some states, like Indiana and parts of Oregon and California, offer free take-home options too. On the flip side, it's difficult to find a self-testing STI kit that screens for more infections than only chlamydia and gonorrhea for less than $100; often, the cost increases along with the amount of tests on a panel. If you have health insurance, it likely won't cover the cost of at-home testing. At-home tests might be eligible for reimbursement if you have a health savings account, but you'll end up paying out of pocket and then filling out paperwork to make that happen.
If you decide to take an STI test at home, it's important to get care afterward.If you do receive a positive STI result, you'll need treatment, Dr. Gaither says. And some of the tests, like those from Know and Let'sGetChecked, only test for a few different infections, not including HPV, HIV, or herpes. Regardless of what a given test checks for: "These results are difficult to interpret and need to be within the clinical context," Andrew Rubenstein, MD, director of the generalist division of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Health, tells SELF. In the case of a positive result, you can follow up via a telehealth appointment, if the testing service offers that, or head to a sexual health clinic for additional care and treatment, Dr. Rubenstein says.
All told, if you can afford at-home tests and prefer the convenience and discretion of them, there isn't anything wrong with testing via (ideally FDA-approved) home kits. But for the best handle on your diagnosis and care plan, whether you receive a positive result or need additional testing for persistent symptoms after a negative one: Follow up with a provider who can help you figure out what's next.
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Originally Appeared on SELF
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Why Is My Pee Cloudy?
Medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD
Cloudy urine, or cloudy pee, is when your urine develops an abnormal appearance that is unclear or opaque. Typical urine appears clear or pale yellow. However, cloudy urine appears to be milky or foggy and loses its transparency.
Cloudy pee can often occur due to temporary, unserious causes and may not be cause for concern. For example, if you are experiencing short-term dehydration, you can drink water or fluids to reverse it.
However, sometimes cloudy pee occurs due to serious underlying infections or diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, vaginitis, prostatitis, diabetes, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You may need to consult your healthcare provider so they can diagnose and recommend suitable treatment approaches.
What Does Cloudy Pee Look Like?Normally, urine can vary from clear to straw-yellow. In other cases, your urine may appear differently based on underlying infections or conditions, medications, or food intake.
Cloudy pee generally appears milky or foggy and is no longer transparent. It may occur due to the accumulation of bacteria, mucus, mineral deposits (crystals), white blood cells, or red blood cells your the urine, which can be caused by a variety of factors. Cloudy urine occurring due to a bacterial infection may also be accompanied by a bad odor.
Causes of Cloudy PeeSeveral factors can cause cloudy pee, some of which may be harmless while others may indicate underlying conditions such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stone. You may need to visit your healthcare provider if your urine is cloudy due to an unknown reason, for a long period, or in addition to other concerning symptoms.
DehydrationCloudy pee can occur when you do not drink enough water or lose too much water, leading to dehydration. Dehydration may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the amount of water lost. In most cases, you can improve dehydration by drinking more water or fluids. However, cases of severe dehydration might require medical attention.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of your bladder and associated structures. If your cloudy urine occurs along with a bad or foul odor, you may have a UTI. A few other symptoms of UTI include:
Pain during urination
Frequent urge to urinate
Blood in urine (hematuria)
Feeling the need to urinate even when your bladder is empty
Pressure or pain around the lower abdomen
If left untreated, a UTI can lead to complications. Therefore, it's important to seek medical care if you're experiencing symptoms of a UTI.
Kidney StonesKidney stones can lead to cloudy, bad-smelling urine due to the accumulation of bacteria in the urine. Kidney stones may stay in the kidney or move down the urinary tract to the ureter (the duct that passes urine from your kidneys to your bladder). Small stones can pass out with urine, but larger ones can lead to urine retention in the bladder, urethra, ureter, or kidney, causing pain. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:
Your healthcare provider may recommend several treatment options for kidney stones that do not pass naturally. They may use sound waves to break up the stones (shock wave lithotripsy) or remove stones through surgery.
DietYour urine may appear cloudy due to the consumption of high-fat foods. A high-fat diet can contribute to a condition termed chyluria, where excretion of chyle (consisting of fats and lymph, or lymphatic fluid) occurs and mixes with the urine, making it appear cloudy. Some of the high-fat foods comprise:
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause cloudy pee. These infections most often lead to the production of white blood cells which can mix with urine to give a cloudy appearance. Other symptoms of STIs are:
Painful urination
Genital sores
Unfamiliar discharge from the genitals
Itching and redness in the genital area
Vaginal odor
Fever
Abdominal pain
In many cases, people with an STI do not experience symptoms. However, the condition can still be passed from one person to another. Regular check-ups and testing are important for accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and management.
DiabetesDiabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. This extra sugar is usually removed by the kidneys through urine. High levels of sugar in urine can give it a cloudy appearance.
Other signs of diabetes include:
Over time, diabetes may put pressure on the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney diseases and kidney failure.
ProstatitisProstatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the prostate gland in people assigned male at birth. It causes discharge from the urethra (the tube where urine exits the body) that can mix with urine, leading to cloudy urine. A few other symptoms of prostatitis are:
Pain during or after urination
Pain in the lower abdomen, genital, or lower back
Nausea
Vomiting
Frequent urination
You may want to visit your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of prostatitis. They may recommend blood tests and/or semen analysis, among other tests, to confirm diagnosis.
VaginitisVaginitis is an infection of the vagina caused by bacterial, yeast, or parasitic infections. It often leads to white discharge from the vagina that may mix with urine to give a cloudy appearance. Other symptoms of vaginitis include:
Your healthcare provider may do a pelvic exam, test your discharge, and analyze the discharge under the microscope to confirm diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
What Does It Mean to Have Cloudy Pee During Pregnancy?In most cases, experiencing cloudy urine during pregnancy is not alarming. It may occur due to dehydration, vaginal discharge, diet alterations, and hormonal changes.
However, in some scenarios, it may occur due to serious conditions such as a UTI or preeclampsia, which can occur during the later stages of pregnancy.
You may want to visit a healthcare provider if you experience other symptoms along with cloudy pee. These may include:
Treatment OptionsThe treatment of cloudy pee depends on the underlying cause. The treatment options for each cause include:
Dehydration: Drinking more water or fluids can help improve dehydration. Severe cases may require taking intravenous (IV) fluids and a visit to a hospital or urgent care center.
UTIs: Most UTIs caused by bacteria can improve with antibiotics. A few common antibiotics recommended for UTIs include nitrofurantoin, first-generation cephalosporins, and trimethoprim.
Kidney stones: Small kidney stones may pass naturally. For larger ones, shock wave therapy or surgery may be required to remove them.
STIs: The treatment of STIs depends on the type of STI. STIs caused by bacteria are most often treated using antibiotics.
Diabetes: Your healthcare provider may recommend insulin or other medications such as metformin to treat and manage diabetes.
Prostatitis: Several medications can be used to treat prostatitis, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticholinergics, or alpha-blocking agents.
Vaginitis: Treatment can vary depending on the type of vaginitis. Antibiotics are mostly given for vaginitis caused by bacteria and parasites while antifungals are given for vaginitis caused by yeasts.
Two best ways by which you can prevent cloudy pee are keeping yourself hydrated and eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. You may also want to visit your healthcare provider for regular checkups if you are experiencing cloudy pee for a long time, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderYou may want to visit your healthcare provider if your cloudy urine is not improving even after drinking adequate water or you are experiencing other symptoms such as:
Your healthcare provider may recommend conducting various exams depending on your symptoms, including urinalysis, blood tests, and or diagnostic imaging to determine the underlying cause of your cloudy pee.
A Quick ReviewCloudy pee is characterized by white or foamy urine. It can develop normally due to dehydration or diet changes, but it can also occur due to underlying diseases or infections. It is best to seek further medical care if your cloudy urine occurs after drinking enough water or is accompanied by more serious symptoms such as painful urination, bloody urine, unfamiliar genital discharge, foul-smelling urine, and genital irritation or itching.
Testing may need to be performed to accurately diagnose the condition that is causing your cloudy pee. Then your healthcare provider can prescribe appropriate treatment options that address the underlying cause.
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Bleeding After Sex? Here's What Your Body's Trying To Tell You
If you're not anywhere near your period, it might feel alarming to see a bit of blood after you've had sex. You might even wonder if it means something serious.
Fear not: Vaginal bleeding after sex (also called postcoital bleeding) is actually pretty common. In fact, light bleeding after sex happens to up to 9 percent of all menstruating people. And most reasons are not cause for concern.
"There are many causes of postcoital bleeding," says Jamy Bulgarelli, DO, OB/GYN at Pediatrix Medical Group in Grand Prairie, Texas. "But most causes are benign."
Learn the most common causes of bleeding after sex here, along with other signs and symptoms to watch for, and how to treat each.
"There are many causes of postcoital bleeding, but most causes are benign." —Jamy Bulgarelli, DO, OB/GYN, gynecologist
1. Vaginal infectionsOne of the most common causes of bleeding after sex is a vaginal infection, says Dr. Bulgarelli. There are several different pathogens that can cause vaginal infections, with the most common being STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and herpes. Less commonly, yeast infections or an infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV) can cause bleeding after sex, says Dr. Bulgarelli.
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"Infections, particularly sexually transmitted ones, can lead to significant inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), making it more prone to bleeding during or after intercourse," explains Dr. Bulgarelli. "Common symptoms of these infections include abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, itching or irritation, urinary symptoms, and pelvic pain."
Some people may even bleed after sex without pain or other symptoms, she says.
Fix itIf you think you might have an STI or other infection, see your OB/GYN for testing.
Treatment for vaginal infections depends on the type of infection you have. STIs and BV are treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications, while vaginal yeast infections are treated with topical or oral antifungal medications.
