STD Education & KitLab FAQs

1. Chlamydia is a common, highly contagious sexually transmitted infection. It’s caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. All genders can catch chlamydia through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as genital-on-genital contact and shared sex toys.

2. Yes, chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics.

3. (a) Chlamydia can be asymptomatic. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states approximately 70-95% of women and 90% of men with chlamydia may not experience any symptoms.

(b) When symptoms do occur, they can vary from person to person. In women, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain or burning sensation during urination, abdominal pain, and bleeding between periods. In men, symptoms can include discharge from the penis, pain or burning sensation during urination, and testicular pain.

1. While chlamydia can be detected relatively soon after exposure, it's recommended to wait at least 1 to 2 weeks before getting tested to allow the bacteria to multiply to detectable levels. However, this timeframe can vary, so don’t put off getting tested if you suspect you've been exposed to the infection.

2. Yes. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, untreated chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, which can also cause infertility.

1. All three of our STD kits test for chlamydia – Common, Comprehensive, and Complete kits.

2. We test for chlamydia using a simple urine sample.

3. Chlamydia is typically treated with a prescription of antibiotics. If your KitLab test is positive, one of our physicians will follow up with a treatment plan. You’ll also need to abstain from all sex during treatment.

As cringe as it may be, yes. You have to inform anyone you have been in sexual contact with so they can be screened, get treatment, protect their health, and prevent further transmission.

1. (a) Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can impact all genders and is primarily spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.

(b) Gonorrhea can infect multiple areas of the body, including the genitals, rectum, eyes, or throat.

2. Yes, with antibiotics.

3. The Clap.

1. (a) Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. And not everyone experiences symptoms. The CDC estimates that about 10% of heterosexual men, up to 50% of heterosexual women, and over 90% of men who have sex with infected men may not experience noticeable symptoms.

(b) If symptoms do show up, they may include pain or burning sensation during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, painful or swollen testicles, rectal pain or bleeding (if the infection is in the rectum), and sore throat (if the infection is in the throat).

2. Gonorrhea testing can typically detect the infection within 2 to 6 days after exposure. However, this timeframe can vary, so don’t put off getting tested if you suspect you've been exposed to the infection.

3. Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women (PID), infertility, and an increased risk of HIV transmission.

1. All three of our STD kits test for gonorrhea– Common, Comprehensive, and Complete.

2. We test for gonorrhea via a simple urine sample.

3. Antibiotics are used to treat gonorrhea. But antibiotic-resistant cases of Gonorrhea are popping up. Work with a healthcare provider to find the right mix of antibiotics for you. You’ll also need to abstain from all sex during treatment.

As cringe as it may be, yes. You have to inform anyone you have been in sexual contact with so they can be evaluated, get treatment, protect their health, and prevent further transmission.

1. Trichomonas, or trich, for short, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
2. It’s one of the most common curable STIs worldwide.
3. (a) Trich manifests differently in men and women. Women commonly experience symptoms such as frothy, yellow-green, or gray vaginal discharge, along with vaginal itching, genital burning during urination or intercourse, and general discomfort in the genital area.

(b) In men, symptoms may include urethral discharge or irritation, though they are often asymptomatic.

1. It’s generally recommended to wait 5-7 days after exposure before getting tested. This waiting period allows the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis to multiply and reach detectable levels in the genital tract, increasing the accuracy of the test results. However, this timeframe can vary, so don’t put off getting tested if you suspect you've been exposed to the infection.
2. Untreated trichomoniasis can lead to long-term health effects and complications, including an increased risk of HIV transmission, pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight babies, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and a higher risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections.

1. All three of our STD kits test for trichomoniasis– Common, Comprehensive, and Complete.

2. We test for trichomoniasis via a simple urine sample.

3. Treatment options for trichomoniasis typically involve oral antibiotics (as prescribed by a healthcare provider). During treatment, it's also important to abstain from sexual activity to prevent spreading the infection to sexual partners.

