Lauren is a health scientist and science communicator currently living in the Netherlands. Originally from Canada, she completed a Research Master’s in Health Sciences at the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences at Erasmus University Rotterdam (NIHES) with a specialisation in epidemiology. Prior to her master’s degree, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. With a background in public health, her goal is to create accurate scientific content that is easy to understand and empowers people to make informed decisions. Within Homed-IQ, Lauren works as a Product Developer and Content Lead, working closely with physicians and scientists on medical devices for Homed-IQ’s new products and written communications.
Which STI should I get tested for?
Table of Contents
What STI tests are available?
In order to know what type of STI test to do, it is important to determine the area where you have had physical contact during sex. For bacterial STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, there are different tests that can be taken based on the place where sexual contact took place. For example, with oral sex, a throat swab should be taken, and with vaginal or anal sex, a vaginal or anal swab. To check infections of the penis, a urine test will be used (CDC, 2024).
If you are interested in checking for multiple STIs, Homed-IQ also offers blood tests in combination with urine tests or vaginal swab tests. The blood tests can be easily taken from home via a finger prick. These tests check for STIs that are detectable in a urine/ swab sample or in blood, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and HIV.
Which STI test should I use?
To help you find out which STI test suits you best, we recommend that you use our STI Test Guide. The STI Test Guide gives you advice on which STIs to test for and where on the body the sample should be taken. If you are currently experiencing symptoms of an STI, go to your doctor or visit a sexual health clinic.




