STD Test

The form of STD testing (STI testing) differs from test to test. The majority of STDs (STIs) can be detected with a urine sample, but some require a physical examination of the genitals, along with a blood test. Some STDs, such as genital herpes and syphilis, can be detected using a swab test. It is now possible to order a number of STD tests online in the UK, eliminating the need to visit a doctor in person.

Where can I order an STD test?

LabsDirect offers a range of STD tests for eight of the most common STIs in the UK, including a Full STI Screen Test which is able to test for all eight in one go. You can order these STI home tests here at LabsDirect today. For more detailed information on each test, or the infection it detects, you can click on the relevant link to the right of this page.

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Do I need to take an STD test?

We recommend that you take a test if you have recently had unprotected sex, as this means you could have contracted an STI. STIs can spread through anal and oral sex as well as through vaginal sex if protection is not used.

We also advise that you take a second STD test after you have finished a course of treatment for an STI to ensure the infection has been completely cleared.

Why take an STD test?

STD testing (STI testing) is important because many STIs can lead to serious health complications if they are left untreated. Such complications can include prostatitis and epididymitis in men, pelvic inflammatory disease in women and infertility in both sexes.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that STIs have very obvious symptoms, but this is usually not the case. In actual fact, the majority of STIs are actually asymptomatic, meaning there is no way to know you are infected without taking an STD test. When symptoms do occur, they can sometimes be mistaken for a different illness or infection and so the right treatment is not sought. The best thing to do is to take an STD test (STI test) if you have had unprotected sex, even if you are not displaying any visible symptoms, to ensure that you are not infected.

What is the process of STD testing?

If you order a test from LabsDirect, you will be sent the relevant test through the post. You will find contained in the package a home test kit, which includes a specimen tube or swabs depending on whether it is a urine sample test or a swab test, a transport cup and a prepaid envelope. Once you have taken the sample, you will need to then send it to our laboratory using the transport cup provided. The sample will then be processed by the laboratory and the results will be made available to you online.

What happens if I receive a positive result from my STD test?

You do not need to panic if your result comes back positive. The vast majority of STIs are completely curable, and even those that are not can be managed and treated by antiviral medications. If you order your test through LabsDirect, we will be able to recommend the medication you need if you receive a positive result. In some cases, the infection can be cured with a one-off dose of antibiotics.

It is recommended that you contact any sexual partners you have had that may have contracted the infection as they may not be aware that they are infected. Though this can be awkward or embarrassing, it is important to do this so they are able to get tested as well.

How do I minimise the risk of contracting an STD (STI)?

Always use protection when you are engaging in sexual activity, whether it is vaginal, oral or anal sex, especially if you are doing so with a new partner. If you are sexually active, it is advisable to take a regular annual STD test (STI Test), particularly if you have multiple partners.