Although sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can feel a little awkward to talk about and may not be the sexiest topic to bring up with your partner, they can have significant health consequences and should never be ignored. STIs are incredibly common, impacting millions of Americans each year. In many cases, individuals do not have the telltale signs and symptoms of STIs — itchy genitals, unusual discharge, or warts, to name a few. As a result, regular testing for STIs, especially if you have multiple partners and engage in unprotected sex, is important for the health and safety of yourself and those you have sex with.
Key takeaways
- Everyone who has unprotected sex is at risk of contracting an STI and should receive regular STI testing.
- In most cases, STIs do not produce symptoms, so many people may not know they have an STI.
- There are many STI testing methods, including at-home testing options, that make it easy to access a test.
- At-home STI testing is a great option for those who want to maintain the privacy of testing at home and receive their results quickly.
STI 101
Before diving into the details of how at-home STI testing works, here’s a refresher on what STIs are, which ones are most common, how to prevent getting an STI, and how they can impact your health in the long term (even if you’re asymptomatic).
STIs
According to the World Health Organization, there are over 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are known to be transmitted through sexual contact. The most common STIs are human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, syphilis, hepatitis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
STI prevention
The most effective prevention method is abstinence but, for many, it is not the most realistic or preferred option. Luckily, there are several actions you can take to reduce your risk of getting an STI while still having some fun in the bedroom.
- Engage in sex with one uninfected partner
More partners equals more chances of contracting an STI. Individuals in long-term monogamous relationships cut down their risk of getting an STI significantly when they know their partner does not have an STI. Testing before having sex with any new partners can reduce your risk if you do engage in sex with multiple people.
- Use a condom correctly
When used correctly, latex condoms are very effective at reducing the risk of passing along or receiving an STI. Never reuse a condom and avoid oil-based lubricants, which can cause the condom to deteriorate.
- Avoid sexual activity when under the influence
Excessive drug and alcohol use can impair decision-making and lead to riskier sex. Communication — which is critical for safe sex — often breaks down when under the influence.
The importance of testing
Anyone who has unprotected sex is at risk of getting an STI, and you shouldn’t assume you don’t have one if you don’t have any symptoms. Regular testing is especially important if you or your partner are having sex with other people. While receiving a positive diagnosis for any STI can be stressful, it’s important to catch it as early as possible to begin treatment and engage in safe-sex practices. Also, some STIs, like HIV, are easier to treat when caught in the earliest stages.
When left untreated, an STI can lead to long-term health consequences — so even if it isn’t causing any problems now, it doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. For example, pelvic inflammatory disease, resulting from gonorrhea and chlamydia, can scar the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility. HPV has also been connected to several cancers, including cervical, penile, anal, vaginal, and vulvar.
STI testing methods
STI tests screen for various sexually transmitted infections and usually involve taking a blood sample, urine sample, or genital swab, depending on which STI you’re receiving a test for. Talking to a health professional can help you determine which STIs to test for based on your risk levels and sexual activity. Generally, these tests are painless, although some swab tests may lead to temporary discomfort. You can receive an STI test in an office by visiting a community health clinic, your doctor, or a local Planned Parenthood.
At-home STI testing
At-home STI tests offer a reliable alternative method to testing for those who prefer the privacy of testing from home. Companies like Legacy offer at-home STI testing kits that test for the most commonly transmitted STIs. You can order the at-home test online and receive free shipping for fast and affordable results.
With at-home testing, you provide a urine sample and finger prick blood sample. The results are shared on a confidential dashboard, along with an explanation of the results. While some in-person clinics take days or weeks to return results, Legacy’s at-home STI testing returns them in as little as 48 hours. You’ll also receive a PDF of the results to share with your physician if you need treatment.
STI testing cost
There are several factors that impact how much you will need to pay to get an STI test, including your income, your health insurance coverage, which STIs you test for, and where you get tested.
For the most affordable options, many community and non-profit clinics offer free STI testing. If you have health insurance, the cost is also likely to be low as most private insurance plans and public health insurance programs provide coverage for STI screening and counseling.
Without insurance, STI testing can cost upwards of $300 for office visits and lab fees. At-home testing kits, like the one offered by Legacy, cut down the cost to around $150.
STI testing when trying to conceive
When trying to conceive, individuals must partake in unprotected sex. This can lead to an increased risk of getting an STI. Both partners should take an STI test prior to conceiving to ensure they are not at risk of spreading an STI and do not have an undiagnosed STI that could impact their fertility. STIs can affect the fertility of one or both partners trying to conceive.
Importantly, untreated STIs can also have health consequences for the pregnancy and the unborn baby. Identifying and testing for the STIs that can be passed on to the baby — syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, genital herpes, and HIV — can help you treat the infection early and reduce the risk of transmitting it to your baby.
Complications from untreated STIs can lead to challenges during delivery, including preterm labor and low birth weight, miscarriage, and stillbirth. As a result, STI testing is recommended throughout the pregnancy. At-home STI testing provides an easy and convenient option.
Removing the stigmatization and increasing accessibility
STI testing empowers individuals to take control of their sexual health. Although STI testing can seem stigmatized, it shouldn’t be. Testing can be easy and confidential, and many STIs are highly treatable. At-home STI testing is a great option for those who want to maintain the privacy of testing at home. Given how common STIs are, you may want to consider taking an at-home STI test if you are experiencing infertility and having trouble conceiving. Although there are many factors that can lead to infertility, with at-home STI testing, you can be sure that an STI isn’t one of them.