Self-testing | Devon Sexual Health

There are several ways to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including convenient at-home testing options.

Self-test kits ordered through My Devon Sexual Health are only available to Devon residents (excluding Plymouth PL1-4). For sexual health services in Plymouth, please contact Sexual Health in Plymouth

Self-testing kits allow you to collect your own samples, such as blood, urine, or a swab, in the privacy of your home. Depending on the kit, tests are available for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV.

Each kit includes clear, step-by-step instructions on how to take your samples. Once complete, simply return the kit using the pre-paid packaging provided at no cost to you. Make sure you write down the date and time you took the samples on the included card.

Self-testing is a convenient option for people who want a routine sexual health check when they have no symptoms, or who have been advised to rule out an STI as part of investigating a health concern.

You can order a self-testing kit through My Devon Sexual Health (MyDSH).

If your test result is positive for an STI, a member of the Devon Sexual Health team will contact you to discuss your results and the support and treatment options available.

Please note: My Devon Sexual Health is a secure online portal. This is completely separate to the NHS app and is a personal health record for your sexual health information held with Devon Sexual Health only.

Sexual Health Services are governed by different laws regards confidentiality and your My Devon Sexual Health information is completely confidential and is used only within Devon Sexual Health services – we do not share notes with your GP and your results will not be available, or visible on the NHS app.

Its services are available to Devon residents only (excluding Plymouth PL1-4).

Self-testing kits are recommended if:

you need a symptom-free “check-up”
a doctor or nurse has asked you to “rule out STIs” as a cause of a problem you are experiencing

You can order a self-testing kit through My Devon Sexual Health. Please note, kits may take up to seven days to arrive from ordering. Self-test kits ordered through MyDSH are only available to Devon residents.

If you are ordering a kit for either of these reasons, you do not need to book a clinic appointment as well.

Book an appointment at a sexual health clinic if:

you have symptoms of an STI
have had sexual contact with someone with an STI
have been sexually assaulted

Appointments in clinic can also be booked through My Devon Sexual Health.

Testing for STIs is recommended if:

If you’ve had unprotected (condomless) sex, particularly with a new partner

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not show symptoms, and some can take time to be detected by a test, so it’s important to test – even if you don’t have any symptoms.

To ensure the most accurate result, it is important to wait until the appropriate testing window has passed:

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea: Wait at least 2 weeks after unprotected sex before testing.
HIV: Wait 6 weeks (45 days) before testing, as this is the time needed for a reliable result.
Syphilis: Wait 90 days before testing

This waiting period is known as the window period, which is the time between being exposed to an infection and it becoming detectable by a test.

Testing too early may result in a false negative result. If you are using a self-testing kit, remember to record the date you take your samples, as this helps us interpret your results accurately.

Please note, kits may take up to seven days to arrive at your home address from ordering.

Regular STI Testing

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK and often causes no symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.

If you are sexually active, we recommend having an STI test:

At least once a year
Whenever you change sexual partner(s)
If you think you may have been exposed to an STI

For more information about the tests available and how to access them, visit our STI Testing page.

Self-test kits ordered through MyDSH are only available to Devon residents.

Self-test kits provide a convenient and confidential way to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from the comfort of your own home.

Order your kit through My Devon Sexual Health.
Follow the instructions provided to collect the required samples. Depending on the tests included, this may involve providing a urine sample, a blood sample, or a swab. Make sure you note down the date and time you took the samples on the included card.
Return your samples using the pre-paid packaging supplied with the kit. There is no cost to return your samples.
Your samples will be analysed by a specialist laboratory.
Receive your results and, if needed, further support from Devon Sexual Health.

If your results indicate that you have an STI, a member of the Devon Sexual Health team will contact you to discuss your results, treatment options and any follow-up care that may be required.

STI_testing_kit_box STI-Testing_kit STI_testing_kit_contents

If your self-test result is positive for an STI, there is no need to worry. A member of the Devon Sexual Health team will contact you to discuss your result and the next steps.

Depending on the infection, we may:

Arrange any additional tests that may be needed.
Discuss your treatment options and, where appropriate, provide treatment.
Offer advice on protecting your health and preventing the spread of infection.
Support you with notifying current or previous sexual partners who may also need testing.

Many STIs can be treated quickly and effectively, especially when they are diagnosed early.

Until you have spoken to a healthcare professional and, where necessary, completed any treatment, it is recommended that you avoid any sexual contact (including oral sex or sex using a condom) to prevent the infection passing to others.

If you have any questions or concerns about your result, our team will be able to provide confidential advice and support.

You can find out more about STIs and their treatment in our STI section.