How to Test for STDs: What You Need to Know

The CDC recommends that all adults get tested for STDs at least once, regardless of current sexual activity level or relationship status. More frequent testing is recommended for those who are sexually active with multiple partners, have unprotected sex, or have had an STD before.

It's also a good idea to get tested if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Genital warts
• Pain when urinating
• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
• Bleeding during or after sex
• Pain during sex
• Severe itching near the penis or vagina
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Muscle and joint aches and pains

When you talk to your healthcare provider about STD testing, they'll help determine which tests are right for you based on:

• Any symptoms you're experiencing
• Whether you or a partner has had an STD before
• The number of sexual partners you've had
• The types of sexual contact you've had (vaginal, anal, oral)
• How consistently you use protection like condoms
• Other risk factors, such as sharing needles

Being open and honest with your provider helps ensure you get the right tests—there's no judgment, just care.

There's no single way to get tested for STDs—your options depend on what you're testing for, your comfort level, and access to care. The two most common routes are testing at a clinic or doctor's office, and testing at home.

At a clinic or doctor's office

A healthcare provider can order STD tests based on your symptoms, sexual history, and risk factors. Testing may happen at a primary care office, sexual health clinic, Planned Parenthood, or community health center. Many of these offer low- or no-cost testing depending on insurance or income.

In-person testing is a good option if you have symptoms, want to discuss your results with a provider, or need tests for infections that require a physical exam (like herpes or HPV, which are diagnosed visually or via swab collected by a clinician).

At home

At-home STD tests work the same way as lab-based tests—you collect a sample yourself and send it to a certified lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days. Depending on the infection being tested for, at-home tests use one or more of the following sample types:

• Urine: You collect a sample by urinating into a cup.
• Blood: A quick finger prick lets you collect a small blood sample at home.
• Swab: You swab the inside of your cheek, genitals, or other areas depending on the test.

The Everlywell At-Home STD Test screens for 5 common sexually transmitted infections—chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, syphilis, and trichomoniasis—using a finger-prick blood sample plus a urine or vaginal swab. Everything you need is included in the kit, and results are delivered on our secure online platform, easy to read and ready to share with your healthcare provider.

The kind of sample used for screening depends on what STD you're getting tested for. Here's a breakdown of the sample types commonly used to test for different sexually transmitted infections.

• Chlamydia: Urine or genital swab
• Gonorrhea: Urine or genital swab
• Hepatitis C: Blood (via blood draw or finger prick)
• Herpes type 1 (HSV-1): Skin swab or blood (via blood draw or finger prick)
• Herpes type 2 (HSV-2): Skin swab or blood (via blood draw or finger prick)
• HIV: Blood (via blood draw or finger prick)
• Syphilis: Blood (via blood draw or finger prick) or skin swab — learn more about the Syphilis Test
• Trichomoniasis: Urine or genital swab (cervical swabs are sometimes collected for women) — learn more about the Trichomoniasis Test
• HPV: Vaginal swab or cervical swab

A sexually transmitted disease is transmitted through exposure to viruses or bacteria and parasites as a result of sexual contact. STDs that are spread through viruses include genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). STDs that are spread through bacteria include syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea—while trichomoniasis is spread through a parasite.

Sexual activity, including oral sex, with infected partners is the most common way people get STDs. The risk is highest for those who have unprotected sex, and for those who have more than one sexual partner.

Untreated STDs can increase the risk of several serious health problems. That’s why routine STD testing is key to staying healthy and reducing your risk for serious medical conditions. To protect your sexual health and reduce your risk of a sexually transmitted disease, use protection with every sexual partner and undergo regular STI testing.

Here are several health conditions associated with sexually transmitted infections.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Chlamydia and gonorrhea—the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections—are associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, which can eventually lead to fertility problems. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include pain in the lower abdomen, irregular menstrual bleeding, and pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse.

Infertility

STD-related infertility is almost always associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. In the U.S., gonorrhea and chlamydia cause infertility in approximately 24,000 women each year due to the way these infections slowly damage the reproductive organs. Symptoms of STD-related infertility include heavy or painful menstrual periods and dark or pale menstrual blood.

Heart Disease

Some STDs have been shown to increase the risk for heart disease and heart attack. A 2005 study conducted by the University of Wisconsin found that bacterial infections such as chlamydia can trigger inflammation and autoimmune reactions that lead to plaque buildup in arteries and an increased risk for heart attack (acute myocardial infarction). Symptoms of heart attack include shortness of breath; pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest; and lightheadedness or sudden dizziness.

Cervical Cancer

An estimated 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions are caused by HPV. About 90% of HPV infections clear on their own without intervention within 2 years, while the remaining 10% may eventually progress to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer rarely causes immediate symptoms, though some women may experience pelvic pain, irregular menstruation, and persistent back pain.

If your STD test results come back positive, talk with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss available treatment options. Treatment depends on the type of infection:

• Chlamydia – Curable with a course of antibiotics, most commonly azithromycin or doxycycline. Sexual partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection. [8]
• Gonorrhea – Curable with antibiotics, typically an injection of ceftriaxone. Due to growing antibiotic resistance, it's important to complete the full prescribed course and follow up as directed. [8]
• Syphilis – Curable with penicillin, particularly in its early stages. Later-stage syphilis may require additional doses or a longer course of treatment. [8]
• Trichomoniasis – Curable with a single dose of antibiotics, such as metronidazole or tinidazole. Both partners should be treated at the same time. [8]
• Genital herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) – There is no cure, but antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission. [8]
• HIV – There is no cure, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and preventing transmission to partners. [9]
• HPV – There is no treatment for the virus itself, but genital warts caused by HPV can be treated with topical medications or procedures. Regular screenings help detect and manage HPV-related cell changes early. [7]
• Hepatitis C – Curable in most cases with direct-acting antiviral medications, typically taken over 8–12 weeks. [10]

If your STD test results come back negative, continue taking steps to prevent STDs and reduce your risk as much as possible—such as using protection like condoms during sex.

How Much Does an STD Test Cost?

The cost of an STD test depends on factors such as the test method being used, the infections you’re getting tested for, the type of sexual health clinic you visit, and whether or not you have health insurance. Many clinics offer free STD test options for those with low income or no health insurance.

How Long Does an STD Test Take?

Most STD tests are relatively fast, and sample collection can be performed within a few minutes. If you want to be in and out of the clinic as quickly as possible, consider making an appointment instead of walking in, or take a convenient and discreet STD home test kit.

How Long Does an STD Test Take to Get Back?

How long does it take to get STD results back after testing? This can depend on factors like whether you got tested at a clinic or tested at home. In general, results should be available within several days after testing.

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