CDC Laboratory Recommendations for Syphilis Testing, United States, 2024 | MMWR

6 Best At-Home STD Tests Of 2025

Brooke Piperato recognized that STIs that go undetected can affect fertility in people with vaginas, and as a newlywed, she thought it wise to test preemptively.

"It's important [for all folx] to get tested regularly, even when you have a long-term partner (as I do). We will be family planning in the next couple of years, so we will want to know of anything that might hurt our chances of a successful pregnancy and try to nip it in the bud."

Piperato appreciated Nurx's package delivery, saying: "The test kit came in discreet packaging; the box the tests came in was completely blank, with no text. I appreciated their thoughtfulness on this, in case one might want to keep this information private."

Piperato also said the kit included three tests: vaginal, throat, and blood — as well as a large step-by-step instructional card to guide you through the collection processes with visuals. She said each of the printed materials came with a corresponding QR code that provided videos and online instruction.

"My only qualm with this test is that they send you many more materials than you actually need. For example, they sent me four of the little pricking tools and several bandages, when they only instructed me to take a single prick.

"I was definitely more nervous heading into this test than I needed to be because I thought I might need to prick myself a few times."

Nurx processing seemed to take a little longer than other tests by Piperato's account: "I shipped my results on a Tuesday and got a notice that they were received by Nurx on Saturday. It took an additional 5 days to receive the final results."

Piperato says her results were shared directly from a nurse on their team. It came directly to her email inbox, as well as a message in the app.

"I was surprised that the results did not include any numbers/measurements. [My nurse] Carol interpreted my results for me. She explained that all of my results were negative, indicating that I do not have any of the conditions I was testing for. If a condition is present, you might expect to see more stats to help explain any abnormalities."

Piperato notes that patients are eligible for follow-ups or to ask questions as part of this step.

2 Sexually Transmitted Infections On Rise In NYC

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia, two common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), have risen noticeably in New York City, according to the newly-released 2023 data from the city Health Department -- except on Staten Island, the only borough to show a year-over-year decline for one of the illnesses.

Citywide, chlamydia was up 8% year-over-year for men and 5.4% for women, but on Staten Island the rate of infection was nearly flat, while gonorrhea rates citywide increased among men by 15.9% and among women by 1.1%, while Staten Island showed a small decline.

Charts show a borough breakdown of rates of sexually transmitted diseases in recent years, according to data from the city Health Department.NYC Health Department

Experts note, however, that the data only represents those who have sought a diagnosis and treatment.

"Undiagnosed and untreated STIs can cause serious health problems for New Yorkers. The Health Department strongly encourages regular testing and the use of preventive measures," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse.

According to the city's release, gonorrhea and chlamydia disproportionately affect people living in neighborhoods with very high poverty -- defined as areas where 30% or more of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In 2023, the Chelsea-Clinton area in Manhattan reported the highest case rates for both infections among all neighborhoods in the city.

Other neighborhoods with high STI case rates include Hunts Point-Mott Haven and Highbridge-Morrisania in the Bronx for chlamydia and Central Harlem-Morningside Heights in Manhattan and Williamsburg-Bushwick in Brooklyn for gonorrhea.

In contrast, Staten Island reported the lowest rates among the five boroughs for both infections.

These maps published by the city Health Department show rates of sexually transmitted diseases using the most recent data available.NYC Health Department

Chlamydia trends in New York City

Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI that is treatable and curable.

It often doesn't cause symptoms, so many people with the infection are unaware and can unknowingly spread it.

From 2022 to 2023, chlamydia rates increased by 8% in men and 5.4% in women. In recent years, the rate of chlamydia in men has increased to rates similar to that in women, according to the City Surveillance Report.

Among women, teenagers and young adults are most affected by chlamydia. In 2023, women ages 15 to 24 made up 56% of all cases, with a rate five times higher than the overall rate for women.

It's important to treat chlamydia as soon as possible. Antibiotics can clear it up in about a week or two, but doctors say you should finish all of your medicine, even if symptoms improve.

If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and permanent damage to your reproductive organs, according to Cleveland Health.

Gonorrhea trends in New York City

Gonorrhea is an STI caused by bacteria.

In many people, gonorrhea infection causes no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they usually affect the genital tract but can also appear in other areas.

From 2022 to 2023, the gonorrhea rate increased among men by 15.9% and among women by 1.1%, city data reports.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since 2013, national gonorrhea rates among men have been higher than those among women -- likely reflecting increased testing and cases identified in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

The CDC assures that gonorrhea can be cured with the right treatment, emphasizing the importance of taking all prescribed medicine.

However, treating some cases is becoming harder due to the rise of drug-resistant strains. If symptoms persist for more than a few days after treatment, consult your healthcare provider.

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