As cringe as it may be, yes. You have to inform anyone you have been in sexual contact with so they can be evaluated, get treatment, protect their health, and prevent further transmission.

(a) HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (also known as T cells), which are crucial for fighting off infections.

(b) There are two main types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most common and virulent strain globally, while HIV-2 is less common and primarily found in West Africa.

(c) The most common mode of transmission for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 is through unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected person.

1. While there is currently no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus, suppress its replication, and help prevent the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). With proper treatment and medical care, people living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives!

2. In the early stages of HIV infection, many people experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. However, some individuals may not have any symptoms at all.

1. It can take some time for HIV to show up on a test after exposure. Most HIV tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus, which typically appears within 2 to 12 weeks after infection. However, it's essential to get retested at the recommended intervals for accurate results.
2. (a) Untreated HIV infection can lead to serious complications and long-term health effects, including the development of AIDS, opportunistic infections, certain cancers, and neurological disorders.

(b) However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the risk of these complications can be significantly reduced.

1. Both our Comprehensive and Complete kits test for HIV 1 & 2.
2. We test for HIV 1 & 2 via a simple finger prick sample.

3. Treatment for HIV typically involves a combination of antiretroviral medications tailored to each individual's specific needs. These medications work by targeting different stages of the HIV life cycle, effectively suppressing viral replication and reducing the viral load in the body.

Yes, it's crucial to inform your sexual partners if you test positive for HIV or any other STIs. This allows them to seek testing and take precautions to protect their health and prevent transmission of the virus. Honest and open communication with sexual partners is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and preventing the spread of STIs!

1. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are both viral infections that primarily affect the liver. Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), while Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Both viruses can cause acute and chronic liver disease, leading to serious health complications if left untreated.
2. Both hepatitis B and C viruses can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, especially if there is exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids.
3. (a) Yes, treatments are available for both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. For Hepatitis B, antiviral medications can help control the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage.

(b) Antiviral therapy can cure Hepatitis C infection in most cases. However, treatment outcomes may vary depending on factors such as the stage of the disease and individual patient factors.

Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections can be asymptomatic or cause mild to severe symptoms. Common symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and loss of appetite. However, some individuals may not have any symptoms, especially during the early stages of infection.

1. (a) It can take some time for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C to show up on tests after exposure.

(b) For Hepatitis B, diagnostic tests can detect the virus as early as 1 to 6 months after exposure

(c) Hepatitis C virus antibodies may take 2 to 12 weeks to appear in the blood. Testing is essential for early detection and treatment of Hepatitis infections.

2. Untreated Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other serious health complications. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the risk of these complications can be significantly reduced, and in some cases, the infection can be cured.

1. Our Complete kit tests for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

2. We test for Hepatitis B and C via a simple finger prick sample.

3. (a) Treatment for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may involve antiviral medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring of liver function.

(b) For Hepatitis B, antiviral drugs such as interferon and nucleoside analogs can help control the virus and reduce liver damage.

(c) For Hepatitis C, direct-acting antiviral drugs can cure the infection in most cases, leading to improved liver health and reduced risk of complications.

Yes, it's important to inform your sexual partners if you test positive for Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. This allows them to seek testing and take precautions to protect their health and prevent transmission of the virus. Honest and open communication with sexual partners is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and preventing the spread of STIs!

1. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as through direct contact with syphilis sores (known as chancres) during sexual activity.

2. Yes, syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, especially in its early stages. However, treatment may vary depending on the stage of the infection and individual patient factors.

3.(a) Syphilis has several stages, each with its own set of signs and symptoms. The primary stage is characterized by the appearance of painless sores (or chancres) at the site of infection, usually on the genitals, anus, or mouth.

(b) In the secondary stage, individuals may experience a rash, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms.

(c) If left untreated, syphilis can progress to the latent and tertiary stages, which can cause serious complications affecting the heart, brain, and other organs.

