How Accurate Is the Everlywell STI Test?

What Is the Everlywell STI Test?

The Everlywell STI test is an at-home test kit that allows you to test for common sexually transmitted infections from the comfort of home. The kit contains everything you need to collect your own sample and mail it to a certified laboratory for analysis. Results are generally available within a few days. For positive tests, you have the option of scheduling a virtual visit with a certified healthcare provider or making an appointment with your own healthcare provider.

When Is the Everlywell STI Test Helpful?

The Everlywell STI test is helpful when you are looking for a convenient, private way to check for sexually transmitted infections, whether you are looking for screening or have symptoms. If you don’t have time to go to a healthcare provider's office or you just aren’t comfortable talking with your healthcare provider about your sexual health concerns, this at-home test is a way to get tested in a more discreet environment.

What Is an STI?

Sexually transmitted infections are also known as sexually transmitted diseases. As the name implies, these infections are contracted through sexual activity. Common STIs include:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Herpes
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)
• Chancroid
• Pubic Lice
• Scabies
• Viral Hepatitis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Some infections can be transmitted through both oral-genital contact and genital-genital contact. STIs are extremely common, with millions of new infections being detected every year in the United States. Fortunately, STIs are preventable, and most of them are treatable.

Symptoms of STIs

STI symptoms vary based on the particular infection. Many STIs have no symptoms at all, while others can cause significant symptoms. Some of the symptoms of STIs include:

• Painful urination
• Discharge from the vagina or penis
• Vaginal itching, burning, or irritation
• Abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal odor
• Itching or irritation of the penis
• Pain with sex
• Bumps, blisters, or rashes in the genital region
• Sore throat
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes

The symptoms of STIs can vary based on the part of the body that is infected. For example, gonorrhea or chlamydia infections of the mouth are more likely to cause a sore throat or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, whereas the same infection in the genital area is more likely to cause discharge and irritation.

Screening for STIs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular screening for some sexually transmitted infections. These recommendations vary by population and infection.

Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are sexually active should have screening:

• Annually for gonorrhea and chlamydia, if under age 25 or over age 25, and at high risk
• At least once for HIV, more frequently if at high risk
• At least once for Hepatitis B unless there is documentation of immunity (usually through vaccination), more frequently if high risk
• At least once for Hepatitis C, more frequently if high risk

People who are pregnant should have screening at the initial prenatal visit, including testing for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. This testing may be repeated later in pregnancy as well.

Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) may have different screening recommendations depending on whether they have sex with men, women, or both.

Men who have sex with only females should be screened at least once for HIV, or more if high risk. This is also true for hepatitis B if there is no documentation of immunity. Routine screening for other STDs for this population is not currently recommended.

Men who have sex with men should be screened at least once a year for:

• HIV infection
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Hepatitis A, B, and C

Screening for STIs may include rectal or oral screening, depending on the type of intercourse (oral, vaginal, or anal).

Why Is STI Testing Important?

Sexually transmitted infections are very common and often have no symptoms. This is one of the reasons why regular STI testing is important. Infections can be easily transmitted from person to person without knowledge. STIs can have long-term side effects that can profoundly affect quality of life. Potential long-term complications of STIs include:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Infertility
• Cancer
• Liver disease
• Dementia
• Paralysis
• Vision/hearing loss
• Increased risk of infections
• Premature birth
• Low birthweight
• Stillbirth
• Congenital infections

Living with an STI can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

What Does the Everlywell STI Test Measure?

The Everlywell STI Test measures five different common STIs, including: chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C (HCV), trichomonas, and syphilis. This test is performed through a simple finger prick. Everlywell also has a urine-based test available to test for chlamydia & gonorrhea. We also offer the Visby Rapid PCR At-Home Female STD Test, which can detect chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas in as little as 30 minutes from the comfort of your home.

If you would like information on other STDs, Everlywell offers same-day in-person testing through a Quest laboratory location near you. Basic testing includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, while the Expanded STD Screening Panel tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, trichomonas, and syphilis.

How to Use the Everlywell STI Test

Your Everlywell STI test comes with instructions and all of the collection tools. To use the test, carefully review all of the instructions included with your kit. Register your kit online to make sure that your kit will be linked to your account for rapid delivery of your results.

Collect your sample as directed in the instructions. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. After that, just package your sample using the materials provided and ship it back using the prepaid shipping label. Once the lab receives and processes your sample, you’ll receive your results online. This usually occurs within a few days.

What Happens Next?

Once you receive your STI results, what happens next? If your results are negative, you have peace of mind that you do not have an STI; however, it is important to continue regular testing as recommended.

If your results are positive, Everlywell will provide you with explanations and guidance based on your results. These results may necessitate meeting with a healthcare professional to discuss treatment options, get a prescription, or get further advice. You may be able to schedule a discrete telehealth appointment, or you may choose to meet with your own healthcare provider to discuss next steps.

How Do You Know Your Results Are Accurate?

At-home STI testing has become increasingly popular due to its convenience, privacy, and accessibility. However, testing is only as good as its accuracy. The most accurate at-home tests use laboratories that use the same quality controls as larger, in-person labs. Reputable at-home test companies, such as Everlywell, use the same laboratory testing methods as medical offices and clinics. These tests are highly accurate to avoid false positives or negatives.

There has been a significant increase in at-home testing options for a variety of health conditions, including STIs, over the past several years. This has, in part, been fueled by the need for respiratory virus testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The testing strategies developed are now being applied to a broader range of infections. The increase in widely available, accurate testing options may help decrease the spread of STIs by increasing regular testing and screening.

Take Control of Your Sexual Health With Everlywell

STIs can have a long-term impact on your health. If untreated, STIs can cause severe, long-term health conditions and, in some cases, can be life-threatening. It’s important to remember that birth control can help prevent pregnancy, but in most cases, it doesn’t protect against STIs, so regular testing is recommended based on your risk factors. Take charge of your sexual health. If you are concerned about STIs, Everlywell has several at-home lab tests to evaluate for STIs, as well as in-person lab tests. We also have clinicians who can provide telehealth visits to discuss your situation and give you advice on how to protect yourself.

At Everlywell, you come for the testing and stay for the guidance.