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2. Vaginal drynessVaginal dryness is a common cause of bleeding after sex, says Kelly Culwell, MD, OB/GYN, also known as Dr. Lady Doctor. Dryness "makes the vagina more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation or tears during vaginal intercourse," she explains.
While natural lubrication of your vaginal walls can ebb and flow throughout the month, extreme dryness usually happens when your estrogen levels are low, says Dr. Culwell, like during menopause or perimenopause (i.E., the transition to menopause). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), lower estrogen levels are also common after childbirth and during the postpartum period, as well as while you are breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
Fix itAdd some moisture to your vagina by applying a lubricant before sex."There are also vaginal moisturizers that can be used on a regular basis (not just before sex), especially if your dryness is bothersome at any time of day," notes Dr. Cullwell. One to try? Foria's Midlife Magic set.
3. Vaginal atrophyDuring perimenopause, your vaginal tissues might get thin and delicate, less elastic, and vulnerable to tears, otherwise known as vaginal atrophy, says Alyssa Dweck, MD, chief medical officer at Bonafide Health. When combined with low estrogen levels and vaginal dryness, you may become more likely to bleed after sex.
"Blood might be bright red with a moderate flow, or pink with light flow, and is usually accompanied by pain or burning," says Dr. Dweck.
Fix itJust like with dryness, bleeding from vaginal atrophy can be prevented by using a vaginal lubricant. Dr. Dweck suggests finding a vaginal moisturizer with hyaluronic acid as a main ingredient. Getting prescribed a vaginal estrogen cream by your gynecologist can also be helpful, she adds.
4. Vaginal or anal tearingVaginal bleeding can happen as a result of rough sex, anal sex, or having sexual intercourse for the first time, says Ila Dayananda, MD, MPH OB/GYN and chief medical officer of Oula Health. This is usually due to the sensitive tissue in your genital or anal area tearing or becoming damaged.
Fix it"If bleeding is from rough sex, allowing time for healing and practicing gentler sexual activity may resolve the issue," says Dr. Dayananda. "Lubricants may also be helpful."
In some cases, hormone therapy combined with lubricants and moisturizers can alleviate symptoms, especially if you are in perimenopause. But of course, talk to your doctor to see whether hormone therapy is right for you.
5. Cervical polypsIn some cases, bleeding after sex can be from small (typically harmless) growths on your cervix called cervical polyps, says Dr. Dweck.
"Bleeding [from polyps] is usually bright red and can cause significant flow for some people," she adds. Even though the causes of cervical polyps aren't fully understood, they are fairly common, says Dr. Dweck.
Fix itCervical polyps are often found during a routine gynecologic exam, a colonoscopy, or a transvaginal ultrasound, according to the National Library of Medicine.
"While most polyps will fall off or go away on their own, some can grow quite large and may require surgical removal," says Dr. Dweck. Some people may need to see the doctor on a regular basis to keep an eye on them.
If you think polyps are the culprit, make an appointment with your gynecologist to get them checked out.
6. PregnancyVaginal bleeding while pregnant always warrants a trip to the OB/GYN. But believe it or not, light bleeding or spotting during the first trimester of pregnancy is actually quite common. In fact, about 15 to 25 percent of pregnant people bleed during the first trimester, according to ACOG.
This can be from the implantation of the fertilized egg in your uterus, or extra blood flow to your cervix, which can make you more vulnerable to vaginal bleeding, per ACOG. Spotting while pregnant can also happen during a pelvic exam or after sex.
Fix itEven though light vaginal bleeding in your first trimester is not harmful, you should still let your OB/GYN know when it happens. They can help you rule out any potentially serious causes of bleeding, just in case.
7. Rarely, it could mean cervical cancerIt's pretty rare, but bleeding after sex can sometimes mean cancer, says Dr. Dayananda. You'll likely have other symptoms besides postcoital bleeding, like abnormal bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause, she adds. "Some people may also have pelvic pain or pain during sex," she adds.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, a previous chlamydia infection, long-term birth control use, and a family history of this type of cancer. The greatest risk factor, though, is the human papillomavirus infection (HPV), which is why regular screenings for HPV and regular pap smears are important, per the American Cancer Society.
Fix itMake sure you're getting routine pap smears and HPV screenings, as these can help detect cervical cancer in its early stages and prevent serious cases. "Early detection is crucial for better outcomes," emphasizes Dr. Dayananada.
And of course, be sure to bring up any "out of the ordinary" symptoms you're feeling to your gynecologist.
When to see a doctorMost of the time, vaginal bleeding after sex is a one-time deal and isn't cause for concern, says Dr. Bulgarelli. But if your bleeding persists, happens every time you have sex, or is very heavy, reach out to your doctor.
You should also call the doctor if bleeding comes with other symptoms like vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and unusual odors, adds Dr. Bulgarelli. This is especially true if you're past menopause and have vaginal bleeding, regardless of frequency or severity.
The bottom line? Many people with vaginas experience bleeding after sex at one point or another. So no need to panic! If you're ever unsure, though, you can always call your doctor about your symptoms and schedule an appointment.
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