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Best STD Testing for Fast and Private Results

May 2024

STDs and STIs are very common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide. Nowadays, many online services offer STD home testing kits that may make getting tested easier. To fully check your STD status, you’ll want a comprehensive test — also called a complete test, an STD panel test, or a test kit — that tests for a number of STDs at once. But if you’re only concerned about one STD, you can get what is called a simple STD test, which is usually less expensive and faster.

Our Top Choice

Plus500

From $24

STDCheck.com - Fast, Private, Reliable >> Approved by FDA

Results in as little as 24 hours

Lab-based testing at 4,500+ locations

Consultations for positive results

3k Reviews on TrustPilot

#1

MOST POPULAR

BEST STD TEST 2024

EXCELLENT

REVIEW

5.0

05/2024

Home-based STI testing offers a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your health privately from your own home.

Feeling unsure about a possible intimate transmitted infection (STD) can be quite stressful. Interestingly, about half of folks in the U.S. tend to wait a week or more before getting tested. While there should be no shame in getting tested, though it's totally understandable that not everyone feels at ease doing so. That's where at-home STI tests come in handy – they're a fantastic way to look after your intimate health right from the comfort and privacy of your own home. While healthcare providers often monitor vital signs like blood pressure, regular STD screenings might not be as common, and for some, accessing these tests can be challenging due to healthcare barriers. Home testing kits provide a solution, enabling personal testing without a doctor's visit. The cost of these tests can range from around $25 for a specific STI test, such as syphilis, to up to $522 for comprehensive tests covering multiple infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early HIV detection. Given that many STDs may not show symptoms, the only definitive way to know your status when intimate active is through testing. Here are our top recommendations for at-home STD testing kits.

The Results

Plus500

From $24

STDCheck.com - Fast, Private, Reliable >> Approved by FDA

Results in as little as 24 hours

Lab-based testing at 4,500+ locations

Consultations for positive results

3k Reviews on TrustPilot

#1

MOST POPULAR

BEST STD TEST 2024

EXCELLENT

REVIEW

5.0

05/2024

Results in 1-3 days

Same-day testing at 4,500+ labs

GOOD

REVIEW

4.8

05/2024

From 65$

Results in 2-5 days

Free consultation and prescription

GOOD

REVIEW

4.7

05/2024

From 59$

Results in 2-5 days

2,300+ locations

GOOD

REVIEW

4.4

05/2024

From 46$

Results in 3-5 days

STI & STD Tests

GOOD

REVIEW

4.0

05/2024

From 49$

Frequently Asked Questions

How Reliable Are At-Home STI Tests?

Just like the tests your doctor provides, at-home STI tests have varying levels of accuracy. Their effectiveness in detecting an STI depends on several factors, such as the duration of infection, the type of sample taken, and the test details. At-home tests are generally as reliable as those conducted in a clinic, although improper sample collection or storage might affect their accuracy. All of them are 95%+ but majority of the tests has a sensitivity rate of 99.5%+ and a specificity of 99%


How Long Can STIs Remain Hidden?

STIs can remain hidden for many years, sometimes even decades, especially when regular STI screenings aren't part of your routine healthcare. It's possible to carry multiple STIs without any noticeable symptoms. Asymptomatic STIs can still be transmitted and lead to other health issues if untreated, highlighting the importance of regular screenings to ensure you're STI-free.


Where to Find Free STI Testing?

Your local health department is often the go-to for free STI testing. Community health centers, especially those serving the LGBTQ+ community, are another resource for complimentary screenings. Health insurance might cover STI testing, but costs can vary. Planned parenthood also provides testing, offering a sliding scale fee system, open to everyone regardless of gender or intimate partners.


Recommended Frequency for STI Screenings?

The frequency of STI screenings should be tailored to an individual's intimate activity and risk level. Those in long-term, monogamous relationships might have a lower risk, whereas individuals with multiple partners might face a higher risk. An annual screening is a good baseline for most, but those with multiple partners or who don't always practice safe intimacy might benefit from more frequent screenings. Some prefer testing with each new partner to assess their risk accurately.


Characteristics of a Reliable At-Home STI Test?

The cornerstone of a dependable at-home STI test is its performance by a certified lab, ensuring the test provides clear and precise information about what's being tested and an accurate interpretation of the results. A quality at-home test mirrors the standard of testing you'd receive from a healthcare provider but with the convenience of being at home. It should cover a wide range of STIs and offer straightforward access to further treatment or testing if needed.

Looking for the most reputable STD checks provider?

Not just the most reputable but also a great value for money

Plus500

From $24

STDCheck.com - Fast, Private, Reliable >> Approved by FDA

Results in as little as 24 hours

Lab-based testing at 4,500+ locations

Consultations for positive results

3k Reviews on TrustPilot

#1

MOST POPULAR

BEST STD TEST 2024

EXCELLENT

REVIEW

5.0

05/2024

Bottom Line

In summary, when it comes to STD testing, finding a provider that combines reliability, discretion, and value for money is key. Whether you opt for the convenience of at-home testing or the comprehensive approach of in-clinic screenings, prioritizing your health with regular checks is essential. Remember, the best STD testing service is one that meets your specific needs while ensuring accuracy and privacy. Stay informed, stay safe, and take proactive steps towards your intimate health and well-being.

More Questions

How soon can chlamydia be detected in a test? T

Testing for chlamydia can be done as early as 24 hours post-exposure, using a genital swab or urine sample to detect the bacteria. However, for a more reliable outcome and to minimize false negatives, it's advisable to wait about between a week and two weeks following unprotected intimacy before undergoing a chlamydia test.


Are STD tests available over the counter?

Some retail stores, like CVS and Walgreens, may offer over-the-counter STD tests, but the variety is often limited and might compromise your privacy, as you'll need to request the kit from a store employee.


Can you receive STD results on the same day? Certain STD clinics or private medical practices may offer same-day results for specific STDs, although this service is limited and can be costly. Opting for same-day testing usually lacks the privacy offered by specialized STD testing services, as it often involves personal disclosures and the results might be recorded in your medical history.


The providers listed here focus on confidential and discreet STD testing, with STDCheck.com delivering results within 24 hours, enabling quick diagnosis and the opportunity for immediate treatment.


Different STDs become detectable at varying times after exposure, and testing too early might lead to a false positive. For precise outcomes, it's essential to wait until the window period has passed, which is the time frame during which STDs can be accurately identified in blood, urine, or genital swab samples. Here are the window periods for some of the most prevalent STDs:


  • Chlamydia – 1 to 5 days

  • Gonorrhea – 2 to 6 days

  • Syphilis – 2 to 6 weeks

  • Hepatitis A – 2 to 7 weeks

  • Hepatitis B – 6 weeks

  • Hepatitis C – 8 to 9 weeks

  • Herpes Type I and II – 4 to 6 weeks

  • HIV (antibody test) – 1 to 3 months

  • HIV (RNA test for early detection) – 9 to 11 days

  • Trichomoniasis – 5 to 28 days


Can positive STD results take more time?

Occasionally, positive results may require more time to be processed by the lab, and certain tests inherently take longer than others. Nonetheless, with the companies mentioned in this list, rest assured that you will get your results as swiftly as they become available. If you've been tested for several STDs, expect to receive all your results simultaneously in your secure online account.

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