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The 5 Best At-Home Herpes Tests In 2023
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Genital herpes is caused by two viruses called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
In the United States, 11.9% of people ages 14 to 49 have HSV-2. However, the number of people with genital herpes is likely higher since genital herpes can be caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2.
If you haven't experienced an initial outbreak, the best time to get tested for herpes is 12 days after exposure since the incubation period is 2 to 12 days.
This means herpes may not be detectable for up to 12 days after you're exposed to it.
An in-person appointment with a doctor could require a few different tests, including a virus antigen detection test, and/or an antibody test. This could require multiple pricks or trips to the doctor to accomplish.
An at-home test, on the other hand, can be done by yourself in private.
You can order a herpes test kit online — which may include a swab test or finger prick blood test — and send the sample back in the mail. Most companies will send your results within 5 days.
When researching at-home herpes tests, we looked for options with fast and accurate results and excellent customer feedback to compile our list of best buys.
Here are the criteria we considered:
FYI: We did include a couple of options that may call for you to leave home to pick up your test kit, so they may not fall 100% into the at-home category. But they are solid options, nonetheless.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewWith a finger prick, myLAB Box's at-home genital herpes test is pretty straight forward. Online lab results are provided within 2 to 5 days.
When you order a kit, you'll receive materials to take your finger prick sample in discreet packaging. It also comes with simple instructions and a prepaid envelope to send the sample off for testing.
If your results are positive, you can schedule a free consultation with one of myLAB Box's physicians. The company works with labs that are certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Act of 1988 (CLIA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP). Plus, the website itself is HIPAA compliant.
Testing is not yet available in New York. The company is waiting for its state application to be approved.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewWhen you join the LetsGetChecked subscription service, testing is easy and convenient as you receive everything you need to take your sample in a discrete kit through the mail. Plus, you'll save 30% on the full price of the kits.
There are also helpful videos on the website that explain the instructions in clear, straightforward language so you can be confident you're taking your sample correctly.
As with all other testing services on our list, LetsGetChecked is privacy and HIPAA compliant. Your results will be available online in 2 to 5 days. Should your results be positive, you can contact one of the nursing team members who can help you determine a treatment plan.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewFor $169, people with a vagina can test for six common STIs at once, including HSV-2. Tests require both a finger prick and a vaginal swab.
For the same price, people with a penis can also test for herpes by purchasing the company's STD Test for Men. It looks for the same six STIs as the other test, but sample types include a finger prick and a urine sample instead of a vaginal swab.
The kit includes prepaid shipping both ways, digital results, and detailed instructions. Once your kit arrives, you'll need to register it on Everlywell's website using the unique ID number included in your box.
In your kit, you'll receive all you need to collect a finger-prick sample and either a vaginal swab packet or a urine cup and urine sample tube.
After shipping your sample, you'll receive digital results on your account within a few days. If your results are positive, a board certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your case and prescribe medication if necessary. Everlywell will also send you a personalized report detailing your results.
The site is HIPAA compliant and physician reviewed. This means your information is kept private, and medical information is approved by independent, board certified healthcare professionals.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewSTD Check has more than 4,500 testing sites nationwide. You can choose an individual test like HSV-1 or HSV-2 for $45 each. You can also order a 10-test panel, which includes the most common STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
The company is known for fast test results, which are sent to your online account in 1 to 2 days.
Once you complete your order online, you can select a local testing center based on your ZIP code. According to the company, in-person tests only take 5 minutes.
Your test and results will be completely confidential. If your test results are positive, a physician can answer questions about your diagnosis.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Healthline's reviewPriority STD has a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot with more than 2,300 reviews.
You can order the Priority STD individual herpes test online or by phone, which normally requires a waiting period of at least 12 days after exposure.
After scheduling an order, you'll be directed to find a lab near you. There are more than 4,000 labs to choose from, and you can use the site's online scheduling system to make an appointment.
STI test results are processed online through a secure patient login, typically within 1 to 3 days after collection.
Pros & consGenital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can contract it by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the STI.
HSV-1 can also cause oral herpes, which may lead to sores or blisters around the mouth. You can contract oral herpes by kissing or engaging in oral sex with someone who already has it.
Some cases of oral herpes (HSV-1) can lead to genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) since the virus can spread from the saliva of someone with the infection into your body through oral sex.
It generally takes anywhere from 4 to 7 days for herpes symptoms to appear. In addition to sores or blisters — which are called herpes lesions — around your mouth or genitals, other possible symptoms may include:
Some people don't experience any symptoms at all, but they can still transmit the infection to others.
