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Online sexually transmitted infection (STI) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing is a convenient way to identify and treat infections from home. We rounded up the best places to get treatment online, with or without insurance.
Why is STI treatment so important?
STIs are sexually transmitted infections, which can lead to STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases. STDs often cause symptoms, and while all STDs start as STIs, not all STIs become STDs.
STI treatment is important to help prevent transmitting the infection to others and to prevent complications.
Not every STI has symptoms, which means you may develop and then transmit infections unknowingly to your sexual partners. Some STIs can cause complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility, so it is important to treat them as soon as possible.
Some STIs are becoming more common. Chlamydia remains the
Here we compare the best online STI and STD treatments.
| STIs treated | Accepts insurance | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisp | • chlamydia • gonorrhea • trichomoniasis • herpes | no | from $15 |
| Everlywell | • chlamydia • gonorrhea • trichomoniasis | yes | from $10 |
| LifeMD | • chlamydia • gonorrhea • herpes | no | from $99 |
| Planned Parenthood | • chlamydia • gonorrhea • trichomoniasis • herpes • genital warts • syphilis • hepatitis B • pubic lice • HPV | yes | varies |
Healthcare professionals will prescribe the most appropriate treatment depending on which STI you have. Not all treatments work for all infections. For example, antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Antiviral medications can help treat and manage symptoms of viral infections, such as herpes and HIV.
Healthcare professionals will tell you how much medication to take daily and how long you need to take it. Some treatments may only last a day, whereas others, such as herpes, must be taken when an infection flares up.
You can get treatment for STIs in person or online.
Online STI treatment may be more convenient for many people, as you can contact a healthcare professional wherever you are, even in more rural areas. Many online healthcare services are available 7 days a week, during the night and day, and may offer a consultation faster than in-person doctors.
Many offer different modes of communication, including private messaging, video calls, and phone consultations, so you can choose which best suits you.
Sometimes, you only need to fill in a form to receive treatment without speaking to anyone directly. You can also research many different online companies to decide which will best suit you in terms of services and cost.
However, many online healthcare services require you to take an STI test before they will give you a prescription. You may need to visit an in-person lab or healthcare center to take a test, although some telehealth services sell at-home testing kits. You may also need to visit a pharmacy to collect your prescription, as some online healthcare services do not offer delivery.
You may need another test after a course of treatment to make sure the infection has cleared. It is also important to take another test if the symptoms do not go away.
If an online healthcare professional advises you to do so or you are already experiencing severe symptoms of an STI, it may be best to visit a doctor in person.
Additionally, some STIs require long term, ongoing treatment and monitoring, which an in-person doctor may be best positioned to provide. In-person healthcare professionals can help you create a management plan and schedule routine follow-up appointments.
There are several ways to prevent STIs, including understanding how you contract an STI.
STIs pass from
Safe and effective vaccines are available for hepatitis B and HPV, the latter of which can help prevent cervical cancer.
However, the most effective way of preventing STI spread is to make sure both you and any sexual partners test regularly. It is also important to test before having sex with any new partners. Regular testing leads to more prompt treatment, which can help reduce transmission and avoid complications.
Many online healthcare services offer treatment for STIs.
Some companies do not require you to take an STI test before they issue you a prescription for STI treatment. Others will ask you to take a test, either in-person or through an at-home testing kit, before they offer treatment.
No, STIs need prescription medication to treat the symptoms and reduce the risk of passing any infections on to another person.
Many telehealth services offer online consultations with doctors who can issue prescriptions for treatments.
You can buy over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, to help ease any painful symptoms. However, these will not cure the infection.
Only antibiotics or antiviral medications can treat STIs. You need a prescription to get these medications.
If you have any symptoms of an STI, or have had sexual contact with someone who has one, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
You need a prescription to get antibiotics for chlamydia, so it is necessary to contact a healthcare professional if you have symptoms of an STI.
However, many online healthcare companies offer different modes of communication. You may be able to get antibiotics for chlamydia, and prescription medication for other STIs, without seeing a doctor in-person.
You may be able to speak with a doctor through a video or phone call, or private online messaging. Some companies only require you to fill in an online form before issuing a prescription.
Yes, it is possible to get an STI even if you are a virgin.
People’s definition of what a virgin is may differ. For example, some may only consider themselves not a virgin after they have had vaginal or anal sex, whereas others may say they are not a virgin because they have had oral sex.
Any sexual contact, including but not limited to vaginal, anal, and oral sex, carries the risk of STIs.
Testing and treatment for STIs are available online through various telehealth companies. These companies offer different ways of contacting healthcare professionals and getting prescriptions for STI treatments.
It is important to see a doctor in person for the treatment and ongoing management of some STIs.