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What STIs Can You Test for at Home?

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Understanding Which Infections You Can Detect Without Visiting a Clinic

At-home STI testing has become a popular and reliable option for people who want to manage their sexual health discreetly and on their own time. With the right provider, you can test for many of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without visiting a clinic or sharing sensitive information with your insurance provider. But not all STIs are suitable for at-home screening — and not all kits are created equal. Here’s a closer look at what you can (and can’t) test for at home, and how to do it safely and effectively.

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STIs You Can Reliably Test for at Home

Thanks to lab-certified collection methods and partnerships with CLIA-certified labs, at-home testing providers can now screen for a wide range of STIs using urine, blood (finger-prick), or vaginal swab samples. These include:

  • Chlamydia — One of the most common STIs, often asymptomatic. Easily detected with urine or swab samples.
  • Gonorrhea — Typically tested alongside chlamydia. Also detected via urine or vaginal swab.
  • Trichomoniasis — A parasitic infection that can be screened using urine or swab tests.
  • Syphilis — Requires a blood test to detect antibodies. Most at-home kits use a finger-prick method.
  • HIV (Types 1 & 2) — Modern tests use blood samples to detect antibodies and/or antigens. At-home testing is available with physician-reviewed results.
  • Herpes (HSV-2, sometimes HSV-1) — Blood testing for HSV-2 antibodies is common in multi-panel kits.
  • Hepatitis C — Also detectable via finger-prick blood sample and offered in some full-panel kits.
  • Mycoplasma genitalium — An emerging STI that can be included in more advanced panels.
  • HPV (for women 30+) — Some providers offer vaginal swab-based HPV screening for high-risk strains.

Most of these tests are offered individually or bundled in panels, like the 5-panel or 14-panel kits available from myLAB Box.

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What Can’t You Test for at Home?

While at-home testing has made huge strides, there are still some limitations. Certain infections require a clinician-collected sample, physical exam, or diagnostic procedure that can’t be replicated at home:

  • Genital warts / visible lesions — These need to be visually examined and may require a biopsy or in-clinic swab.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — A complication of untreated STIs that must be diagnosed in person.
  • Oral/rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea — Most at-home tests focus on genital infections only. Oral and rectal testing usually requires special swabs and clinical guidance.
  • STIs requiring immediate treatment — If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, it’s better to visit a provider directly.

That said, many people begin their screening process with a general home panel, then follow up in person if additional care is needed.

Are At-Home STI Tests Accurate?

Yes — when used correctly and purchased from a reputable provider, at-home STI tests are highly accurate. myLAB Box, for example, partners with CLIA-certified laboratories and uses the same testing methods you’d find in a clinic. Just make sure to follow all instructions closely, use your sample collection materials promptly, and return your kit using the prepaid packaging provided.

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Benefits of At-Home STI Testing

There are many reasons people choose to test from home, including:

  • Privacy — No clinic visit, no waiting room, and no awkward conversations.
  • Convenience — Order online and test on your schedule.
  • Affordability — Self-pay pricing is often lower than clinic costs if you’re uninsured.
  • Comprehensive panels — Easily test for multiple infections at once.
  • Follow-up support — myLAB Box includes telehealth consults with many positive results.

Choosing the Right Test Kit

If you’re not sure where to start, a bundled panel is often the best value. For example:

  • 5-Panel Kit — Covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, trich, HIV, and syphilis.
  • 8-Panel Kit — Adds herpes and hepatitis C.
  • 14-Panel Kit — Adds mycoplasma, HPV (women), and other emerging infections.

These kits can be ordered directly from the myLAB Box website or through Amazon, and arrive in discreet packaging with everything you need.

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Final Thoughts

At-home STI testing is a safe, effective, and increasingly popular way to stay on top of your sexual health. You can test for most of the infections that matter — all without leaving your house. Whether you’re looking for routine peace of mind, testing between partners, or exploring symptoms discreetly, home kits offer a reliable solution.

Just make sure to choose a trusted provider like myLAB Box, follow the instructions carefully, and take action on your results if needed. Testing doesn’t have to be complicated — and now, it doesn’t even have to leave your mailbox.

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