The popularity of at-home testing has increased over the past several years, and there are many reasons for this.
At-home herpes testing offers convenience and privacy and can be less expensive than in-person testing. Instead of making an appointment with your doctor for an in-person visit, you order the test kit online, collect your sample at your convenience, and mail it to the lab.
Collection methods are typically the same with both kinds of testing — you'll either do a genital swab, urine collection, or blood sample.
Keep in mind that some at-home tests allow a finger prick blood sample that you can collect at home. But for others, you may have to visit an in-person lab to have your blood drawn by a professional.
The downside of some at-home testing is that you may not have a doctor to help you interpret your results. In some cases, sample results are sent right to you, and it's up to you to interpret the information.
With herpes testing, you'll generally get a positive or negative, so the results aren't as complicated as some other types of tests, but having a doctor's guidance can be helpful if you don't know the proper next steps to take.
That being said, all of the at-home herpes tests we recommend have a physician follow-up or phone consultation with the clinical team when you get your results.
If you receive a positive result, you should still schedule an appointment with a doctor to talk through treatment and next steps, regardless of whether or not you received follow-up care.
If you're considering getting tested for herpes, you may wonder how to choose between the various options. Here are some things to consider:
Your HSV test results will likely be reported as negative (sometimes called "normal") or positive (sometimes called "abnormal"):
If your test results are positive for HSV, talk with a doctor about your next steps.
Talk with a doctor if you notice any sores on or around your genitals. Other STIs, like syphilis, can look like herpes but need different treatments. Treatment is needed to prevent complications and transmission.
Your doctor will let you know whether you should test for herpes or another STI, and they can help you get treatment if needed.
Are at-home herpes tests accurate?These tests use the same type of samples used in a doctor's office. The accuracy of a herpes test primarily depends on when you get tested.
When should I get tested for herpes?If you haven't had an initial outbreak, the best time to get tested for herpes is 12 days after exposure. This is because your body will have had time to produce antibodies that can be detected on a test.
A blood test can determine whether you have these antibodies.
Swabs, on the other hand, can detect the virus directly from an active herpes lesion.
Who should get tested for herpes?Anyone who has herpes symptoms or thinks they've been in close contact with someone who has herpes should get tested.
How can I prevent transmitting herpes?Although latex condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting STIs, condoms don't prevent herpes transmission. This is because not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a condom.
If you're experiencing an active outbreak, you can prevent herpes transmission by:
Taking a daily antiviral herpes medication can also help prevent transmission, shorten outbreaks, and manage symptoms.
Are at-home herpes tests private?Yes. All the tests listed here are completely confidential and private.
Your results won't be reported to your insurance company and, therefore, will not be placed on your permanent medical records.
The package you receive will only have the shipping label — no test name or visuals that indicate what it's for. These online platforms are also HIPAA compliant.
What should I do if my herpes test results are positive?Many at-home services have independent physicians or nurses reach out to people with positive test results. They'll discuss your results with you and suggest a plan of action, possibly including medication.
If your results are positive, it's important to let any recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested.
When should I talk with a doctor about herpes?If you have a primary care doctor who you regularly visit, you can share your results with them to provide better insight into your next steps.
If you don't have a primary care doctor, you can consult with a physician or nurse from the testing site about treatment options.
If you've been treating your symptoms with medication and are still in pain or discomfort, reach out to a healthcare professional.
Will I have to pay for a herpes test out of pocket?You'll have to check with your insurance network to see whether at-home STI tests are covered.
Insurance does typically cover them, but sites like Everlywell recommend verifying the purchase with your insurance.
Additionally, some networks may reimburse you for your purchase.
However, most at-home testing sites aren't currently partnered with any insurance companies, which means you'll have to reach out yourself.
If you don't have insurance, you'll likely have to pay for the test out of pocket. Some sites like Priority STD don't accept insurance, so it's a flat rate of $99 regardless of your coverage.
Can you be exposed to herpes and not get it?Yes. Research suggests that in couples where only one partner had genital herpes, the other partner contracted genital herpes within 1 year in only 5% to 10% of couples.
You can prevent transmission by:
There's no current cure for herpes, but treatment can prevent or shorten outbreaks and manage symptoms.
Getting tested can prevent oral herpes from spreading to the genital area. It can also protect your sexual partners from contracting the virus.
Bonnie Azoulay Elmann is a freelance writer with six years of experience. She's written for Glamour, Marie Claire, Health, and more publications. You can find her work here.
