Put your mind at rest with an extended STI test to check for all the common sexually transmitted infections

What does this test kit include?

The extended STI test kit allows you to collect samples and post it to the lab discreetly. Your samples will be tested for all of the following infections:

• Genital chlamydia
• Genital gonorrhoea
• Herpes
• Mycoplasma
• Trichomonas
• Ureaplasma
• Gardnerella vaginalis

How does the test work?

The extended test does not include analysis for the above infections in your throat or the anus. The test will also not detect herpes unless the swab was taken directly from an active lesion. If you are worried about having contracted herpes, we suggest taking a specific herpes STI test using a swab of the area when symptoms are present. Our extended STI uses PCR technology which is a highly accurate method of amplifying a tiny sequence of DNA to see if the infection is present.

How reliable is this test kit?

The test kit uses the same technology as the NHS so the results are just as accurate. If the test kit or the samples are compromised then this can interfere with the results. If your kit arrives damaged or you accidentally drop or touch the sterile equipment then let us know so that we can send you a fresh kit free of charge. 

Herpes can only be picked up if an active lesion is swabbed. A negative result for herpes, therefore, does not mean you are definitely not a carrier of the herpes virus. 

Symptoms of STIs

Sexually transmitted infections don't always produce symptoms so it's possible to have one without knowing. The majority of women with chlamydia don't experience any symptoms. Chlamydia may produce the following symptoms: 

• An unusual discharge from the penis or vagina 
• Irregular vaginal bleeding 
• Burning or discomfort during urination 
• Lower abdominal pain 
• Pain during or after sex for women

Gonorrhoea causes similar symptoms but discharge is typically green or yellow in colour and it may have a fishy smell. 90% of men will experience symptoms and around 50% of women. 

Genital herpes causes small red blisters to appear around the genitals. These will then burst, leaving painful open sores that over time scab over and disappear. You may also experience a tingling, itchy sensation and pain or discomfort during urination. Genital herpes lies dormant in the body, occasionally flaring up, and can be transmitted even when symptoms are not present.
 

What is the “time window” for all these infections?

If you think you have contracted any of the above infections recently, we recommend waiting 14 days before getting tested. This is to cover the window period for most of these infections which may go undetected if tested within two weeks of getting infected.

What should I do if I get a positive result?

If your test results come back with a positive result, you should discuss this with your doctor. We are able to provide treatment for chlamydia and genital herpes. You will also need to tell your current partner and any recent sexual partners that you have tested positive for an STI as they will also need to get tested and treated.

How will I find out my results?

You will receive a text message with your results to the mobile number you provided. If you didn't provide a UK mobile number then we will email you to let you know your results.

How to use the test kit

Follow the instructions included with the test kit carefully. Women will be required to take a swab sample from inside the vagina and men will provide a urine sample. Check over the contents of your test kit to make sure everything is intact. Wash your hands before beginning, then fill out your details on the forms included, ready to attach to your completed samples. 

To use the vaginal swab, carefully unwrap it from the packaging and remove the swab, ensuring you do not touch the white tip. When you are ready, get into a comfortable position, part the labia and insert the swab approximately 2–5cm into the vagina. Rotate the swab in the vagina for 10–15 seconds. Then carefully remove the swab, and replace it into the tube it came in. Affix the label completed with your details to the tube and place it into the return packaging. 

To take the urine test, wash your hands before beginning and carefully unwrap the materials. Squeeze the sides of the collection box to expand it. When you are ready, use this to collect the first part of your urine stream, finishing your pee in the toilet. Carefully pour the urine into the collection tube and screw the cap on securely. Attach your completed label with your details filled in before placing it into the return packaging provided.

How quickly can you deliver this test kit?

If you place an order before 2 pm on Monday to Friday, we will dispatch the test kit on the same day (excluding bank holidays). All orders received after 2 pm will be dispatched the following day. Weekend orders are dispatched on the following Monday.

Is the test confidential?

The test is confidential and the results will not be shared with anyone, including your GP unless you have stated that you wish us to do this.

Will anyone be able to tell what’s inside the package?

Your test kit will arrive in discreet, plain packaging so nobody will be able to tell what's inside it. 

Is the test the same for men and women?

The tests are different for men and women. Women will need to take a swab sample from inside the vagina and men are required to give a urine sample.  

Is this test suitable for men who have sex with men?

This test only tests for infections in the genital area. It does not test for oral or anal STIs. There are other testing kits available which test for all three which may be more suitable for you if you engage in oral or anal sex.