Our STI testing kits are designed for people who don't have symptoms. It's a quick and discreet way to check on your sexual health.

You can use your STI testing kit at home, and it will be posted to you in discreet packaging. Once the lab receives the samples you post back in the provided envelope, you'll have results in 3 working days.

Please note STI test kits are NOT available for ParcelShop or store collection.

Our STI testing service is for patients who have NO symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms, then you should NOT use this service.

Our only exception to this policy is patients who are suffering from unusual vaginal discharge. If this is the case, please let us know during your consultation.

You may need different tests, treatment and an examination to rule out a complication. You should visit your local sexual health clinic or GP.

Symptoms include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvis, testicles or penis
• Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
• Discomfort, discharge or bleeding from the rectum

If you're sexually active, it's recommended that you get your sexual health checked regularly.

We recommend you get tested if you:

• Have a new sexual partner
• Have more than one sexual partner
• Have had sex without a condom
• Are worried you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection 

Don't worry about wasting anyone's time with an STI test if you think you need it. Most STIs can be treated or managed effectively, but only if you know about them. Staying healthy means your sexual partner can too.

For some people, going to the GP or a sexual health clinic can be inconvenient or uncomfortable – all of our tests can be taken at home.

Depending on the tests you request, you may be directed to:

• take a swab (from your vagina or throat - and rectum if using an MSM test kit)
• give a urine sample
• give a finger-prick blood sample

The test kit will come with all the equipment you need, plus instructions for how to self-test safely and accurately.

Once you've received your results from our lab partners, our clinicians can then advise on the best course of action. If you test positive for chlamydia or trichomonas you may be suitable for free treatment.

Taking the samples for the tests shouldn't hurt, and they can all be done in privacy at home. If you have any questions about how to take the samples for the tests, send us a message via your Patient Record.

MSM tests are specifically designed for men who have sex with men. We offer tests for syphilis and HIV (blood test) as well as chlamydia and gonorrhoea at 3 sites:

• throat (swab)
• penis (urine sample)
• rectum (swab)

Our clinicians will contact you via your Patient Record with your test results. If your test shows markers for HIV, we will call you to discuss the results. If you test positive for chlamydia or trichomonas, we can provide free STI treatment for the infection, if you are clinically suitable.

For other positive results, we will advise you on where to seek treatment and support or counselling, if you want it.

Getting a positive result when you don’t have the STI you’re testing for is possible. We provide reliable accredited tests; however, no test is 100% accurate all the time. Unfortunately, there will be a small number of people who have a false positive result when using an at-home STI test.

If you’re unsure about your test result visit your local sexual health clinic for a second STI test.

If you have an STI, it’s important not to panic and seek out proper treatment. Do not have sex until you have fully completed treatment. If you’re unsure which treatment is suitable for your STI, talk to a GP or sexual health clinic, or consult our table of available treatment options:

*There is no cure for genital herpes. Treatment is used to lessen the amount (or severity) of outbreaks.

For other STIs, treatment options include:

• Gonorrhoea - Antibiotic injection
• Syphilis - Antibiotic injections, tablets or capsules
• Trichomoniasis - Metronidazole

“Always finish the course of treatment prescribed for you or it may not work properly. It’s important to not have sex - including oral sex - until you and your partner (or partners) have finished treatment.” - Dr Bhavini Shah

Your GP can test and treat you for a range of STIs confidentially. If you're not comfortable going to your regular doctor, you can also visit an NHS sexual health service for information, support, testing and treatment. Find your closest one here.

If you notice something unusual, or you think you have been exposed to an STI, there is no shame in getting tested – and it's never a waste of time.