Skip to main content
I need a test
I have symptoms
I was exposed
I tested positive
Prevention
Conditions

50 articles

STD Testing Guides

How, when and where to get tested: labs, clinics and home kits.

Getting tested is simpler than most people expect. You can order a private lab panel online, use an at-home kit, or walk into a free clinic, often without ever seeing a doctor. These guides cover which test to get, how long to wait after exposure for an accurate result, what it costs, and how to keep the whole thing private.

STD Testing Guides articles

Latest in std testing guides

Anal Pap Smear: HPV & Anal Cancer Screening for MSM

An anal Pap smear (anal cytology) collects cells from the anal canal with a soft swab to look for HPV-related precancer. It's not a blanket CDC recommendation - current US guidance found the evidence

Read the guide

RPR vs FTA-ABS: Syphilis Blood Tests Explained

RPR and FTA-ABS are two blood tests that work together to diagnose syphilis. The RPR is a nontreponemal screening test that detects the body's general reaction to infection and falls with treatment.

How Often Should You Get Tested for STDs?

Most sexually active adults should screen for STIs at least once a year, and every 3 to 6 months if you have new or multiple partners, condomless sex, or share injection equipment. Test based on your

STD Testing After Anal Sex: Rectal Swabs Explained

After receptive anal sex, the test that catches infection at the site of exposure is a rectal NAAT - a small swab of the rectum for chlamydia and gonorrhea - plus a blood draw for HIV and syphilis.

Do I Need a Pap or HPV Test? Cervical Screening by Age

Cervical cancer screening has changed - HPV tests now lead, and you can even collect the sample at home. Tell us your age and we'll give your recommendation: when to start, which test, how often, and when you can stop.

Do You Still Need STI Testing After 50?

STIs are climbing faster in older adults than almost any other group - yet doctors rarely ask and symptoms get blamed on aging. Answer one question about where you are now for a clear, CDC-based testing recommendation.

STI Testing in Pregnancy: What & When

Prenatal STI screening protects your baby - but which tests, and at which visit, depends on your stage, age, and risk. Build your personalized CDC-based checklist so you know what to expect and can ask for anything that's missing.

STI Screening for Transgender & Nonbinary People

Trans and nonbinary STI screening follows your anatomy and what you do, not your gender identity. Answer three private questions to build an affirming, CDC-based testing list you can take to a provider.

Hepatitis B Window Period and How Soon to Test

Hepatitis B has a long window: HBsAg, the marker of active infection, usually becomes detectable within several weeks of exposure, but symptoms average about 90 days out (range 60–150 days) CDC. For a

How Often Should Gay & Bi Men Get STI Tested?

For sexually active gay and bisexual men, the CDC recommends STI testing at least once a year, and every 3 to 6 months if you have multiple or anonymous partners, use recreational drugs during sex, or are on PrEP CDC.