Back to Home
Question 1 of 911% complete
Which best describes your body? This helps us skip questions that don't apply to you.
Select your answer, then continue.
Medical disclaimer
This symptom checker is for informational screening guidance only and cannot replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptom to recommended screen
This table is educational screening guidance, not a diagnosis. Home kits are useful for some infections; active sores, pelvic pain with fever, and possible HIV exposure within 72 hours need a clinician.
| What you noticed | What to screen for |
|---|---|
| Unusual genital discharge or burning when you pee | Chlamydia and gonorrhea screen (urine or swab). Ask for throat or rectal sampling if those sites were exposed. |
| Frothy, yellow-green, or strong-smelling vaginal discharge | Trichomoniasis plus chlamydia/gonorrhea screen. |
| Painless sore or ulcer on genitals, anus, or mouth | Syphilis blood screen, and a clinician swab of the sore while it is present. |
| Painful blisters or grouped sores | Clinician swab of the lesion for herpes. Routine herpes blood screening is not recommended. |
| Rash on palms or soles, or a widespread body rash after a possible exposure | Syphilis blood screen, plus a core STI panel. |
| Flu-like illness 2–6 weeks after a possible exposure | HIV antigen/RNA-capable test through a clinician; antibody-only home screens can still be negative this early. |
| Condomless sex or a partner with unknown STI status, no symptoms | Core 4 screen: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Time the blood tests to the window period. |
| Shared needles, needlestick, or unsterile tattoo/piercing | Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV screening. |
| Visible nits or burrow-like itchy rash in close contacts | Visual diagnosis by a pharmacist or clinician — not a lab kit. |
| Possible HIV exposure within 72 hours | PEP from a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department. A home screen cannot help in that window. |
Common questions
- Can a home STI screen diagnose an infection?
- No. A home screen is educational guidance only. Only a laboratory test or a clinician can diagnose an infection. Confirm any reactive result with a licensed provider.
- When is an STI screen reliable after sex?
- Each infection has a window period. A negative result taken too early can be falsely reassuring. Use a timing guide and repeat screening if you tested inside the window.
- Should I get a routine herpes blood test?
- Routine herpes serology is not recommended for people without symptoms or a known exposure. Herpes is best identified by swabbing an active lesion.
- What should I do after a possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours?
- Ask a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) immediately. Do not wait for a home screen result.