Question 1

Why take an STI/STD test?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who's sexually active should engage in regular STD testing, and we're excited to make testing easier and more discreet than ever before.

Question 2

What is the STI testing process like?

Accepted Answer

You can test for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs (which can progress to sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs) with an at-home lab test or at a clinic. For at-home lab testing with Everlywell, you collect a sample yourself and send it to a lab--and get your results online. This confidential testing makes it easy to get tested for STIs where you want and when you want. The type of sample you collect depends on what STIs you're testing for. Samples can include urine, blood (collected with an easy finger prick), or genital swabs.

Question 3

Why is routine STD testing for men and people with penises important?

Accepted Answer

Routine STI screening is important because it can help you detect sexually transmitted infections before they cause significant health issues like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and more. With our STD Test - 5 Panel, you can check for 5 common sexually transmitted infections from the convenience of your home.

Question 4

Can you check for STDs at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes--here's how to check for STDs at home: Collect your sample(s) using the supplies included in the kit. , Send your sample(s) to the lab using the prepaid shipping label. , Check your results online just days after your samples arrive at the lab.

Question 5

How often should I test for STDs?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of necessary testing really varies based on how sexually active you are and if you're currently outside of a monogamous relationship. The CDC recommends every 3-12 months depending on risk category, but most medical professionals would agree that a yearly STD test is the minimum responsible frequency and testing should be done more if--and when--you engage in unprotected sex with a new partner. Preventing the spread of STIs and STDs is everybody's responsibility.

Question 6

What are some common STI risk factors?

Accepted Answer

Common risk factors include: Age (15-24 year olds account for half of all new STIs per CDC); , Biological sex (those assigned female at birth are more biologically susceptible at the same age); , Sexual behaviors (unprotected sex heightens risk); , Substance use (alcohol/drugs linked with greater STI likelihood among sexually active people); , Sex partners (more partners = higher risk).

Question 7

How to know if you have an STD?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of ways to test for sexually transmitted diseases and infections. You can make an appointment with your healthcare provider, go to an STD clinic, or use an at-home lab test. Our at-home STD test gives you an accurate, confidential STD check that can help you discover if your symptoms may be the result of sexually transmitted infections--allowing you to get the right treatment as soon as possible.

Question 8

What will my results tell me?

Accepted Answer

This at-home STD test will accurately tell you whether you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, and whether you have been exposed to hepatitis C or syphilis. Once your sample is processed, you'll be notified via email that your results are ready through an easy-to-understand report on our secure online platform. If results are abnormal, a representative from our physician network will reach out to you.

Question 9

What guidance will I get along with my results?

Accepted Answer

This at-home STI test checks whether you test positive for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. If your results are abnormal, a board-certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your case and prescribe medication where applicable. In rare cases, testing may be unable to provide a definitive result--repeat testing is suggested.

Question 10

Will my results be shared with my state health department?

Accepted Answer

We take customer privacy very seriously. As is the case with all STI testing--whether through Everlywell lab tests or your healthcare provider--some positive results require a report to state health departments by law. This is only done to track infection prevalence. If you test positive for chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis C, or gonorrhea, Everlywell's physician network will report this data to your state health board for tracking.

Question 11

How do you test for STIs?

Accepted Answer

Different kinds of samples are used to test for STIs: Urine (can detect chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis); , Blood (finger prick or draw, detects hepatitis C and syphilis exposure); , Swabs (oral, anal, penile, and other swabs can check for some STIs).

Question 12

Where can I get checked for STDs?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways to get checked for STDs: Order an at-home STD test (like the Everlywell STD Test, which is HSA/FSA eligible); , Visit a health clinic near you; Go to your healthcare provider; , Check nearby retail stores that carry home STD tests. You can get the Everlywell at-home STD Test by ordering online with free shipping.

Question 13

Can you treat STIs on your own?

Accepted Answer

Do not try to treat an STI on your own. Because of potentially severe health consequences if left untreated or not treated properly, it's very important to talk with your healthcare provider about treatment options if you test positive. If you receive an abnormal result, our independent physician network will contact you to schedule a consultation at no additional cost and may offer a prescription for medication when appropriate.

Question 14

Does the Everlywell at-home STD Test - 5 Panel test for chlamydia and gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this at-home lab test lets you check for chlamydia and gonorrhea--as well as trichomoniasis and exposure to hepatitis C and syphilis.

Question 15

Can you get an STD through oral sex?

Accepted Answer

Yes, oral sex is one kind of sexual contact that can increase the risk of getting or transmitting STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea. Using a physical barrier (like a condom or dam) during sexual activity can help reduce this risk, as well as making sure there aren't any cuts in the mouth or sores on or near the genitals.

Question 16

How long does an STD test take?

Accepted Answer

STD testing doesn't have to take long! With the Everlywell at-home STD test, collecting your samples will typically take only a few minutes. You'll usually get your test results several days after you send your samples to the lab for processing.

Question 17

What is the difference between an STI and an STD?

Accepted Answer

Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they don't actually mean exactly the same thing. STD - or 'sexually transmitted disease' - is a common term used to describe an infection that is passed on through sexual contact, and becomes a disease after a certain point of severity. STI stands for 'sexually transmitted infection.' Many people, mostly within the medical community, have begun transitioning from 'STD' to 'STI' in an effort to clarify that not all sexually transmitted infections turn into a disease.

Question 18

How can STIs affect your health?

Accepted Answer

Sexually transmitted infections can harm your health, especially if they aren't detected early. In people with penises, STIs can cause infertility, body aches, fever, burning during urination, abnormal genital discharges, pelvic inflammatory disease, and more. In people with vaginas, STIs can lead to cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.

Question 19

Who should take this test?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of necessary testing really varies based on how sexually active you are... the test covers many common sexually transmitted infections including: Chlamydia; Gonorrhea; Hepatitis C; Syphilis; Trichomoniasis

Question 20

Is this STD test private and confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes -- your privacy is our top priority. Your test is shipped in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the test contents. Only you have access to your results through your secure online account. Everlywell is HIPAA-compliant and never sells your health data. Note: certain confirmed positive results are reported to your state health department as required by law.

Question 21

How accurate is the Everlywell at-home STD test?

Accepted Answer

Everlywell's STD tests are processed in CLIA-certified labs (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). This means they must meet high standards to obtain both state and federal certifications and submit themselves to regular inspections. All results are reviewed by a licensed clinician before being released to you.

Question 22

Can I use FSA or HSA funds for this test?

Accepted Answer

Yes -- the Everlywell STD Test - 5 Panel is FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) eligible. Simply select FSA/HSA as your payment method at checkout.

Question 23

Does this test check for HIV or herpes?

Accepted Answer

The STD Test - 5 Panel screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. It does not include HIV or herpes. If you'd like to test for HIV, consider the Everlywell STD Test for Men or STD Test for Women, which include HIV (1 & 2) testing as part of a broader panel.