(Solved) Can you cure an STD yourself
You can not cure sexually transmitted infections at home with home remedies. You can treat yourself at home with medication prescribed by a healthcare practitioner. But if you're trying to avoid disclosing your condition or symptoms to another person, you're going to struggle to access treatment.
You can not reliably cure an STD without healthcare support – You can however access more discrete methods of support and treatment through the growing network of online testing companies, with most now offering telehealthcare services as part of their combined testing and treatment service
You start by buying a home testing kit online, these are through private companies, so you have to buy their products in order to access their private services. The companies are independent of your regular primary healthcare provider, data is encrypted and rarely viewed by company personnel in any respect other than to offer treatment when you need it. These are private digital companies, and your profile is secured and inaccessible to anyone outside of the organization.
![man checking phone for std results](https://www.whathealthtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/man-checking-phone-outside.jpg)
Curing bacterial STDs
Bacterial (and parasitic) STDs like gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis are treated with antibiotics. Most can be cured quickly if the infection is caught in good time. But you'll need to get tested before a prescription is offered. You can't obtain the cure yourself without a professional who will provide a diagnosis and your treatment.
Curing viral STDs
At present, viral STDs are not curable but can be medicated at home to manage symptoms through prescribed support from a healthcare professional.
![cafe girl happy looking at laptop probably her STD results](https://www.whathealthtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cafe-girl-checkig-laptop.jpg)
Treating different types of STDs
- Chlamydia is normally tested through urine detection of bacteria. It is one of the most transmissible STIs, with common symptoms of penile or vaginal discharge and a stinging sensation when peeing
- Chlamydia Treatment: Antibiotics
- Curable: Yes
- Gonorrhea is another of the more common STDs and can be detected through a urine test. Symptoms include penile or vaginal discharge, abdominal discharge and sore throat
- Gonorrhea Treatment: Antibiotics
- Curable: Yes
- HIV requires a blood sample as its an immunodeficiency virus affecting your immune system. It can be missed as many cases are either asymptomatic for long periods or showing misleading signs, like flu symptoms. There's no current cure for HIV and if left untreated it can lead to AIDS, but symptoms can be managed with medicine.
- HIV: Suppressed with antiretroviral medicines
- Curable: No
- Syphilis is normally detected in your blood, but symptoms can result in lesions in your mouth or around your sex organics, so swabbing affected areas as part of an STD test is another common method of diagnosis specific to this infection
- Syphilis Treatment: Antibiotics
- Curable: Yes
- Trichomoniasis (Trich) is caused by a parasite contracted through the transmission of body fluids during sex, like vaginal fluid, semen, and pre-cum. It can be detected through a urine test or by swab sampling. In most cases, a carrier can be asymptomatic, but it can also present symptoms similar to other STDs, like discharge and discomfort when peeing
- Trichomoniasis Treatment: Antibiotics
- Curable: Yes
- Mycoplasma is a bacteria that can be transferred during sex that can cause symptoms of discomfort like stinging while peeing or discharge. It can however live as an undetected STD in a lot of people who have contracted it. It is normally detected through a sample of urine or a swab test
- Mycoplasma Treatment: Antibiotics
- Curable: Yes
- Ureaplasma is detected through a urine or swab sample and is a relatively unknown infection. It is not classified as an STD in the same way that other infections are, but the bacteria can be passed on through sexual contact and can cause infection
- Ureaplasma Treatment: Antibiotics
- Curable: Yes
- HPV screening is commonly regarded as a test for Human Papillomavirus in females only, as male testing is not considered accurate enough to diagnose fully. It is a cervical test (normally a swab) and in the case of at-home tests, you are swabbing for the infection in the cervix through vaginal fluids and not for cells like in a Pap
- HPV Treatment: Too varied, as HPV can manifest in different ways requiring different forms of treatment
- Curable: No
- Herpes comes in many forms, in the case of STD testing we're looking for Herpes I (HSV-1) oral herpes visible as cold sores, or Herpes II (HSV-2) which is genital herpes and can be visible as a rash on the genitals. Blood tests or direct swabs of the infected area are the most reliable methods of sample collection
- Herpes Treatment: Suppressed with antiviral medicines
- Curable: No
Home Testing Solutions
1. LetsGetChecked Standard-5 STD Test
LetsGetChecked is an established healthcare company specializing in at-home health testing kits with sexual health being a core category in their inventory. They offer a range of different STD panels covering a mix of simple to comprehensive testing needs. This Standard-5 panel covers the 5 most common infections that are checked for by physicians and hospitals where your sexual health is of concern.
![letsgetchecked-triple-test-box](https://www.whathealthtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/letsgetchecked-triple-test-box-1024x1024.jpg)
LetsGetChecked
Standard 5 STD test
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea
HIV, Syphilis and Trichomoniasis
Free Shipping, Discreet packaging
Finger prick & Urine sample
$149.00
Test for 5 of the most common STDs with the popular Standard 5 LetsGetChacked at-home STD test. Using the same labs as physicians & hospitals, LetsGetChecked brings sexual health testing to your door at an affordable price, with treatment available for positive cases of Chlamydia and Trichomoniasis
Read our LetsGetChecked for information and opinions on tests and services.
