STI Tests for Women
STI Tests for Women
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect people of all genders, but some can have particular implications for women’s health — from fertility issues to complications during pregnancy. Because many STIs cause no symptoms, it’s possible to have an infection without knowing it. Regular testing helps you take control of your health, protect your fertility, and ensure peace of mind in your relationships.
With Homed-IQ’s STI home tests for women, you can check for a wide range of infections easily, safely, and confidentially — all from the comfort and privacy of home. Every test is analyzed by a certified medical laboratory, ensuring results you can trust.
Why STI Testing is Important for Women
Some STIs can progress silently and lead to serious complications if left untreated — such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, cancer or infertility. Regular testing helps detect infections early, when they are easiest to treat.
You should consider an STI test if:
- You’ve had unprotected sex
- You’ve started a new relationship
- You’re planning a pregnancy
- You’re experiencing symptoms
- You want peace of mind about your sexual health
Common STI Symptoms in Women
Many infections show no signs at first, but common symptoms can include:
- Pain or burning during urination or sex
- Unusual vaginal discharge (for example, a change in color, smell, or texture)
- Itching, irritation, or rash around the vagina or anus
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Sores, blisters, or warts on the genitals, anus, or mouth
- Unexplained bleeding, especially after sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Fatigue, fever, or flu-like symptoms
Which STIs Can I Test For at Home?
Homed-IQ offers a wide range of laboratory-certified STI tests, from single-infection kits to comprehensive panels that screen for multiple infections at once. Each kit includes everything you need to collect your sample safely and discreetly. Choose the test that best fits your needs from the selection above.
STI Markers We Test For
- Chlamydia – bacterial infection
- Gonorrhoea – bacterial infection
- Hepatitis B – viral infection affecting the liver
- Herpes (HSV I & II) – viruses causing oral and genital herpes
- HIV – human immunodeficiency virus (can lead to AIDS)
- Mycoplasma genitalium – bacterial infection
- Mycoplasma hominis – bacterial infection
- Syphilis – bacterial infection
- Trichomoniasis – parasitic infection
- Ureaplasma urealyticum & Ureaplasma parvum – bacteria of the urogenital tract
- HPV 16 & 18 – most high-risk human papillomavirus types (linked to cancer)
- Other high-risk HPV types – 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68 (could be linked to cancer)
These STIs play many more roles throughout the body beyond the functions listed above.
How It Works
- Order discreetly online: your test arrives in plain, unmarked packaging.
- Collect your sample at home: easy instructions included for swab, urine, or blood sample (depending on the test).
- Send it to our certified lab: with prepaid return packaging (via mailbox).
- Receive results securely online: usually within 2 to 5 working days after your sample arrives at the lab.
Our support team is here to answer any questions you may have (Contact form, Mail, Whatsapp: +31 970 1025 4674) and our dedicated medical team (Mail) can provide expert advice.
If your result is positive, you’ll receive clear next steps and medical guidance. We recommend contacting your GP or a sexual health clinic for treatment and follow-up testing.
How Do STI Tests for Women Work?
The method depends on the type of infection being tested for:
- Urine sample
- Blood sample
- Swab sample (if applicable): may be used for throat, rectal or vaginal testing depending on sexual practices.
The main difference between STI testing in men and women is that women may need to collect a vaginal swab:
- Prepare: Lay out the swab, tube, and return materials.
- Open: Remove the swab without touching the soft tip.
- Insert: Sit or stand comfortably and insert the swab 3-5 cm into your vagina, like a tampon.
- Rotate: Gently rotate for 25-30 seconds, then remove without touching your skin.
- Seal: Place the swab (white tip first) into the tube without spilling the liquid.
- Break: Snap the swab at the black line and tighten the cap.
- Pack: Place the tube in the protective pouch, seal, and return by post.
Is My Test Anonymous?
Yes. All Homed-IQ STI tests are fully anonymous and confidential. Only you, our certified laboratory partners, and Homed-IQ’s medical team have access to your test result.
In the rare case of a positive Hepatitis B result, Homed-IQ has a legal obligation under Dutch public health law to report the infection to health authorities. If this applies, we’ll contact you personally to explain the process and ensure your privacy is protected.
How We Ensure Accurate Results
Our tests are processed using the same laboratory methods and standards as those used by GPs or clinics. The testing process ensures high sensitivity (the ability to detect the presence of an infection) and high specificity (the ability to avoid false positives). Every result is reviewed within strict medical quality standards to ensure reliability, accuracy and clarity. If you are interested, read more in our “Science” section on our website.
Certified Laboratory Quality
All samples are analyzed exclusively in DAkkS-accredited laboratories, ensuring the highest standard of reliability and precision. Our partner laboratories comply with:
- ISO/IEC 17025 – ensuring the validity, accuracy, and reproducibility of all test results
- ISO 15189 – guaranteeing medical diagnostic quality and patient safety
Together, our test design and accredited laboratory standards ensure that every Homed-IQ result is both scientifically accurate and handled with the highest level of medical quality.
Homed-IQ’s STI tests are intended for informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.