Dating With Herpes
I had barely finished my first semester of college when I found out I had herpes. A high school friend and I wound up taking our friendship a little further, and 20 seconds into the act that would change my life forever, he stopped.
My friend said I was too much like a sister, and he couldn't continue. Then he left. I worried about how that incident would affect our friendship. Little did I know my worries would extend far beyond that concern.
Less than a week later, I found myself in excruciating pain. It hurt to walk, and I couldn't use soap anywhere near my genital area. I knew enough about sexually transmitted diseases to know that I had herpes, but I didn't know exactly what to do.
As I sat in the college health center waiting to see a doctor, I watched my very short-lived social life drift by. I was thinking that I'd probably never go on another date, or get a boyfriend for that matter, and I'd certainly never have sex again.
The nurse who examined me revealed that they had herpes and said it was no big deal. They had been free of outbreaks for 12 years, and the same might be the case for me, they said.
Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection that remains permanently in the nerve cells. Many people are unaware they have it, because they don't experience symptoms or because they attribute the symptoms to something else. During an outbreak, blisters or sores appear on or around the genital area. Some people never experience a second outbreak.
The nurse taught me how to manage the virus, but managing my personal life was another story.
When I confronted my friend about the situation, I asked if he knew that he had herpes. ''I thought it was a cut,'' he said.
''How would you cut yourself there?'' I asked.
Years later, I've come to the realization that he knew he had herpes, and that is the reason he stopped in the midst of our sexual adventure. Our friendship, unfortunately, ended as quickly as the act. It was hard enough to face the fact that we'd had sex, or tried to, and it was much harder to cope with the fact that I had caught an incurable sexually transmitted disease.
In 1989, when I got herpes, the nurse told me I couldn't transmit the virus unless I was having an outbreak. (At the time, many doctors and other health care providers believed this to be the case, although a number of research studies had already suggested otherwise.) So, I decided to keep quiet. For three years, I had a boyfriend who never knew I had herpes. Each time I had an outbreak, which for me consisted of a very small cluster of blisters that lasted two or three days, I'd pretend I had a yeast infection and say I couldn't have sex until it was gone.
By the time I finished college in 1994, the possibility of spreading the virus even when you didn't have an outbreak had become more widely accepted by health care providers. I was still uncomfortable about bringing up the subject, but now I didn't have much of a choice. I didn't date for awhile, but inevitably, I met someone.
I held off on sex for as long as I could, but it got more and more difficult. One day, my new beau reassured me, "I'm disease-free, I just got tested. You have nothing to worry about."
I appreciated his honesty and knew I had to tell him that he was the one who had something to worry about.
Soon, my secret was out. I explained that I had herpes, and that was why I was being so cautious. I told him that to my knowledge I had never spread the virus to anyone else, and that I was very careful. I had always insisted on using condoms, which can reduce the risk of transmission. My selling point, however, was telling him that approximately one in four people has herpes and, statistically speaking, he undoubtedly had slept with someone who had herpes. He said he would know if he had been with someone who had herpes.
"How?" I asked.
He thought about that for a minute and then realized he might not know. In the end, instead of rejecting me, he chose to continue our relationship. What a relief. But after we had sex, he would always wash himself like a doctor scrubbing down for an operation. I could hardly blame him, but it wreaked havoc on my self-esteem. Since he was disease-free, he refused to wear condoms, instead choosing the scrub-down -- something that would do nothing to prevent herpes transmission.
That relationship eventually came to an end, leaving me worried yet again about getting back in the dating game. Then, while surfing the Web for information on the latest herpes medication, I stumbled across a web site for people with herpes.
There are dozens of web sites that provide online support and information for people with herpes. Many feature chat rooms, bulletin boards, treatment information, personal ads, and social groups around the world. A friend of mine had recently married a guy she met on the Web -- proving that not every Internet date is a psycho -- so I gave it a try.
I met dozens of electronic pen pals and eventually went on several dates. It was a relief not to worry about when to bring up my medical history, and to bond with a guy over asymptomatic shedding instead of having to explain it.
The whole experience made me more comfortable with the fact that I have herpes and gave me the confidence to begin dating again. It was as if I had just re-entered mainstream society. Not everyone with herpes has to date someone infected with the virus to find true love, but in my case, it worked.
Eventually, I met a man online who lived only three miles from me. We discovered we had numerous mutual friends. Given the circumstances, it was surprising that we hooked up on the Web and not at a neighborhood barbecue.
