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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million STIs are acquired every day across the globe.

Syphilis is one of the most common STIs. In the United States, 133,945 new cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020.

Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. Getting tested regularly helps you maintain your sexual health and treatment is quick if needed.

Easy-to-use testing kits are delivered to the privacy of your own home, which has changed the process of at- home testing. A blood test can detect syphilis.

The best at- home tests for syphilis are listed here.

A syphilitic sore is a potential source of transmission of syphilis. These sores can be found on the genitals or in the mouth.

The infection can be transmitted from a mother to a child during the course of a pregnancies.

“The symptoms of syphilis are similar to many other conditions, so a majority of people don’t realize they have it.”

Symptoms of syphilis

The first symptom is a painless, firm, and round sore that appears at the point of infection. While it can be firm and round at first, it usually becomes an ulcer. For many people, this is the vagina or anus, which can make it difficult to notice.

“The sores last for 3 to 6 weeks. The secondary stage of syphilis can be reached when not treated with antibiotics. This stage usually involves skin rash that doesn’t itch and other skin problems. You may experience A rash on the skin., swollen glands, weight loss, There is a throbbing head.s, fatigue, and The muscles are sore..”

Syphilis is sometimes called the great imitator, so keep in mind that the symptoms you experience can often be mistaken for something else.

There are four main stages of the disease. Each has its own symptoms and concerns. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of syphilis, you should be tested immediately.

The four stages of the disease are listed.

  • Primary syphilis: This is the initial stage. Symptoms include painless, firm, and round sores.
  • Secondary syphilis: Symptoms include skin rashes, There is a throbbing head.s, There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever.., sore throat, and patchy hair loss. Rashes on the palm and soles of the feet is a major indicator of secondary syphilis, though it is not always present.
  • Latent syphilis: This stage is associated with no visible signs or symptoms. Without treatment, latent syphilis can last for years.
  • Tertiary syphilis: This is the severe stage of syphilis. While rare, it can be fatal and can damage organ systems, including the brain, nerves, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Effects may not occur for 10 to 20 years.

If you have been with someone recently diagnosed with syphilis, you should get tested as soon as possible. If you get a syphilis diagnosis, you should let your partner know so they can get tested as well.

You can also report the syphilis infection for contact tracing and to prevent further outbreaks through the CDC by checking your state’s guidelines.

According to the CDC, some people are a higher risk of developing syphilis and should undergo routine testing:

  • People are The woman is pregnant..
  • People with a partner who is positive for STDs.
  • sexually active men who have sex with men
  • People living with HIV.

It is recommended that you have routine STI testing.

  • People who have had sex with multiple people without using a condom.
  • People with a partner who has had sex with multiple people without using a condom.
  • Sex workers.

Discuss with your doctor if you should be tested for STDs.

It is possible to be stressed out about deciding on an at- home test. We considered the following when choosing products to feature.

  • Customer reviews: Healthcare is personal, but it helps to know you’re not alone. We read through user reviews to help narrow down our search.
  • Certified labs: We made sure that the companies listed are reputable and safe. They use Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved laboratory tests or labs certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP).
  • Variety: We looked at how quickly results arrive, how discreet the packaging is, various price points, and how accurate the tests are known to be.

A note about at-home test results

The at-home test kits recommended below have gone through our vetting process and have passed. In general, however, at-home test kits aren’t a reliable substitute for visiting your primary healthcare professional.

“You don’t have to consider your personal or family history when taking at- home tests. They may not test for features that a healthcare professional might.”

The tests listed below are recommended for use by a healthcare professional.

An important note: Don’t change your medication based on your at-home test kit results before consulting with your doctor. Always consult your doctor before changing your medication.

Best affordable option

Everlywell

  • Price: $69, accepts health savings account (HSA)/flexible savings account (FSA) payments
  • Type of test: finger prick
  • Results: 3–5 days

Easy to follow instructions, materials for sample collection, and prepayment shipping are included in Everlywell tests. Each test is reviewed by a board certified physician.

You will get an email with a link to check out your results once they are ready. You can print your results at that point.

If your test results are positive, Everlywell will give you a free consultation with a physician in its network to discuss treatment and answer any questions.

All Everlywell labs are CLIA certified, so they have met the standards set by the federal government. Learn more about Everlywell here.

Try Everlywell Here

Best value pack

LetsGetChecked

  • Price: $149–$249, accepts HSA/FSA payments
  • Type of test: finger prick and urine sample
  • Results: 2–5 days

There are more than 30 testing options for a range of issues, including diabetes, and sexual health. The tests are sold at many stores. The company offers four at- home tests, two of which include syphilis.

  • Standard 5 ($149) tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, and syphilis.
  • Complete 8 ($249) tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, syphilis, Gardnerella, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma.

Both tests require a urine sample and a finger test. The company recommends returning your items with the sample on the same day you received the test.

All samples are processed in CLIA and CPA accredited labs to ensure accuracy. Your test results will be available online within 2 to 5 days. LetsGetChecked has nurses on demand 24/7 to explain your test results and possible treatment options. Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.

Try LetsGetChecked Here

Best service for follow-up

Nurx

  • Price: $150–$220
  • Type of test: finger prick and urine sample
  • Results: within 7 days

Three user-friendly kits are provided by Nurx. The test kits include free unlimited messaging with medical professionals. Test options can be used.

Insurance is accepted by Nurx. You can either pay out of pocket or bill your plan directly. The other brands charge a fee for a consultation. Medical professionals can prescribe antibiotics.