1. Syphilis testing can detect the infection as early as 1 to 3 weeks after exposure, although it may take longer in some cases. It's essential to get tested if you think you've been exposed to syphilis, even if you don't have any symptoms.
2. Untreated syphilis can lead to serious health complications, including neurosyphilis (infection of the brain and spinal cord), cardiovascular syphilis (affecting the heart and blood vessels), and gummatous syphilis (formation of soft, tumor-like growths). Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing these complications and reducing the risk of transmission to others.

1. Both our Comprehensive and Complete kits test for syphilis.
2. We use a simple finger prick sample to look for antibodies to the syphilis bacterium. 
3. Treatment for syphilis usually involves antibiotics. The type and duration of treatment depend on the stage of the infection. In some cases, additional doses or a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary, especially for late-stage infections or complications.

Yes, it's important to inform your sexual partners if you test positive for syphilis or any other sexually transmitted infection (STI). This allows them to seek testing and treatment and take precautions to protect their health and prevent transmission of the infection. Honest and open communication with sexual partners is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and preventing the spread of STIs!

1. (a) When shopping for an at-home STD test, consider your needs. What STDs do you want to test for? What’s your budget? How fast do you need results? Does the kit come with telehealth or follow-up care?

(b) Also, look for brands that use high-quality labs with accreditations, such as CLIA and CAP. HIPAA compliance assures your personal information is protected and your privacy is respected.

2. (a) It’s simple. Collect a sample from the comfort of your home and return it to our partner lab. We handle the rest.

(b) Each kit has everything you need to take a sample, including collection tools and detailed instructions. You’ll return it to our partner lab using a prepaid mailing label. They’ll run diagnostics and get back to you with accurate results within 24-48 hours (Monday through Friday).

1. Nope, we’re insurance-free! No co-pays, deductibles, or surprise bills. Ever.
2. From FDA regulations to meeting the highest standard of accuracy, our partner labs are the best in the country. In fact, doctors and clinics use labs like ours, too!
3. Our labs run diagnostics Monday through Thursday. If they receive your sample within those days, you’ll get results within 24-48 hours. If your samples are received Friday through Sunday, you’ll get results on Monday.
   

1. KitLab will email you a link to your results. If the results are positive, a physician will follow up with options for continued care.
2. Board-certified physicians review all orders, labs, and results.
3. If positive, a physician will contact you to answer questions and work with you on options for continued care.
4. You have options! You can bring these results to your primary care provider for in-person care or work with our partner telehealth doctors. For both options, treatment, prescriptions, and ongoing care are at the discretion of the physician.

1. KitLab results are as accurate as a clinic. Of course, taking a good sample is critical. Make sure to follow the directions carefully. Reach out to our support team if you have any questions!
2. We’re insurance-free! You can use FSA or HSA funds.

(a) USPS priority shipping is free for all orders. Delivery to your home can take between 5-8 days, and returning samples to the lab takes 5-8 days.

(b) If you’re in a hurry, add overnight shipping to your cart for 25$. This ensures your kit will arrive in 24-hours. It also ensures one-day shipping back to the lab.

The reasons are endless. Here are a few:

• You’ve recently had unprotected sex with someone new.
• You’re beginning to or actively family planning.
• You notice unusual symptoms, such as discharge, pain, sores, or burning while urinating.
• You need documented test results for US immigration. 
• You have multiple sexual partners.
• You’re starting a new sexual relationship.
• You’re sexually active but haven’t been tested in the last year.

It all depends on how sexually active (and safe) you are. If you’re sexually active, most healthcare providers recommend getting tested at least yearly. If you are sexually active with more than one partner, aim for every six months.

If you suspect you’ve been infected, get tested right away.

Yes. Left untreated, STDs can cause serious health conditions. It’s important to test early and often if you’re sexually active. And closely follow a treatment plan to keep yourself and others safe.

Be on the lookout for burning during urination, sores, itching, rashes, unusual discharge, fevers, fatigue, pelvic pain, and general discomfort in the genital area. Of course, symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the STD.