Chlamydia tests at home

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you may realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STI in 2018.

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs that can infect all sexes. Over 1.5 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the CDC in 2020. While the number of reported infections has decreased since 2018, this is likely because the COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in the amount of regular testing being done.

People with chlamydia can be unaware of their infections and can cause serious damage if undetected.

However, the disease is curable with medical attention, and testing is the first step.

Chlamydia is an STI that’s contracted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus.

The bacteria, chlamydia trachomatis, can be transferred without ejaculation or even penetration during sexual contact. For example, the bacteria can be transferred by sharing sex toys that have not been properly cleaned or covered with a new condom with each use. Or, getting semen or vaginal fluid in one’s eye can also spread infection.

Babies can contract the STD if the birth parent lives with it, which could lead to issues like pneumonia and conjunctivitis.

Teens and young adults have the highest rates of chlamydia. And in 2020 these age groups accounted for 61 percent of reported cases, according to data from the CDC.

The CDC also suggests young women are more prone to the infection, with 1 in 20 women between 14 and 24 years old estimated to have chlamydia.

Men can contract, carry, and spread the disease.

Risks

“The ability to go undetected is one of the most significant dangers of chlamydia. It might not cause visible side effects, but that doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. It can have long-term impacts on women.”

The disease can cause havoc on vaginas by causing inflammation, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancies, and possibly causing infertility. It can cause infertility for people with penises.

Symptoms

Symptoms can take weeks to appear when they are present.

Those with female reproductive systems that are experiencing a disease may notice.

  • vaginal discharge
  • During sex, there is pain.
  • A low-grade illness.
  • spotting between periods
  • A burning sensation when urinating.
  • An abnormal discharge has an odor.

Those with male reproductive systems who are having a problem may notice.

  • discharge from their penis.
  • It was painful to urinate.
  • swollen testicles.
  • There is bleeding in the rectal.

Chlamydia’s symptoms overlap with gonorrhea, another bacterial STI. This makes it hard to decipher which infection you might be experiencing.

It is possible to have both gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same time.

“You have to get tested to be sure you are free of the disease. It doesn’t mean you’re free of infections.”

The CDC recommends sexually active women under the age of 25 get screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea each year, regardless of whether symptoms are present.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, some factors that increase the risk of infection include:

  • A new sexual partner.
  • Having more than one sexual partner.
  • A sexual partner is seeing other partners.
  • Previously having an STD.
  • Not using condoms consistently outside of a relationship.

To keep it simple: If you’re having sex, you should regularly get tested for STIs. Getting tested can put your mind at ease while also making you a more informed sexual partner.

Before engaging in sexual contact, you should ask your partners their status. It can be hard to ask for help, but building up the courage to ask can help you in the long run.

We kept in mind the following when researching the best tests for at- home chlamydia tests.

  • Methods used for collection: Tests may involve a finger-prick blood collection, saliva, or urine collection.
  • Speed of results: You may need to wait for longer than a week for some options. We prioritized tests that return results in a few days.
  • Lab certification: Opting for labs with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification helps assure results are reliable.
  • Ease of purchasing: It’s important that navigating the website is easy and buying tests is straightforward.
  • Cost: Testing kits shouldn’t break the bank. We included tests at a range of price points.
  • Reviews: We looked at what users had to say about the tests and included options where the majority of people were happy with their experience.

Best budget-friendly option

EverlyWell

  • Price: $69–$169
  • Type: self-collection
  • Results: 5 to 7 days

EverlyWell claims to have a higher accuracy than any other test.

If you test positive, a board-certified physician in your state will contact you to discuss your results and prescribe medication.

Every lab used by EverlyWell is Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified. This means the labs meet the standards to obtain both state and federal certifications. Learn more about Everlywell here.

There are available tests.

Shop now at EverlyWell

Best for medical attention

LetsGetChecked

  • Price: $99–$249
  • Type: self-collection
  • Results: 2 to 5 days

There are more than 30 testing options for a range of issues, like diabetes, and sexual health.

Your test will be delivered in discreet packaging after you place your order. The Simple 2 test only requires a small urine sample. After you return your sample, you will get your results in 2 to 5 days.

If your test is positive, LetsGetChecked’s medical team is available 24/7 to answer your questions. The team will call you to explain your results and provide treatment options. Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.

The company can test for 10 diseases.

Testing options include:

  • Simple 2 ($99): tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea
  • 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
Shop now at LetsGetChecked

Best in-lab testing

Lemonaid Health

  • Price: $53.16 ($25 visit fee and a $28.16 lab fee)
  • Type: lab collection
  • Results: 3 to 5 business days

Lemonaid Health is able to save time and provide convenience. You can request a consultation with a medical professional by visiting the Lemonaid Health website.

Lemonaid Health requires customers to visit a testing center for STD testing.

The lab tests are processed within 3 to 5 business days and the results are shared through a confidential message on your Lemonaid Health account.

The low price point makes Lemonaid Health a cost-effective and convenient option for testing. Learn more about Lemonaid Health here.

Shop now at Lemonaid Health

Best test for self-collection

Nurx

  • Price: $75 with insurance, $150-$220 out of pocket
  • Type: self-collection
  • Results: within 7 days

Three user-friendly kits are provided by Nurx. The test kits have unlimited messaging with the medical professionals.

The kit has tests for gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. The Full Control Kit is recommended for those concerned about rectal or throat infections. They offer testing options for various parts of the body.

The testing company may catch STDs you would not have caught if they offered throat and anal samples.

The tests are offered.

Most tests are typically covered by insurance. But if you’re uninsured, you can always pay the out-of-pocket cost. The test kit costs $75 with insurance, along with a $15 medical consultation fee. Learn more about Nurx.

