How does an STI test work?
How does an STI test work?
Not sure if you have an STI? Then it's advisable to take an STI test to get certainty. An STI test is a medical test done to detect possible STIs. We can hear you thinking: but how exactly does an STI test work? In this article, we'll go over the different types of STI tests and how they're done.
Whether you're doing an STI test for the first time or have been tested before, this article will help you better understand how an STI test works and why it's important to get tested for STIs regularly.
How do you prepare for an STI test?
Do you want to be tested for one or more STIs? First, it's important to know which STIs you want to be tested for and, of course, which tests are needed. Not sure which test you need? Do our free STI test guide so you can be sure to choose an STI test that suits your needs. It's also important not to be sexually active for a certain period of time so as not to affect the test results.
How does an STI test work: when to take a urine test or vaginal swab test?
The sample needed for your STI test varies for each STI and depends on your risk. For bacterial STIs like chlamydia,gonorrhea and trichomonas you test the area of your body where the sexual contact took place, such as:
- the throat
- the vagina
- the penis
- the anus
How does an STI test work for men?
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas and mycoplasma genitalium tests are done with a urine sample.
How does an STI test work for women?
You take a sample from the vagina (also called a swab test). Have you had sex with your mouth (oral sex) or in your anus (anal sex)? Then you can be tested for bacterial STIs by taking a swab from the throat or anus.
Other STIs
HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are detected with a blood test.
Taking an STI test yourself?
Soapoli-online offers a finger prick test so that you can collect blood at home. You send the blood sample to the lab for testing. The same goes for STI tests done with a urine test or swab test. You can collect the sample yourself very easily using the clear instructions you get when you order or pick up one of our completely reliable STI tests.
Does taking an STI test yourself hurt?
Taking an STI test yourself does not hurt. It's done like this: a vaginal test for women is done by briefly wiping inside the vagina with a cotton swab from the test kit. Anal or throat testing is also done by wiping the area with a cotton swab. Men collect a urine sample.
Want to take a blood test for HIV, syphilis or hepatitis? With a finger prick test, you can collect blood at home. You'll feel the prick, but it's not painful. Some people can feel nervous though, so take your time.
Is a physical examination needed?
If you have no symptoms and want to test yourself for an STI, then a physical examination is not needed. However, if you have skin problems or warts, then we advise you to see your doctor to get these checked out. Soapoli-online does not perform physical examinations. With skin problems, it's important to get checked to protect yourself and prevent things getting worse.
Soapoli-online video instructions
Need more information on how to take an STI test yourself? Soapoli-online is here for you! On the Soapoli-online YouTube channel you'll find videos of all our sample collection instructions, including blood collection. So you'll know exactly how to take the STI test yourself. Watch all videos on YouTube
Soapoli-online is here for you
We, Klazien and Marlous, are here to help you answer your STI questions as quickly as possible. We use our years of experience as STI nurses to advise, guide and help you as well and as quickly as we can. After all, we think it's very important that you - as a Soapoli-online customer - are offered the best possible care when it comes to an STI.
In 2011, we started Soapoli-online to help people reliably test for STIs without having to go to the doctor or other health care provider. Since then, we have helped about 50,000 people every year for more than 10 years. Could we also help you with appropriate testing advice?
Our laboratory tests
Did you do an STI test from Soapoli-online? Then you can send it to the laboratory. Soapoli-online works with the German Medical Laboratories Dr. Stein & Colleagues. This lab is ISO-certified and has an office in the Netherlands. All our tests go here and are analyzed according to guidelines. Following the test instructions and window periods is essential. Want to know more about what types of test are offered? Read about the quality of our STI tests.
Safe and reliable with Soapoli-online!
Not sure you have an STI? Choose an STI test kit from Soapoli-online. All our test kits are reliable and can be ordered completely anonymously. Soapoli-online works with the Dr. STEIN laboratory to test the samples. This is an ISO-certified lab that delivers very fast results with the best quality. So the reliability of your test result is guaranteed. We will do everything we can to help you, so that you can get certainty quickly.