Results
What does the result of this test mean?
Anyone who orders a home test from us will receive a complete laboratory report.
- A negative test result means you don’t have chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, or HIV, and that no treatment is needed.
- A positive test result means that chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis and/or HIV have been detected. Medication is necessary in this case to treat it and to prevent further spread of the STI.
In case of a positive test result, we advise you to go to your own doctor with the laboratory report. They can then advise you of the right treatment. It is also necessary to warn any sexual partners to prevent further spread of the STI. They can also be tested and treated if necessary. In the Netherlands, this can be done anonymously via: partnerwaarschuwing.nl.
How soon will I receive my test results?
You will receive the test result very quickly, often within one to three working days after your sample has arrived at our certified laboratory.
How are my results shared?
We understand that medical test results can be confusing and difficult to interpret. That’s why at Homed-IQ we make it as easy as possible for you to understand your test result.
In your personal online dashboard you can view your laboratory report as well as a clear and simple explanation of your results. We provide insight into whether you have tested negative or positive for each individual STI.
How results are shared
We understand that test results can be confusing. That’s why at Homed-IQ, we make it easy for you to interpret your results and understand what’s going on inside your body.
In your personal online dashboard, you can view your test results and access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers. All test results are verified by our qualified medical team before being sent to you.
The result of your STD Test Complete is indicated with a negative or positive outcome per test.
What is the STD Complete Test?
The STD Complete Test kit checks the presence of the most common STDs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Syphilis, and HIV. The test package consists of a urine and blood test for men and a vaginal smear combined with a blood test for women. You will receive extensive instructions with your self-test. After collection you can send in your sample and it will be examined by a certified laboratory. You will receive the results within a few days. It couldn’t be easier!
How does an STI test work?
When ordering your test, please indicate whether you want to receive a test for women or men. You will receive detailed instructions with your test so that you can easily take your sample from home. After your sample is collected, mail the test kit to our certified laboratory with the enclosed prepaid shipping materials. You will receive the test results within a few days.
What is the incubation period of each STI?
Every STI has an incubation period. This is the time between the actual infection and the moment that the STI is detectable by a test. From that moment on, the bacteria can be detected by a test.
Incubation periods differ by STI and are as follows:
- Chlamydia: 1 – 3 weeks, usually after 14 days
- Gonorrhea: After 14 days
- Trichomoniasis: 1 – 4 weeks, usually after 21 days
- Syphilis: 10 – 90 days, usually after 28 days
- HIV: 3 weeks – 3 months
The most common STI symptoms for men:
Chlamydia
- (Burning) pain while urinating
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Pain during sex
Gonorrhea
- Pain or swelling in one of the testicles
- Pus-like discharge from the penis
- Burning pain while urinating
- Pain during sex
- In case of anal infection: irritation, itching, mucous discharge, diarrhea and the urge to (but inability to) pass stool
- In case of infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis often does not cause symptoms, but when it does, it is usually one of the following three:
- Discharge from the penis
- Redness, itching, and irritation in or around the penis
- Painful urination
Syphilis
- (Painless) sores on the skin
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Vision problems
- Hair loss
HIV
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes (mainly in the neck)
The most common STI symptoms for women:
Chlamydia
- Pain when urinating
- Abdominal pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever
- Increase in vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding between periods
Gonorrhea
- Pain when urinating
- Vaginal discharge (green/yellow)
- Pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding between periods
- In case of anal infection: irritation, itching, mucous discharge, diarrhea and the urge to (but inability to) pass stool
- In case of infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck
Trichomoniasis
- Vaginal discharge (green/yellow)
- Redness and/or itching around or in the vagina
- Pain when urinating
Syphilis
- (Painless) sores in the mouth, vagina, anus or elsewhere on the skin
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Vision problems
- Hair loss
HIV
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Headache
- A sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes (mainly in the neck)
What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact. You can be infected with or pass on a virus or bacteria to someone else during sex. This can be through the penis, vagina, anus, and sometimes also with your mouth or fingers. Many STDs cause little or no symptoms. However, an STD is not harmless, and it can cause uncomfortable symptoms at the location of infection. While most STDs are treatable, if some infections are not treated in time they can cause longer-term damage to the body. It is therefore important that you get tested if you have been at risk to treat the infection and to prevent it from spreading to others.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria can cause infection of the urethra, cervix, rectum or throat. The infection can spread to the epididymis in men and to the uterus or fallopian tubes in women. To learn more about chlamydia and its symptoms, we recommend to take a look at our article “What is Chlamydia?“.
