Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

A. STDs, also known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, are transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use, or nonsexual contact such as childbirth or breastfeeding. Having unprotected sex with someone infected with an STD will more than likely lead to an infection. Examples of STDs include gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, chlamydia, and hepatitis. If you believe you may be infected with an STD, you need to get tested immediately. Call 1-800-456-2323 to speak to one of our Care Advisors or chat with us live.

Q. Do I have a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

A. STDs are more common than most people believe. Some STDs do not show symptoms, so the only way to confirm that you are infected is to get tested. You can unknowingly be infected and transmit STDs to others. You are at risk if you have come in contact with an STD-infected person.

Q. Should I get tested for an STD even though I do not show symptoms?

A. Yes. If you have engaged in unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex, getting tested for STDs is important. Although many STD infections do not show symptoms, it is still possible to spread them. Getting tested will put you at ease and help you begin any needed treatment.

Q. Where can I get STD testing?

A. We have over 4,500 nationwide testing locations that provide fast, confidential STD tests. Call 1-800-456-2323 or order online from our list of FDA-approved tests.

Q. How do you test for STDs?

A. Our chlamydia and gonorrhea tests are performed using a urine sample. HIV, oral herpes, genital herpes, hepatitis A, B, and C, and syphilis tests are performed using a blood sample. Samples are drawn at one of our testing centers with no paperwork to fill out or embarrassing questions to answer.

Q. What differentiates STDcheck.com from other testing services?

1. We are the only online STD testing service provider that offers the FDA-approved HIV RNA Early Detection test.
2. The HIV RNA test that we offer yields conclusive results 9-11 days after exposure to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus; other HIV tests are not conclusive until 1-3 months post-exposure.
3. We are the only STD testing service that offers STD tests for minors ages 16-17 years without parental consent.
4. Only STDcheck.com provides your test results in 1-2 days.
5. We are the only testing service that includes hepatitis A in our comprehensive STD Test Panel.

Q. What are the symptoms of STDs?

A. Common STD symptoms include sores on the genitals, discharge, itching, a burning sensation during urination, dark or smelly urine, strange rashes or spots on your body, bumps, blisters, warts, or lesions on the genitals, unusual odors, and white spots in your pubic hair. Remember: Many STDs do not show symptoms.

Q. Which STD test do I need?

A. If you are at risk for one STD, you are at risk for all STDs. Our comprehensive 10 Test Panel checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, oral herpes, genital herpes, HIV-1, HIV-2, hepatitis A, B, & C, and syphilis. Use our personalized STD Test Recommendation Tool to build a test panel that is right for you.

Q. Do I need a physical exam to get tested for STDs?

A. No, all of our STD tests are performed using a small blood or urine sample. There is no swabbing or physician examination necessary.

Q. Is there anything I need to know or do before visiting a test center?

A. If you are taking a urine test, try not to urinate for at least an hour before the test in order to ensure sufficient sample size. Otherwise, you don’t need to do anything to prepare for your STD test.

Q. How soon will my test results be available?

A. Most results are available 1 to 2 days after you visit the testing center. Certain states have regulations requiring additional processing time. Call us anytime at 1-800-456-2323 for an update on the status of your results.

Q. Are STDs curable?

A. Most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are curable if detected early though some, like HIV and herpes, can only be managed.

Q. Can I get the same STD multiple times?

A. Yes. Treatment for an STD does not protect you from contracting the same or other STDs in the future. You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex regardless of whether you have had treatment in the past. Re-infections are common if you fail to complete your prescribed treatment. It is also possible to have more than one STD at a time.

Q. How long should I wait after exposure to test for STDs?

A. STDs have different development cycles, so the waiting period differs. Testing for all of the most common STDs (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, oral and genital herpes, and hepatitis A, B, and C) is the best way to ensure a clean bill of health. If you are unsure about the best time to test for any STD, call our trained Care Advisors at 1-800-456-2323. They are available to assist you 24/7.

Q. Can I access my STD test results on my mobile phone?

A. Yes, your results are sent in a PDF format attached to your results email. Most smartphones can open and display PDF files.

Q. Do you accept health insurance?

A. No. We do not accept health insurance to protect your privacy. When you use health insurance to pay for STD testing services, your insurance company is automatically notified.

Q. What will the charge appear as on my credit card monthly statement?

A. To protect your privacy, our charge will appear as "Health Labs" on your statement.

Q. What is your cancellation policy?

A. You may cancel your order any time before your visit to the test center. Refunds will be issued within 24-48 hours of cancellation minus a 20% cancellation fee.

All cancellation requests after 21 days of purchase will be given credit for future testing.

Q. How many people have Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 25% of the U.S. population have tested positive for STDs. This figure could actually be higher due to people who are infected but have not been tested. Many STDs, such as pubic lice (crabs), can be treated at home. Other STDs, like HPV and herpes, are not required to be reported.

Q. I am monogamous, but tested positive for an STD. Did my partner cheat on me?

A. Not necessarily. Some STDs can remain dormant and show no symptoms for years. If you are in a monogamous relationship, have not cheated on your partner, and recently tested positive for an STD, it could be due to an STD you have had for a long time without knowing. It is possible that your partner did not cheat on you.

Q. Is there a way I can avoid contracting STDs?

A. Yes, you can avoid contracting STDs by abstaining from unprotected sexual intercourse and intravenous drug use. Being in a monogamous relationship helps minimize the incidence of infections, but does not provide any guarantees. Getting tested annually and being aware of you and your partner's sexual health can help you know if you are STD-positive. Getting treatment for any STDs you may contract helps you become STD- free.

Q. Can I get an STD if I am a virgin?

A. Yes, it is possible to get an STD even if you are not sexually active. STDs like oral herpes and HPV can be transmitted through kissing or oral sex. Abstaining from all kinds of sexual activity and intravenous drug use are the only ways to completely avoid contracting an STD.

Q. Do Condoms prevent all STDs?

A. Latex or polyurethane condoms help prevent transmission of most STDs but even condoms are not 100% guaranteed to prevent all infections.

Q. Is a Cold Sore a symptom of Herpes?

A. Yes. Cold sores are a symptom of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (Herpes 1). They are easily transmitted through kissing or oral sex.

Q. Can STDs be transmitted through kissing?

A. Though some STDs like Herpes-1 can be transmitted through mouth-to-mouth contact, most STDs are transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Q. Is there a difference between HIV and AIDS?

A. HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the virus responsible for causing AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). There is a difference between being HIV positive and having AIDS. Many patients diagnosed with HIV may not develop full-blown AIDS for many years. HIV, once contracted, attacks a person's immune system and over time may cause the person to become ill with other diseases due to a weak immune system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an AIDS patient as someone that develops other illnesses as a result of the weakening of their immune system from HIV. These could include persons with T-cell or CD4+ count of less than 200. If you suspect an HIV infection, the first step is to get confirmation through proper testing. You also need to see a doctor to properly diagnose your condition.

Q. Why should I trust STDcheck.com to perform these STD tests and provide results?

A. Our tests are FDA-approved and the labs are CLIA-certified. Our testing processes have been thoroughly vetted by medical diagnostic experts to ensure they meet and exceed all lab testing standards for accuracy, integrity and confidentiality. Our testing methods are closely supervised for quality control. You can use our STD testing services with confidence. We offer guaranteed private STD testing. Call us today at 1-800-456-2323.