Skip to main content

Younger People Open to Self-Collected Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 20, 2025.

via HealthDay

THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2025 -- Self-collected testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) appears to be acceptable to adolescents and young adults, according to a study published online in the March issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Jayelin N. Parker, M.P.H., from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues analyzed adolescent and young adult perspectives on using STI self-collection kits. The analysis included text message survey responses from 763 participants.

The researchers found that most (91.1 percent) participants would use free STI self-collection kits. Among the 5.9 percent of participants who would not use an STI self-collection kit, reported concerns included test result accuracy and discomfort with specimen collection.

"There is an urgent need to prioritize and increase the accessibility of sexually transmitted infection testing among youth," senior author Okeoma Mmeje, M.D., M.P.H., also from the University of Michigan, said in a statement. "STI self-collection is an effective alternative that addresses barriers that often deter this population from seeking traditional reproductive health care services. The autonomy and confidentiality offered through this option may empower young people to take charge of their sexual health without fear of judgment or social stigma."

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Read this next

Study Compares Benefits, Harms of Treatments for Chronic Hives

WEDNESDAY, July 23, 2025 -- Omalizumab and remibrutinib may be the most effective treatments for reducing hives, itch, and swelling with chronic urticaria, according to a study...

USPSTF Guidelines of Little Value for Estimating Preeclampsia Risk in Those at Moderate Risk

WEDNESDAY, July 23, 2025 -- Moderate U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) preeclampsia risk factors have little value for estimating the risk for preeclampsia, according...

Endocrine Society, July 12-15

The annual meeting of the Endocrine Society (ENDO 2025) was held from July 12 to 15 in San Francisco, attracting more than 7,000 participants, including clinicians, academicians...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.