Guide
Male STD check-up: which tests, how it works, what it costs
Medical review pendingWritten by the STD Test Prices editorial team using CDC sources
A male STD check-up is usually a urine sample and a blood draw. If you have oral or anal sex, it can add throat and rectal swabs. Which tests you need depends on the sex you have, and CDC's screening recommendations set that out by group. You don't need a physical exam or a prescription to order tests online. The cheapest common 4 panel we track, which tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV, costs $119 () at Everlywell, and the cheapest full panel costs $139 () at STDcheck.com.
Key points
- CDC says everyone 13 to 64 should test for HIV at least once, and every adult should test for hepatitis B and C at least once.
- Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men should test for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year, at every site used for sex. Some should test every 3 to 6 months.
- For men who have sex with women and are at low risk, CDC says there isn't enough evidence to recommend routine chlamydia and gonorrhea screening.
- A urine test checks the urethra only. Throat and rectal infections need swabs, which you can usually take yourself.
- CDC doesn't recommend routine herpes blood tests or HPV tests for men.
- Health departments and many clinics test for free or at low cost.
What CDC recommends for men
CDC's screening recommendations have separate rows for men who have sex with women and men who have sex with men. CDC uses "men who have sex with men" for behavior, whatever a man's sexual orientation. Screening means testing with no symptoms and no known exposure.
| Test | Men who have sex with women | Men who have sex with men |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | At least once, ages 13 to 64. Yearly with risk factors, such as more than one partner since your last test. | At least once a year, or every 3 to 6 months at higher risk. |
| Syphilis | If you're at increased risk, explained below. | At least once a year, or every 3 to 6 months at higher risk. |
| Chlamydia and gonorrhea | Not routinely recommended at low risk. | At least once a year at each site used for sex, or every 3 to 6 months at higher risk. |
| Hepatitis B | At least once, with a three-part blood test. | At least once, with the same test. |
| Hepatitis C | At least once, for every adult. | At least once, for every adult. |
Men who have sex with women
For chlamydia and gonorrhea, CDC says there isn't enough evidence to screen heterosexual men at low risk. It adds that screening young men can be considered where these infections are common, such as adolescent clinics, correctional facilities and STI clinics.
For syphilis, CDC says to screen adults at increased risk. Its list includes a history of incarceration or transactional sex work, where you live, race or ethnicity, and being a man younger than 29. CDC's consumer page is simpler. It says most sexually active adults should test for syphilis based on where they live.
If a partner tells you they have an STI, or you have symptoms, test whatever group you're in. Our window periods guide covers timing.
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men
CDC recommends HIV and syphilis tests at least once a year, plus chlamydia and gonorrhea tests at every site used for sex in the past year, whether or not you used condoms:
- urine, if you had insertive sex
- a rectal swab, if you had receptive anal sex
- a throat swab for gonorrhea, if you had receptive oral sex
CDC doesn't recommend throat tests for chlamydia. It says about 70% of these infections might be missed with urine-only testing, because most throat and rectal infections cause no symptoms. It suggests testing every 3 to 6 months for men on PrEP, men with HIV, and men who have, or whose partners have, multiple partners. CDC also says all men who have sex with men should be screened for hepatitis B.
Transgender and gender diverse people
CDC says screening should follow your anatomy and the sex you have, and that HIV testing should be offered to all transgender people. If you have a cervix, our guide to STD testing for women covers the tests CDC recommends.
What happens at a male STD check-up
With an online lab order, you buy the test, take the order form to a lab and give your samples. STDcheck says you don't need a physical or a prescription, and that most lab visits take no more than 5 minutes. Quest says no doctor's visit is needed and that its STD tests generally use urine for men. Labcorp OnDemand calls its complete STI test a blood and urine test.
- Urine. It tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and for trichomoniasis in some panels. STDcheck and Quest ask you not to urinate for at least an hour before.
- Blood. A draw from your arm covers HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C.
- Swabs. Throat and rectal swabs test those sites. CDC says swabs you take yourself are an acceptable way to collect them.
Not every service offers swabs. STDcheck, for example, says it tests only urine and blood. Some home kits add throat and rectal swabs to a urine sample, such as Wisp's 3-site kit. At a clinic, a nurse or doctor can also examine you. Planned Parenthood says STD testing isn't always part of a regular checkup, so ask for it.