This kit covers:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- HIV (I, II, P24 antigen)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
As a home testing kit, you are required to collect both blood and urine samples using the LetsGetChecked testing kit supplied upon purchase of this item.
The test kits are delivered promptly and discreetly upon delivery, the equipment is easy to use and there are online tutorials and watch along videos that will help you take the test and collect your samples.
This is an excellent ‘peace of mind' test for those concerned about infection or for those who are generally sexually active. This test is their most popular sexual health test, covering the same diseases that are tested by walk-in test facilities.
To help you get treated in a discreet and affordable way, we provide prescriptions for certain diseases in line with clinical guidelines should you test positive.
LetsGetChecked
2. Everylywell STD Tests
Everlywell brings lab testing to your home with its range of at-home testing products. The Everlywell At-Home STD tests provide positive or negative results for the most common sexually transmitted infections. They offer tests both a female and male needs in a variation of the same panel, with test products screening for up to 7 infections.
Their kits cover:
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
- HIV
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2
- Hepatitis C
- Syphilis
Tests require you to collect either blood or urine samples (or both) using the everlywell testing kit supplied upon purchase of a kit.
Once you return your test to their labs and your samples are processed, you’ll be notified via email that your results are ready. Results are delivered through a simple report on their secure online platform.
If positive results are detected, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our independent physician network and may receive treatment.
3. myLAB Box Ultimate Box
Despite the hefty price in comparison to other tests, this is one of the most comprehensive STD tests available in the at-home market. It tests for no less than 14 panels using samples of blood, urine and an extra genital swab to cover off all of the most concerning STDs that can be picked up in our everyday sexual activity. You could consider the total box a once a year sexual health MOT and run it alongside other less comprehensive test kits that you use to keep your overall sexual health in check.
![mylabbox home health test](https://www.whathealthtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/mylab-box-test-box.jpg)
myLAB Box
Total Box
14 Infections Tested
Extra Genital Skin Swabs
The Most Thorough Test
Finger Prick, Urine & Saliva Sample
$369.00
A 14 panel STD test that covers everything you'd want to test if you're concerned for your general sexual health. The most comprehensive at-home STD testing kit that we've seen so far and definitely recommended as the ultimate peace of mind STD test.
Read our myLAB Box review for information and opinions on tests and services.
This kit covers:
- Chlamydia (genital, throat, rectal)
- Gonorrhoea (genital, throat, rectal)
- Hepatitis C
- HIV I & II
- Herpes Simplex 2
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Mycoplasma Genitalium
- HPV (optional add-on for women 30 years of age and older)
No physician appointments and no lab visits are necessary. Kits are shipped within 24 hours of purchase and results are online in as little as 5 to 8 business days from order and within 3-5 days of the lab receiving the sample.
This is the most comprehensive test available at myLab Box, but they also have an extensive range of alternative test kits should you require a less comprehensive test of one that covers specific infections or diseases.
For positive results, get a free consultation from real physicians in your state. Enjoy our service with peace of mind!
4. NURX Basics Covered Simple STD Test
This is a great all round test kit for those who like an affordable regular check. The addition of two extra panels adds a little more peace of mind over the standard Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea tests and isn't too much more expensive for that extra knowledge.
![nurx-basic-std-test-box](https://www.whathealthtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/nurx-basic-std-test-box-1024x1024.jpg)
NURX
Basics Covered STI Home Test Kit
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea
HIV & Syphilis
Insurance Accepted
Finger Prick & Urine Sample
$90.00
Tests for 4 of the most worrying STDs and get ongoing treatment advice and care options based on your results. This is a great catchup test if you just need the basics covered off for quick and affordable peace of mind
This kit covers:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- HIV
- Syphilis
Nurx charges an extra $15 for a virtual consultation required for this purchase, but that gives you a 1:1 care facility for up to 12 months from testing. The kit can be bought for as low as $75 with insurance and upon a positive result, you can be approved for medication at no extra cost with most insurance providers.
We know the best way to approach sexual health is with your entire health in mind. We built a new healthcare ecosystem with access to medical professionals, education, and additional forms of healthcare besides sexual health
Nurx
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are two of the most common STIs and are most prevalent in young adults in their teens and 20s. They're known as two of the silent STDs as they regularly infect without symptoms. Whilst they have a high rate of infection in both men and women, they carry a higher risk of causing harm to the female reproductive system.
These STDs can go undetected and they're left untreated, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can result in chronic abdominal pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, scarring of the fallopian tubes (ovaries, and endometrial lining) and a pregnant female can pass Gonorrhea to the child if it's left untreated. You can treat chlamydia with a short round of antibiotics and typically clear with 1-2 weeks' worth of treatment.
FAQs
Which STDs are curable at home
At present, bacterial STDs like gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and, trichomoniasis are curable with antibiotics prescribed by a professional healthcare service. Most of these STDs can be cured quickly if the infection is caught in good time with a short round of the antibiotics.
Sources
progyny – Fertility Blood Tests
Image Credits
Featured Image – Photo by Nathan Dumlao
Guy Checking Phone – Photo by Hannah Busing
Cafe Girl On Laptop – Photo by Brooke Cagle