Left untreated, this increases the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. If a woman has chlamydia during pregnancy, she can also infect her baby during delivery without proper management. This can lead to an eye and respiratory tract infection in the baby. Chlamydia is a very common STD and is usually treatable with antibiotics. Are you experiencing symptoms that could indicate an STI? Then it is important to test for Chlamydia.
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This STD is very contagious. In most cases, infected individuals don’t have any signs or symptoms. In men, about 90% of infected individuals experience symptoms. In women, this number is 40 to 70%. Symptoms almost exclusively occur with infections of the genitals. If there is a gonorrhea infection of the throat or anus, approximately 10% of people experience noticeable symptoms (Springer & Salen, 2021).
Gonorrhea, if not treated, can also cause further health issues, just like chlamydia. Untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammation, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy in women, as well as inflammation of the epididymis or prostate in men. Rarely, gonorrhea can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. This can lead to inflammation of the joints, septicemia, or meningitis. Gonorrhea is more common in men who have sex with men. Pregnant women with untreated gonorrhea may develop problems during pregnancy, such as inflammation inside the womb or premature birth of the baby. They can also infect their baby during delivery without proper management. This can lead to eye inflammation and blindness in the baby. Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. Do you have any complaints? Then it is important to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted disease that is relatively rare in Europe. It is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis that can enter the vagina, urethra and bladder. Most people do not notice that they have this STI. They can then pass it on to others.
In women, trichomoniasis may cause vaginal itching, excessive or abnormal vaginal discharge, redness and swelling of the labia, and pain during urination. In pregnant women, it can cause your water to rupture too early or your baby to be born prematurely. Men most often have no symptoms at all. If they do, it is usually a burning sensation during urination or slight discharge in the morning. Trichomoniasis is treatable with antibiotics.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that most commonly affects men who have sex with men. It is caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. A syphilis infection has two phases. First, a red, hard sore appears on your penis, vagina, anus or mouth. Next, you often get a non-itchy rash on your torso, arms, and legs, or bumps around the penis or vagina. You may also suffer from flu-like symptoms or hair loss.
Syphilis sometimes causes no symptoms at all, or symptoms can go away with time. If left untreated for long periods of time, syphilis can cause serious inflammation and eventually organ damage. If detected in a timely manner, syphilis can generally be treated easily with antibiotics.
What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the body’s immune system. The virus is in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk, and can be contracted if these fluids enter your bloodstream. HIV is most common in men who have sex with men. Initially you may not notice many symptoms of HIV, and may be infected for years before you experience any severe symptoms. Some people experience flu-like symptoms during an initial HIV infection, such as headaches, fever, or muscle pain.
Left untreated, your body’s immune system will decline, making you susceptible to many types of illnesses. This can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a chronic and life threatening condition. While HIV cannot be cured yet, AIDS can be prevented with proper detection and treatment. Timely and intensive treatment with antiretroviral medicine can make the blood “virus-free”, so that an individual with HIV is no longer contagious and has a normal life expectancy (RIVM, 2021).
About the Test
What is the STD Complete Test?
The STD Complete Test kit checks the presence of the most common STDs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Syphilis, and HIV. The test package consists of a urine and blood test for men and a vaginal smear combined with a blood test for women. You will receive extensive instructions with your self-test. After collection you can send in your sample and it will be examined by a certified laboratory. You will receive the results within a few days. It couldn’t be easier!
How does an STI test work?
When ordering your test, please indicate whether you want to receive a test for women or men. You will receive detailed instructions with your test so that you can easily take your sample from home. After your sample is collected, mail the test kit to our certified laboratory with the enclosed prepaid shipping materials. You will receive the test results within a few days.
What is the incubation period of each STI?
Every STI has an incubation period. This is the time between the actual infection and the moment that the STI is detectable by a test. From that moment on, the bacteria can be detected by a test.