What's usually not tested, and why
Herpes. CDC says herpes blood screening isn't recommended for the general population. A type-specific blood test can be considered for men getting an STI evaluation, especially with multiple partners. Our herpes testing guide explains swab and blood tests and their false positives.
HPV. CDC says HPV tests aren't recommended to screen men, and there's no approved test for HPV in the mouth or throat. Full panels usually leave it out. CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for all men through age 26.
Trichomoniasis. CDC's screening recommendations for trichomoniasis list only women. Some panels include it anyway.
Three ways to get a male STD check-up
- Order online and visit a lab. Our guide to how private STD testing works goes step by step.
- Use a home kit. You collect urine, a finger-prick blood sample and sometimes swabs, and mail them to a lab. Our at-home STD tests guide compares kits.
- Go to a clinic, urgent care or health department. This is the better choice with symptoms. See our urgent care guide, our Planned Parenthood guide and our city pages, which list free and low-cost sites with the date we checked each one.
Free option: public clinics
Free and low-cost testing is available at health department clinics and Title X family planning clinics. CDC's GetTested site finds confidential, free or low-cost testing near you by ZIP code.
What to expect
- Clinics usually test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV, and often hepatitis B and C, following CDC screening advice for your age, anatomy and the kind of sex you have.
- A clinician can examine you, swab sores and often treat you in the same visit.
- Some tests sold in private panels are usually not offered without symptoms, such as herpes blood tests and HPV tests for men, because CDC doesn't recommend them as screening tests.
- Hours can be limited, and you may wait for an appointment or a walk-in slot.
- Free testing usually isn't anonymous either (some publicly funded sites offer anonymous HIV testing). Positive results for reportable infections are reported to the health department, confidentially.
What a male STD check-up costs
The cheapest current price on each route for a common 4 panel and a full panel:
The lowest current price on each route among the providers we track. Results times are what each provider states.
| Test | Cheapest offer | Price | Results time | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common 4See all Common 4 prices | Lab visitEverlywellIncluded in STD Screening Panel - Basic4 tests as the provider counts themSample collected at a Quest location; all fees included; results in about 1–2 days. | $119 | 1 to 2 days | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Full panelSee all Full panel prices | Lab visitSTDcheck.comIncluded in Essential Protection (10 Test Panel)10 tests as the provider counts themHIV test is 4th-generation antigen/antibody; also includes hepatitis A. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | $139 | 1 to 2 days | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Home kitWispIncluded in 9-Panel STI Test9 tests as the provider counts themIncludes HSV-1 and HSV-2. HIV is an included oral rapid antibody self-test; a positive needs confirmation elsewhere. Telehealth consult included if positive; medication is paid at the pharmacy. Free shipping both ways. | $249 | 3 to 5 days | Order (opens in a new tab) |
Common 4
- $119
- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
Full panel
- Lab visit
Included in Essential Protection (10 Test Panel)10 tests as the provider counts them
$139- Results time
- 1 to 2 days
- $249
- Results time
- 3 to 5 days
The lowest and highest price for each test men usually need, with the date we checked:
Each provider counts once, at its lowest current price for the test, whether sold alone or in a panel that includes it. Tests that cover only part of an infection, such as an HSV-2-only herpes test, aren't counted. Each range shows the older of its two verified dates.
| Test | Price range | Providers | Lowest price at | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common 4 | $119 to $149 | 2 providers | EverlywellLab visit · Included in STD Screening Panel - Basic4 tests as the provider counts themSample collected at a Quest location; all fees included; results in about 1–2 days. | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Full panel | $139 to $489 | 8 providers | STDcheck.comLab visit · Included in Essential Protection (10 Test Panel)10 tests as the provider counts themHIV test is 4th-generation antigen/antibody; also includes hepatitis A. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Chlamydia | $59 to $189 | 10 providers | STDcheck.comLab visit · Single testUrine test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Gonorrhea | $59 to $189 | 10 providers | STDcheck.comLab visit · Single testUrine test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Syphilis | $39 to $149 | 9 providers | Labcorp OnDemandHome kit · Single testFirst To Know rapid antibody self-test (finger prick), read at home in about 15 minutes; no lab or physician service. Shipping cost is shown at checkout. All sales final. | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| HIV | $49 to $99 | 8 providers | EverlywellHome kit · Single testOraQuick oral-swab rapid antibody test, read at home in about 20 minutes; a positive result needs a follow-up test. Free shipping. | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Hepatitis B | $24 to $489 | 9 providers | STDcheck.comLab visit · Single testA $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | Order (opens in a new tab) |
| Hepatitis C | $24 to $179 | 8 providers | STDcheck.comLab visit · Single testAntibody test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee. | Order (opens in a new tab) |
Common 4
$119 to $1492 providers- Lowest price at
- EverlywellLab visit · Included in STD Screening Panel - Basic4 tests as the provider counts themSample collected at a Quest location; all fees included; results in about 1–2 days.
