According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.2 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported across the country in 2024 (provisional data), and the overall burden remains 13% higher than a decade ago. In big cities, residents are reporting these sexually transmitted infections at a higher rate than average. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD(Sexually Transmitted Diseases).
At-home STD testing is an option for people who don’t want to go into an office for an STD screening. Some Planned Parenthood health centers and other clinics also offer testing
Getting an STD test can be daunting if you have never done it before. But it doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, you may be surprised by how fast, easy and affordable it can be.
A Guide To STD Testing
Who should be tested?
The CDC says everyone ages 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once. See the CDC testing recommendations.
How often someone should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) depends on risk factors including the number of partners, type of sexual activity or drug use. To determine if you are at risk for HIV/STDs, a counselor may ask questions regarding sex, lifestyle and drug use during your visit.
Not all doctors provide regular testing for HIV/STDs, so ask your doctor or medical provider which tests are right for you.
If you or a partner have tested positive for an STD, every partner should be tested and treated to avoid re-infection.
How often should I be tested?
At least once a year, or more often if your provider recommends it:
- Anyone who shares injection drug needles or equipment (HIV testing)
- Sexually active gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea testing). Testing every 3 to 6 months may help some men, including those with multiple or anonymous partners.
Every year:
- All sexually active women younger than 25 (gonorrhea and chlamydia testing)
Where can I be tested?
In the comparison table below, you can compare new Online STD testing, At-Home STD Testing to traditional clinic testing methods. Explore all of these options in-depth and find out exactly how and where to get STD tested.
| Testing Method | Waiting Times | Speed of Results | Positive Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Clinics | By AppointmentLimited Hours | 7-10 days | Yes |
| Doctor Visit(with insurance) | By Appointment | 7-10 days | Yes |
| Doctor Visit(w/o insurance) | By Appointment | 7-10 days | Yes |
| Online STD Testing | 10-20 min | 24-72 hours | Yes |
| At-Home STD Testing | No wait | 5-11 days | Yes |
1. Free STD Clinic
You may be able to get a free or discounted STD test, depending on your financial situation.How It Works
Urgent Care STD Testing
Many people who are looking for routine or precautionary STD tests visit urgent care facilities instead of a private practice or their primary care physician. Urgent care facilities are a great option if you are concerned that you may have contracted an STD and need to see a physician.
2. Visit Your Doctor
Many STD tests require a genital exam. Counseling and confidential (private) testing for STDs are provided by trained staff who are sensitive to your needs and concerns.
3. At-Home STD Test
Testing for STDs at home can be convenient and private. Talk with a health care provider about any positive result.
You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.
At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.
Rapid HIV Test
The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test is a rapid home test approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s sold online and in stores to people 17 and older. A positive result needs follow-up lab testing, and the test can miss a recent infection.
To take the OraQuick In-Home Rapid HIV Test you must:
- Swab the inside of the mouth
- Place the swab in a tube with a developing solution
4. Online (Walk-In) STD Testing
This is one of the easiest ways to get tested for STDs. You order the test online, but you walk into a testing center to get checked.
How It Works:
Step 1 - Order Test.
You can order a test online from several companies. One option is STD Check. You can order online or by phone and choose a panel or individual tests.
Step 2 - Visit Test Center.
Go to a testing center to give your sample.
Step 3 - Get Your Results
Ask the company how long results take and how you will get them.
Planned Parenthood STD Testing
Planned Parenthood affiliates run hundreds of health centers across the United States. Many offer STD testing, HIV testing and treatment. Some tests may be free or low cost depending on your income and insurance.
What should I expect?
Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is simple and confidential. A variety of methods are used by healthcare providers to diagnose sexually transmitted infections. The most common include:
- Collecting a urine sample
- Performing a finger stick
- Drawing a small tube of blood
- Collecting throat and/or rectal swabs
It is important that you ask and understand which tests are being performed and how they work during any visit. Not all tests are the same, and not all providers will screen for the same STDs.
During your visit, a trained professional will ask a series of questions about your sexual history, drug use or other aspects about your health.
At the conclusion of your visit, you should know:
- How to receive your results
- Which tests are being conducted
- Who to contact if you have any further questions
- How to access safer-sex materials (condoms, lube) and lower your risk factors
What is the window period?
Each STI test has a 'window period'. This is the time between when a person comes in contact with an STI, and when the STI will show up on a test. If the test is taken too soon after contact, there is a chance that a test result is not accurate.
The window period varies from person to person and depends on the type of test. If you are concerned about specific exposure to an STD, ask your health care provider or test counselor about when you should be tested.
What if my test results are positive?
If a result is found to be positive, it means you have been infected and need treatment. A healthcare provider or counselor will contact you to discuss your options and offer support.
Finding out that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), can be confusing or even scary - but you are not alone. STIs are common. With the proper care and medication, STIs can be treated or managed.
It is important that your partner(s) be notified, tested and treated. Anyone you have had oral, anal, or vaginal/ internal genital sex with may unknowingly pass it on to another person (including back to you), or it can develop into more serious health problems if left untreated.
Things to know about STD testing & treatment
Clinics can test for gonorrhea and chlamydia using a urine sample. If the result is positive, ask about treatment and how your partner(s) can be treated.
Ask the clinic how to prepare for a urine test.
Many STD tests require a genital exam.
Counseling and confidential (private) testing for STDs are provided by trained staff who are sensitive to your needs and concerns.
Rapid HIV testing is done with a blood sample taken from a finger stick. The results are available in approximately 20-40 minutes.
Adults ages 19 to 45 who live in the U.S., have no coverage and meet income limits may qualify for the Merck vaccine patient assistance program to get the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) at no charge. Other fees may apply.
Gardasil is given as a series of doses over several months, so you may need to return to the health center.