Incubation periods differ by STI and are as follows:
- Chlamydia: 1 – 3 weeks, usually after 14 days
- Gonorrhea: After 14 days
- Trichomoniasis: 1 – 4 weeks, usually after 21 days
- Syphilis: 10 – 90 days, usually after 28 days
- HIV: 3 weeks – 3 months
Symptoms for Men
The most common STI symptoms for men:
Chlamydia
- (Burning) pain while urinating
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Pain during sex
Gonorrhea
- Pain or swelling in one of the testicles
- Pus-like discharge from the penis
- Burning pain while urinating
- Pain during sex
- In case of anal infection: irritation, itching, mucous discharge, diarrhea and the urge to (but inability to) pass stool
- In case of infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis often does not cause symptoms, but when it does, it is usually one of the following three:
- Discharge from the penis
- Redness, itching, and irritation in or around the penis
- Painful urination
Syphilis
- (Painless) sores on the skin
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Vision problems
- Hair loss
HIV
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes (mainly in the neck)
Symptoms for Women
The most common STI symptoms for women:
Chlamydia
- Pain when urinating
- Abdominal pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever
- Increase in vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding between periods
Gonorrhea
- Pain when urinating
- Vaginal discharge (green/yellow)
- Pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding between periods
- In case of anal infection: irritation, itching, mucous discharge, diarrhea and the urge to (but inability to) pass stool
- In case of infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck
Trichomoniasis
- Vaginal discharge (green/yellow)
- Redness and/or itching around or in the vagina
- Pain when urinating
Syphilis
- (Painless) sores in the mouth, vagina, anus or elsewhere on the skin
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Vision problems
- Hair loss
HIV
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Headache
- A sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes (mainly in the neck)
Background information
What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact. You can be infected with or pass on a virus or bacteria to someone else during sex. This can be through the penis, vagina, anus, and sometimes also with your mouth or fingers. Many STDs cause little or no symptoms. However, an STD is not harmless, and it can cause uncomfortable symptoms at the location of infection. While most STDs are treatable, if some infections are not treated in time they can cause longer-term damage to the body. It is therefore important that you get tested if you have been at risk to treat the infection and to prevent it from spreading to others.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria can cause infection of the urethra, cervix, rectum or throat. The infection can spread to the epididymis in men and to the uterus or fallopian tubes in women.
Left untreated, this increases the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. If a woman has chlamydia during pregnancy, she can also infect her baby during delivery without proper management. This can lead to an eye and respiratory tract infection in the baby. Chlamydia is a very common STD and is usually treatable with antibiotics. Are you experiencing symptoms that could indicate an STI? Then it is important to test for Chlamydia.
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This STD is very contagious. In most cases, infected individuals don’t have any signs or symptoms. In men, about 90% of infected individuals experience symptoms. In women, this number is 40 to 70%. Symptoms almost exclusively occur with infections of the genitals. If there is a gonorrhea infection of the throat or anus, approximately 10% of people experience noticeable symptoms (Springer & Salen, 2021).
Gonorrhea, if not treated, can also cause further health issues, just like chlamydia. Untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammation, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy in women, as well as inflammation of the epididymis or prostate in men. Rarely, gonorrhea can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. This can lead to inflammation of the joints, septicemia, or meningitis. Gonorrhea is more common in men who have sex with men. Pregnant women with untreated gonorrhea may develop problems during pregnancy, such as inflammation inside the womb or premature birth of the baby. They can also infect their baby during delivery without proper management. This can lead to eye inflammation and blindness in the baby. Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. Do you have any complaints? Then it is important to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomonias is a sexually transmitted disease that is relatively rare in Europe. It is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis that can enter the vagina, urethra and bladder. Most people do not notice that they have this STI. They can then pass it on to others.
In women, trichomoniasis may cause vaginal itching, excessive or abnormal vaginal discharge, redness and swelling of the labia, and pain during urination. In pregnant women, it can cause your water to rupture too early or your baby to be born prematurely. Men most often have no symptoms at all. If they do, it is usually a burning sensation during urination or slight discharge in the morning. Trichomoniasis is treatable with antibiotics.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that most commonly affects men who have sex with men. It is caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. A syphilis infection has two phases. First, a red, hard sore appears on your penis, vagina, anus or mouth. Next, you often get a non-itchy rash on your torso, arms, and legs, or bumps around the penis or vagina. You may also suffer from flu-like symptoms or hair loss.
Syphilis sometimes causes no symptoms at all, or symptoms can go away with time. If left untreated for long periods of time, syphilis can cause serious inflammation and eventually organ damage. If detected in a timely manner, syphilis can generally be treated easily with antibiotics.
What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the body’s immune system. The virus is in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk, and can be contracted if these fluids enter your bloodstream. HIV is most common in men who have sex with men. Initially you may not notice many symptoms of HIV, and may be infected for years before you experience any severe symptoms. Some people experience flu-like symptoms during an initial HIV infection, such as headaches, fever, or muscle pain.
