Where to get std screening

Visiting a clinic is the best choice for screening, but if privacy concerns, inconvenience, or limited access to a provider are issues, then online and home-to-lab STD screening tests may be a good option. Home STD testing kits can be ordered online or purchased at a pharmacy.

The kits require an oral or genital swab or the collection of a urine or blood sample or both , which then go to a laboratory for analysis. Results are returned by phone, through the mail, or published anonymously and securely online. Patel says. There is also, unfortunately, still some stigma attached to screening, so the home test offers some level of privacy for those who are reluctant to visit their doctor or go to a screening clinic.

The tests themselves seem reliable enough, Dr. Patel says, but the concern is that people testing at home may not be collecting a good sample to send the labs. However, most tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea require vaginal swabs or urine samples. Testing should be repeated as needed to protect the health of mothers and their infants.

All sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should be: Tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently e. Tested at least once a year for hepatitis C, if living with HIV. Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year. People who have had oral or anal sex should talk with their healthcare provider about throat and rectal testing options.

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Show references Ghanem KG, et al. Screening for sexually transmitted infections. Accessed June 12, Screening recommendations and considerations referenced in the STD treatment guidelines and original sources. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hunter P, et al. Screening and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Primary Care Clinics — Office Practice. Wein AJ, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases. In: Campbell-Walsh Urology. Philadelphia, Pa.

Accessed June 10,