STI testing kits

The importance of being tested

We understand that it can sometimes be embarrassing and inconvenient to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With a testing kit from Prescription Doctor, you can test yourself for the most common infection from the privacy of your home.

Our testing kits screen for a variety of different conditions and come with everything you need to perform a safe test, including instructions and a free post envelope.

How often should I get tested for STIs?

It is recommended to get tested for STIs every time you change sexual partners. If you are within a high-risk group for HIV, you should be regularly screened for the disease.

If you are sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship, you should get tested regularly, regardless of whether you believe you have been exposed to an infection.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be asymptomatic, meaning that you may not experience any symptoms while infected. You could accidentally pass the infection on to other people without knowing. These asymptomatic infections can only be detected through an STI test.

If undetected and consequently left untreated, some STIs can cause serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infertility.

Which STIs can the test kit detect?

The STI test kit can screen for:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• HIV
• HPV
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Syphilis

Home STI testing kits are as accurate as those you would receive from a hospital or sexual health clinic on the NHS. So long as you follow the instructions enclosed with the kit, you can expect the same level of accuracy.

How do the STI tests work?

STI testing kits allow you to test for various sexually transmitted infections in the privacy of your own home.

There are many different methods of gathering samples. Depending on the STI you are testing for. You may be required to provide one or more of the following:

• Blood sample
• Oral swab
• Rectal swab
• Urine sample
• Vaginal swab

The STI test kits are very easy to use and come with detailed instructions on collecting the sample(s) and posting them to our partnered laboratory.

Once the lab has tested your sample, your results will be made available to you via your login portal on the Prescription Doctor website.

If you take an HIV test that returns positive, our online doctor can offer confidential support and advice.

Where will I find my results?

Upon receipt of your results, we will contact you via your preferred method (email or text) to inform you that your results are available to view.

You will be able to access your results via your Prescription Doctor account. Log in to your account area to see the results.

What should I do if I receive a positive result?

If your test returns positive, contact a health professional as soon as possible to get the support and treatment you need.

Additional resources

FAQs about our home testing kits