Left untreated, your body’s immune system will decline, making you susceptible to many types of illnesses. This can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a chronic and life threatening condition. While HIV cannot be cured yet, AIDS can be prevented with proper detection and treatment. Timely and intensive treatment with antiretroviral medicine can make the blood “virus-free”, so that an individual with HIV is no longer contagious and has a normal life expectancy (RIVM, 2021).
Results
What does the result of this test mean?
Anyone who orders a home test from us will receive a complete laboratory report.
- A negative test result means you don’t have chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, or HIV, and that no treatment is needed.
- A positive test result means that chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis and/or HIV have been detected. Medication is necessary in this case to treat it and to prevent further spread of the STI.
In case of a positive test result, we advise you to go to your own doctor with the laboratory report. They can then advise you of the right treatment. It is also necessary to warn any sexual partners to prevent further spread of the STI. They can also be tested and treated if necessary. In the Netherlands, this can be done anonymously via: partnerwaarschuwing.nl.
How soon will I receive my test results?
You will receive the test result very quickly, often within one to three working days after your sample has arrived at our certified laboratory.
How are my results shared?
We understand that medical test results can be confusing and difficult to interpret. That’s why at Homed-IQ we make it as easy as possible for you to understand your test result.
In your personal online dashboard you can view your laboratory report as well as a clear and simple explanation of your results. We provide insight into whether you have tested negative or positive for each individual STI.
How It Works
Order Your Test
Once you have placed your order, your test kit will be delivered within days and in discreet packaging.
Activate & Collect Sample
After online activation of your test kit, you can collect your sample within a few minutes and mail it back to us in the pre-paid envelope.
View Results
A certified laboratory will review your sample and your test results will be available within a matter of days.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for sexually transmitted infections. If you are sexually active, it is important to use protection and get screened regularly. This is especially important if you have more than one sexual partner.
While opinions vary, routine physical exams are generally recommended once a year if you’re over the age of 50, and once every 3 years if you’re younger than 50 and in good health. If you have a chronic disease or other ongoing health issues, you should see your doctor more often, no matter how old you are.
Early detection and treatment of potential illnesses will help you maintain a healthy mind, body and quality of life.
The STI test is not suitable for people under the age of 18. It is also better not to take this test during the incubation period for STIs, unless you have symptoms. During the incubation period, STIs are not always detectable with a test (see: “What is the incubation period of each STI?”). If you have symptoms, you can test before the incubation period has ended. However, if you then get a negative result, we recommend that you repeat the test after the incubation period has passed, because it is possible that the STI can only be detected later.
If you have many or often changing sexual partners, or if you meet certain risk factors for HIV and/or other STIs, we advise you to get tested every six months. For example, because you are a sex worker. Additionally, you should consider getting tested if you’ve had or are considering having unprotected sex with a new partner (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2021).
All Homed-IQ tests are entirely anonymous and do not require any direct contact with your GP.
Our self-sampling tests are completely approved for home use. The tests have been validated by our lab to see if the results from samples taken at home are as accurate as samples taken in a doctor’s office or clinic. It is only legal to sell validated medical tests.
Each Homed-IQ test is processed in a laboratory that is ISO15189 certified, which enables us to guarantee the reliability of all our tests.
The biggest advantage of this test is that you can easily take the test yourself at home. Using a self-test, you do not have to visit your GP or a clinic and still can obtain laboratory-certified, fast test results. With Homed-IQ, you may test yourself completely anonymously and perform the test at a time that suits you best.
No, you can order this STI home test from home, the test is delivered in discreet packaging. You can then take the test in your own time and completely anonymously from home. You then send the test to our certified laboratory and you will receive your results in your personal portal within one to three working days. As soon as your result is ready, you will receive an email and a text message from us.
Yes, this test is an easy, fast and non-invasive way to check yourself for one of the five most common STIs. If a doctor suspects an STI, he or she will perform exactly the same test as the test that you can order via Homed-IQ. If you test negative for STIs and continue to experience complaints, see a doctor.
Homed-IQ’s STI tests offer the same laboratory-certified results you would receive if you had an STI test done through your GP or a sexual health clinic. Homed-IQ works with the same labs that provide tests for clinics, and strives to provide your results quickly and confidentially. STI rapid tests that are available at e.g. the drugstore are often not reliable and may result in a false negative or false positive result.
