how to std test a male?

Different kinds of samples are used to test for STIs, including:

There are several different ways you can get checked for STDs:

You can get the Everlywell at-home STD Test by ordering online (shipping is free).

Wondering if you can treat STIs at home? Because of the potentially severe health consequences related to STIs if left untreated —or if not treated properly—do not try to treat an STI on your own. It’s very important to talk with your healthcare provider about treatment options if you test positive for an STI.

If you receive an abnormal test result, our independent physician network partner will contact you to schedule a consultation at no additional cost, so you can discuss your results with a board-certified physician in your state. When appropriate, and at the physician’s discretion, you may be offered a prescription for medication.

There are several different types of samples that STD tests can use. For example, urine tests use a sample of urine—while other tests might require a blood sample.

The Everlywell at-home STD Test for Men uses two sample types (a small blood sample and urine). The test does not require a swab.

Yes, this at-home lab test lets you check for chlamydia and gonorrhea—as well as trichomoniasis, and exposure to hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis.

Yes, oral sex is one kind of sexual contact that can increase the risk of getting or transmitting STDs like HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea. Using a physical barrier (like a condom or dam) during sexual activity can help reduce this risk, as well as making sure there aren’t any cuts in the mouth (like bleeding gums or lip sores) or sores on or near the genitals.

STD testing doesn’t have to take long! With the Everlywell at-home STD test, collecting your samples will typically take only a few minutes. You’ll usually get your test results several days after you send your samples to the lab for processing.

Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they don’t actually mean exactly the same thing. STD – or “sexually transmitted disease" – is a common term used to describe an infection that is passed on through sexual contact, and becomes a disease after a certain point of severity. STI stands for “sexually transmitted infection.” Many people, mostly within the medical community, have begun transitioning from “STD” to “STI” in an effort to clarify that not all sexually transmitted infections turn into a disease.

“Venereal disease” (or VD) is an old term for sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. So a “VD test” is simply another way of referring to an STD test.

There are a number of different STIs. To learn which ones you want to get tested for, talk with a doctor. They may encourage you to be tested for one or more of the following:

Your doctor probably won’t offer to test you for herpes unless you have a known exposure or ask for the test.

If you visit a doctor for an annual physical or sexual health checkup, don’t assume that your doctor will automatically test you for all STIs. Many physicians don’t regularly test patients for STIs. It’s important to ask your doctor for STI testing, and ask which tests they plan to do and why.

Taking care of your sexual health is nothing to be shy about. If you’re concerned about a particular infection or symptom, talk with a doctor. The more honest you are, the better treatment you can receive.

It’s important to get tested if you’re pregnant, as STIs can affect the fetus. Your doctor should screen for STIs, among other things, at your first prenatal visit.

Also, it’s important to get tested if you’ve experienced sexual assault or any other type of sexual violence. If you’re a survivor of sexual assault, seek care from a trained healthcare professional.

Organizations like the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) offer support for survivors of rape or sexual assault. You can call RAINN’s 24/7 national sexual assault hotline at 800-656-4673 for anonymous, confidential help. RAINN can also help you find local support if needed.

It’s also important to share your sexual health risk factors with your doctor. In particular, always tell them if you have anal sex.

Some anorectal STIs can’t be detected using standard STI tests. Your doctor might recommend an anal Pap smear to screen for precancerous or cancerous cells, which are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Also, tell your doctor about:

STD testing isn’t always part of your regular checkup or gynecologist exam. So make sure to ask for STD testing. Be honest with your nurse or doctor about your sex life, so they can help you figure out which tests are best for you.

Talking about STD testing might feel awkward, but try not to be embarrassed. Remember, doctors have seen and heard it all. Most people get an STD at least once in their lives, and getting tested is the responsible thing to do — it means you’re taking good care of your health.

Here are some ways you can bring up STD testing with a nurse or doctor:

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your regular doctor about STDs, you can always go to your nearest Planned Parenthood health center — judgment-free testing and treatment is our specialty.

Your nurse or doctor will help you figure out which tests you need. You’ll talk about:

This will help your nurse or doctor figure out which STD tests make the most sense for you. Make sure you’re open and honest with them, so you can get the care you need. Try not to feel embarrassed: Your doctor is there to help you, not to judge you.

STD testing is quick, easy, and it usually doesn’t hurt. There’s not a single test for all STDs — each STD has its own test. Your doctor can help you figure out which tests you need. STD testing may include:

You can get tested for most STDs whether or not you have any symptoms. Some STDs look and act alike, so you might be tested for a few different infections.

Your doctor may be able to tell right away if you have an STD. But some tests take a few days or weeks to come back from a lab. Many clinics can do rapid testing for HIV — you’ll get your result in about 20 minutes.

If you don’t hear back from your doctor after your STD test, don’t assume everything’s okay. Call them to find out for sure what your results are.

Finding out that you have an STD can be a bummer. You might feel mad, embarrassed, or upset at first. But try not to freak out — you’ll be okay and you’re not alone.

The best thing to do when you find out you have an STD is to follow your doctor’s directions for treating it. You should also tell anyone you’re having sex with, so they can get tested and treatment if they need it. It’s not the easiest conversation, but it’s an important one. Here are some tips to help.

Many STDs can be easily cured with medication, so you can just finish your treatment and get on with your life. And even though some STDs can’t be cured, there are lots of ways to treat your symptoms and prevent you from giving your STD to anyone you have sex with.

People with STDs can be in relationships, have sex, and live totally normal lives. Most people get an STD at least once, and millions are living with STDs now. Having an STD is nothing to feel ashamed of, and it doesn’t mean you’re “dirty” or a bad person — it just means you’re a pretty normal human who got an infection. The reality is that STDs can happen to anybody who’s ever been sexual with someone, which is almost everybody on earth. And a few STDs can be spread in non-sexual ways, too.

If you’re having a hard time dealing, leaning on your partner, a close friend, or family member may make you feel better. Counselors and therapists can also be sources of comfort — they’re trained to help you feel better, after all. There are also a lot of online and in-person support groups for people living with STDs, which can give you a safe place to talk with people who know what you’re going through.

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Hwang, MD on June 12, 2019

For home STI testing, you collect a urine sample or an oral or genital swab and then send it to a lab. Some tests need more than one sample.