Shop now at Nurx

Best for quick results

myLAB Box

  • Price: $169–$399
  • Type: self-collection
  • Results: 1 to 5 days

My BoxLAB will give you answers within 2 to 5 days.

The at- home testing allows you to detect the STD chlamydia in the genitals, mouth, and rectum. The urine and swab collection is done in 5 minutes.

MyLAB Box is a reliable testing company that meets national standards thanks to its certification by the College of American Pathologists.

If your result is positive, myLAB Box will give you a free consultation with a doctor who can help you with your concerns and provide a treatment plan.

The tests are offered

Shop now at myLAB Box

Best for complete STI panel

STDcheck

  • Price: $59–$259
  • Type: lab collection
  • Results: 1 to 2 days

“This lab-based at- home option has over 4,500 testing centers and an easy online test ordering interface. You don’t need to wait in a waiting room to get a quick test.”

The results are completely confidential and come back within 2 days. You can either order individual tests or a complete panel.

STDCheck has physicians who can discuss your results with you if you come back with a positive result. They can charge a fee for the services of a doctor.

The tests are offered

Shop now at STDcheck

Best discreet option

Priority STD

  • Price: $89–$259
  • Type: lab collection
  • Results: 1 to 3 days

Same-day testing is offered by this private option. The service can give you results in a matter of hours.

You can discreetly order tests over the phone or online. Priority STD labs are the places to go for testing in the United States. The company offers follow-up care counseling to those who want it.

There are tests offered.

Shop now at Priority STD

Best for people who want to get pregnant

QuestDirect

  • Price: $139–$379
  • Type: self-collection
  • Results: 3 to 5 days

The pregnancy STD panel is a good choice for people who want to become pregnant.

When you order a testing kit from QuestDirect, they will give you detailed collection instructions and everything you need to collect samples in the comfort of your own home.

There is an additional $6 physician fee for each test offered.

There are tests offered.

Shop now at Quest Diagnostics

Price Collection type Results
EverlyWell $69–$169 self-collection 5-7 days
LetsGetChecked $99–$249 self-collection 2-5 days
Lemonaid Health $53.16 lab collection 3-5 business days
Nurx $150–$220 out-of-pocket, $75 with insurance self-collection within 7 days
myLABbox $169–$399 self-collection 1-5 days
STDcheck $59–$259 lab collection 1-2 days
Priority STD $89–$259 lab collection 1-3 days
QuestDirect $139–$379 self-collection 3-5 days

You might be wondering how to choose the best at- home test for your needs. Here is what to think about.

Pricing

More expensive tests may include more than one test. The company may offer more services, like post-testing counseling and free medication delivery, as well as offering pregnancy tests.

Lab or self-collection

Do you prefer to do everything from home? Do you like the idea of going to a lab in person? Everyone is not comfortable taking samples.

“In-person testing can be quicker since you don’t have to wait for a test to arrive in the mail.”

Your symptoms

“If you want to talk with a doctor about your symptoms and get tested, an in-person doctor’s visit is the best option.”

It is important to talk with a doctor.

  • You have tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease.
  • Your sexual partner has a positive test for the STD.
  • You have persistent symptoms but are negative for chlamydia.
  • You would like to perform an STD test with multiple partners.

“If you get tested for a sexually transmitted disease, you can get treatment without going to a doctor’s office.”

It is a good idea to talk to a doctor about any questions you have about sexual health.

CDC recommendsfree or low-costMedicareCheck your state

How often should I get tested?

The CDC recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years old get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner who has an STI should also get tested annually.

Gay and bisexual men should be tested for STDs every year. The CDC recommends testing for multiple partners in cases of frequent sexual encounters.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of an STD, you should get tested immediately.

Are STI tests accurate?

Data suggests that most STI tests are very accurate with a small margin of error. If used correctly, at-home tests can be as accurate and effective as in-office tests.

How long should I wait before getting an STI test?

The period for chlamydia is 7 to 21 days. If you have had sex with someone who is positive or if you have had a new partner, your results can be detected within the first few weeks.

It is recommended to be tested 3 months after treatment to make sure you are clear.

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

Poor sample collection can affect your results, so in-office tests can remove factors. The added benefit of in-office testing is that it can be used to evaluate and test for other STIs.

“An at- home test can be a convenient way to get treatment for people who are not comfortable in a doctor’s office or have transportation issues.”

Are STI tests covered by insurance?

TheACA covers many insurance plans for testing for STIs. You can get free or discounted testing with your health insurance.

Many plans cover preventive health benefits, like testing for STDs, under the new law.

STI testing can also be free or low-cost with Medicaid, Medicare, and other government programs. Check your state as well; they may have free or low-cost STI testing available.

It is best to speak with your doctor or insurance company about your options for at- home STI tests. Depending on your income, some clinics, like the one run by the Planned Parenthood, offer free or low-cost tests.

Long-term effects of chlamydia can affect the health of you and your sexual partners. There should be transparency and seriousness in the treatment of the STIs.

It is wise to get tested when you are sexually active.

Getting tested is healthy and responsible. If you have a sexually transmitted disease, you can take an in-office test. You can get the answers you need at home.

You can protect your health and peace of mind by making a plan to get tested.

Jillian Goltzman is a freelance journalist covering culture, social impact, wellness, and lifestyle. She’s been published in various outlets, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Fodor’s Travel Guide. Outside of writing, Jillian is a public speaker who loves discussing the power of social media — something she spends too much time on. She enjoys reading, her houseplants, and cuddling with her corgi. Find her work on her website, blog, Twitter, and Instagram.