Full panel
$139 to $4898 providers- Lowest price at
- STDcheck.comLab visit · Included in Essential Protection (10 Test Panel)10 tests as the provider counts themHIV test is 4th-generation antigen/antibody; also includes hepatitis A. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee.
Chlamydia
$59 to $18910 providers- Lowest price at
- STDcheck.comLab visit · Single testUrine test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee.
Gonorrhea
$59 to $18910 providers- Lowest price at
- STDcheck.comLab visit · Single testUrine test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee.
Syphilis
$39 to $1499 providers- Lowest price at
- Labcorp OnDemandHome kit · Single testFirst To Know rapid antibody self-test (finger prick), read at home in about 15 minutes; no lab or physician service. Shipping cost is shown at checkout. All sales final.
HIV
$49 to $998 providers- Lowest price at
- EverlywellHome kit · Single testOraQuick oral-swab rapid antibody test, read at home in about 20 minutes; a positive result needs a follow-up test. Free shipping.
Hepatitis B
$24 to $4899 providers- Lowest price at
- STDcheck.comLab visit · Single testA $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee.
Hepatitis C
$24 to $1798 providers- Lowest price at
- STDcheck.comLab visit · Single testAntibody test. A $6 physician fee is added per order at checkout; orders at New York labs add a 35% New York compliance fee.
A panel isn't always cheaper than single tests. Our full panel guide shows how to compare.
With insurance, HealthCare.gov says Marketplace plans and many other plans must cover HIV screening for everyone 15 to 65, hepatitis C screening for adults 18 to 79 and syphilis screening for adults at higher risk, with no copay at an in-network provider. Quest's consumer site doesn't take insurance. Our cost guide covers both ways to pay.
Results and what happens next
STDcheck says most results are ready 1 to 2 business days after the lab visit. Quest says 2 to 3 business days for its expanded panel. Wisp says 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives its 3-site kit. Our results timing guide explains the differences.
If a result is positive, the next step depends on the service. Quest says an independent provider may prescribe treatment for some infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Labcorp OnDemand says its consult doesn't include prescriptions. STDcheck offers a doctor consultation and a prescription for a fee.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV are reportable in every state, and CDC says those reports are kept confidential. Our positive result guide covers treatment, telling partners and retesting.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a male STD check-up include?
- Usually a urine sample for chlamydia and gonorrhea and a blood draw for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. Men who have receptive oral or anal sex should add throat and rectal swabs, because urine only tests the urethra. An online lab order involves no physical exam. At a clinic, a nurse or doctor can examine you if you have symptoms.
- How often should men get tested for STDs?
- CDC says everyone 13 to 64 should test for HIV at least once, and every adult should test for hepatitis B and C at least once. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men should test for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year, and every 3 to 6 months at higher risk. For men who have sex with women, it depends on risk factors and exposures.
- How do they test men for chlamydia and gonorrhea?
- With a NAAT, a lab test on a urine sample. CDC names first-catch urine, the first part of the stream, as the best sample for men. After receptive oral sex, a throat swab tests for gonorrhea. After receptive anal sex, a rectal swab tests for both. CDC says swabs you collect yourself are an acceptable way to test those sites.
- Do men get tested for HPV or herpes?
- Not routinely. CDC says HPV tests aren't recommended to screen men, and that herpes blood screening isn't recommended for the general population. CDC says a herpes blood test can be considered for men getting an STI evaluation, especially with multiple partners. Our herpes testing guide explains when a test helps.
- Can a man get an STD test without seeing a doctor?
- Yes. With an online lab service you order the test, visit a lab and read your results online. STDcheck says you don't need a physical or a prescription, and Quest says no doctor's visit is needed, though an independent healthcare provider is involved in the order. Home kits also work without a visit.
- Where can men get a free STD test?
- Health departments and many clinics test for free or at low cost, and CDC's GetTested site finds them near you. Our city pages list free and low-cost sites with the date we checked each one. With insurance, HealthCare.gov says plans must cover HIV and hepatitis C screening with no copay at an in-network provider.