The catch is that the Nurx syphilis test can’t differentiate between a new syphilis infection and an infection in the past that was treated. So, if you’ve had syphilis before, you’ll need to take a different type of test to detect a new infection. Learn more about Nurx here.

Try Nurx Here

Best for individual syphilis testing

myLAB Box

  • Price: $89–$499, accepts HSA/FSA payments
  • Type of test: finger prick
  • Results: within 8 days

My Lab Box has two at- home test kits for syphilis.

The myLAB Box is a reliable testing company that meets federal standards. The tests are offered

  • Syphilis Test ($89). You can purchase any of the STI tests individually for $89.
  • Uber Box ($199). This kit tests for seven major STIs, including syphilis, HIV 1 and 2, hepatitis C, HSV-2, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
  • Love Box – Couples’ Kit ($499). myLAB Box offers a discount if both members of a couple want to get tested. Each kit comes with tests for syphilis, HIV 1 and 2, hepatitis C, HSV-2, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Methods to obtain a sample include a vaginal swab, urine collection, and a blood test.

If you have positive test results for syphilis, you can get a free consultation with a doctor.

Try myLAB Box Here

Best discreet option

iDNA

  • Price: $68, accepts HSA/FSA payments
  • Type of test: finger prick
  • Results: within 7 days

The brand has a wide array of at- home tests, including singular tests that range from $68 to $88. An at- home syphilis test costs $68 and arrives at your door in an un branded mailer that allows for privacy.

The company uses an instrument to detect the presence of a particular type of immune system disease. If you have positive test results for syphilis in the past, your results will remain positive. The test can not tell you if you have a new syphilis infection or a previous one.

The iDNA lab is accredited by both CAP and CLIA. You can receive your results via a private online portal. If your test results are positive, you can get a free retest, but only if you cover shipping and handling. Your primary care physician can give you treatment options after you have a positive result.

Try iDNA Here

Test Type of test Price Results
Everlywell finger prick and urine sample $69, accepts HSA/FSA payments 3–5 days
LetsGetChecked finger prick and urine sample $149–$249, accepts HSA/FSA payments 2–5 days
Nurx finger prick and urine sample $150–$220 within 7 days
myLAB Box finger prick $89–$499, accepts HSA/FSA payments within 8 days
iDNA finger prick $68, accepts HSA/FSA payments within 7 days

The decision to get tested for STDs at home or in person depends on a lot of factors. It is possible to have at- home tests. If you have a concern or unusual symptoms, you may prefer in-person testing.

While at- home tests use the same methods as in-person tests with comparable accuracy, going in person may offer you peace of mind. It can be a challenge to collect your own lab samples.

When caught early, syphilis is easy to treat and cure. penicillin is an antibiotic that kills the host organisms. If you have an allergy to penicillin, your doctor may recommend another antibiotic.

The early stages of syphilis require a single dose of penicillin. If you have had the infection for more than a year, you may need more doses.

The only recommended treatment option for People are The woman is pregnant.. is penicillin.

Symptoms of penicillin

You may experience a reaction after the first dose of penicillin.

  • “It’s cold.”
  • There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever..
  • nausea
  • There is a throbbing head.

After a day, these symptoms usually go away.

Even if your symptoms get better, you should finish the full course of antibiotics.

After treatment

Your doctor may recommend something after treatment.

  • Get tested for STDs.
  • If you have past sexual partners, you should tell them so they can get tested for syphilis.
  • Schedule regular blood tests and exams to make sure you are responding to treatment.

How often should I get tested?

The CDC recommends that adults routinely get tested for syphilis if they’re:

  • The woman is pregnant.
  • Men who have sex with men.
  • People living with HIV are sexually active.
  • Taking a drug to prevent HIV.

Are STI tests accurate?

The at- home tests are just as accurate as in-person screenings because most companies work with laboratories that are certified by the CAP.

There is more room for error because you are administering your sample collection.

Most companies claim that their tests are 98% accurate.

“It is always a good idea to visit your doctor regularly, as at- home kits don’t replace in-person checkups.”

How long should I wait before getting an STI test?

Get tested when symptoms arise. You can begin treatment if you get tested quickly.

Are at-home STI tests better or worse than in-person tests?

Many people find at- home test kits easy to use. They are often more affordable and can save you a lot of time, as many medical practices are booked months in advance.

People feel more comfortable testing for STDs at home, as they may be embarrassed or uncomfortable talking with their doctor about their sex lives.

Are STI tests covered by insurance?

A lot of the kits available are covered by insurance and accept HSA and FSA payments. If someone does not have health insurance, the health department does free STI screenings.

How do I know if I should get tested?

If you notice any symptoms, it is best to order an at- home test. These tests can be taken in a few minutes and can help soothe your worries.

Is syphilis rare?

Syphilis is relatively common. In fact, syphilis has been on the rise in the United States in recent years. The CDC reported that during 2020, there were 133,945 new cases of syphilis.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

A small sore near the point of infection is the most common symptom of primary syphilis.

Symptoms of secondary syphilis may include:

  • A rash on the skin.
  • There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever..
  • swollen glands
  • weight loss
  • hair loss
  • There is a throbbing head.
  • fatigue
  • The muscles are sore.

It is easier to get results from the privacy of your own home with at- home testing. It is nice to know that there are many trustworthy companies to choose from.

It is best to talk with your doctor after you have received your results from the at- home tests.

Iman Balagam is a writer based in Houston, Texas. When she’s not laughing at her own jokes, or buying overpriced chia pudding, she can be found reading fiction novels, catching a spin class, doomscrolling through TikTok, or waiting for her delayed Spirit flight to board. You can see more of her work on her website.