Soon we will be married, and more than 100 family members and friends are invited to join our celebration. Most have no idea how we really met, but it's not important. Herpes brought us together, but it's the love, laughter, and good times that keep us close.
Ann Smith is a pseudonym for a journalist living in California.
Melanoma: Genetically Modified Herpes Virus May Improve Treatment
In a phase 2 clinical trial, researchers examined an innovative approach using a genetically modified herpes virus to treat advanced melanoma. The findings were published in JAMA Oncology
The study involved 150 patients with advanced melanoma from various places worldwide.
The Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is designed to infect and replicate within tumor cells and attract immune cells like T cells and natural killer cells to attack cancer.
The patients they included had a specific type of melanoma that could be surgically removed and had one or more tumors that could be injected with the treatment.
The researchers divided the patients into two groups: one group received injections of neoadjuvant T-VEC followed by surgery (group 1), and the other group had surgery alone without the treatment (group 2).
The treatment the researchers used, T-VEC, was injected directly into the tumors.
They started with a lower dose and gradually increased it over the course of several weeks until the patients had surgery or their tumors were no longer injectable, or they couldn't tolerate the treatment.
The researchers followed the patients for about 5 years. After this time, they found that the group with the T-VEC treatment followed by surgery had a better chance of not having their cancer return (22.3% vs. 15.2% for the surgery-only group).
This suggests that the T-VEC treatment helped reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
These findings suggest that T-VEC treatment before surgery can make a real difference in how well patients do regarding cancer recurrence, overall survival, and avoiding distant cancer spread. Importantly, the treatment appears to be safe.
The better outcomes are likely due to the treatment triggering the immune system to fight cancer more effectively, as seen from increased levels of certain immune cells after T-VEC treatment.
It's important to note that the study had some limitations in its design, especially in how it defined and measured cancer recurrence.
However, these results provide a strong basis for exploring further studies combining neoadjuvant T-VEC with other treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, aiming to treat high risk melanoma that can be surgically removed.
Dr. Trevan Fischer, surgical oncologist and assistant professor of surgical oncology for Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, not involved in this research, told Medical News Today that "intralesional therapy has been around for decades. This genetically modified virus has several advantages that make it an attractive research therapeutic option. This data reports the final report at 5 years showing an added benefit to using T-VEC before surgery."
However, "many things have changed in the field of melanoma since this trial began in 2015," Dr. Fischer pointed out.
"New and effective systemic agents have been developed and approved. In 2023, it's rare anyone would use T-VEC and surgery alone with these advances and identifying who may need intralesional therapy to turn a "cold tumor into a hot tumor" is research that is needed and ongoing."
– Dr. Trevan Fischer
MNT also spoke with Dr. Wael Harb, hematologist and medical oncologist at Memorial Care Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA,and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Syneos Health, not involved in the research.
Dr. Harb said the "research represents a significant stride in understanding the role and efficacy of neoadjuvant therapies for advanced melanoma."
"The results underscore the potential of combining T-VEC, an oncolytic virus, with surgical interventions to achieve better Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS) and Overall Survival (OS) rates. Adhering to the CONSORT guidelines, the study is a testament to methodological rigor and provides crucial insights into a burgeoning area of melanoma treatment."
– Dr. Wael Harb
Dr. Harb noted how "the demonstrated improvement in RFS and OS suggests that the combination of neoadjuvant T-VEC and surgery might offer a more potent therapeutic regimen for melanoma patients, especially those at the specified stages."
In addition, "it adds another dimension to the therapeutic choices clinicians have at their disposal," Dr. Harb explained.
"While the paper brings forth optimism, it also highlights some limitations, like its smaller sample size and lack of control arms for neoadjuvant Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) or T-VEC combinations. This calls for more comprehensive studies, potentially phase 3 randomized trials, to ascertain these findings' generalizability.
The study also nudges towards exploring the synergistic effects of combining T-VEC with adjuvant immunotherapy or BRAF inhibitors, a direction that could be immensely fruitful given the evolving landscape of melanoma therapeutics."
– Dr. Wael Harb
Another important implication of this research is how it can help to raise hope and awareness.
"Such research shines a beacon of progress, enlightening the general public about melanoma treatment advancements," Dr. Harb pointed out.
"For patients and their loved ones, it represents a beacon of hope, signifying strides towards improved survival rates and enhanced life quality."
Dr. Harb concluded, "This paper accentuates the importance of integrating innovative therapeutic agents with traditional surgical procedures."
"While we celebrate these findings, they also serve as a clarion call for further in-depth research, ensuring that we continue to refine our treatment approaches for the betterment of melanoma patients."
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