The best herpes test kits for 2025, according to experts

Yahoo

6 days ago

Herpes affects billions of people around the world. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that 3.8 billion people under the age of 50 have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the main cause of oral herpes, while an estimated 520 million people ages 15 to 49 have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the main cause of genital herpes. Yet, despite how prevalent this infection is, when going to your doctor specifically for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) panel, herpes is not typically included in the screening. Fortunately, there are at-home herpes test kits that can give you the answers you need without a trip to the doctor."At-home tests are generally reliable when used correctly," says Dr. Stephanie Hack, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. In the U.S., where there are roughly 572,000 new cases of genital herpes in individuals between the ages of 14 and 49 each year, at-home testing can be a reliable part of regular sexual health screenings. But Dr. Hack notes that not all herpes tests are created equal. A key point to keep in mind — you don't want to buy just any old test and hope for the best. When it comes to testing for herpes, you want to make sure the test you choose is accurate and easy to use.To help us understand what to look for in the best at-home herpes tests, we spoke with a panel of four medical experts who specialize in sexual and reproductive health to get their input on self-administered herpes tests. We then used the experts' input and my own experience as a health care professional and health journalist to research the top OTC herpes tests, rating each based on cost, ease of use, time to receive results and any additional medical support offered. Here are our picks for the best at-home herpes tests for a range of needs. However, if you're concerned about other sexually transmitted infections as well, consider our top picks for the best at-home STD tests and best at-home syphilis tests.
Best at-home herpes test overall
Other top at-home herpes tests we recommend for 2025
Factors to consider when choosing an at-home herpes test
How we chose the best at-home herpes test
FAQs
Meet our experts
Update, July 2, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best at-home herpes test remains unchanged.
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Choosing the right herpes test for you is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs. Before making a decision, it's a good idea to consider certain factors:
Type of test: HSV-1 is generally considered the virus responsible for oral herpes, whereas genital herpes is associated more with HSV-2. However, since genital herpes can come from either herpes virus, tests that look for both types of of the virus tend to be more accurate. On the other hand, tests that screen only for HSV-2 are typically more cost-effective.
Collection method: Herpes can be detected using a blood sample or a swab of the lesion if an outbreak is present. According to Dr. Jill Purdie, board-certified ob/gyn in Alpharetta, Ga., taking a swab of the sore itself is the most accurate type of test, but it's also more prone to user error than a blood sample. A swab sample also requires an active outbreak, whereas a blood test can determine whether or not you've been exposed to the virus even when an outbreak is not present.
Time until results: The last thing you want to do when getting an STD test is sit around and wait for the results. Certain tests offer shorter wait times, while others might take a bit longer. All the tests on this list have a turnaround time of between one and five days.
Medical support included: If you test positive, does the company offer any type of medical support? If a medical consultation is available, is it free or does it cost extra? Additionally, is treatment or a prescribing provider available?
Cost: Along with the cost of the actual test, consider whether or not there are additional fees for shipping, follow-up support or treatment options. Also, consider whether or not FSA/HSA payments are accepted.
Accuracy: For the most accurate results, look for a company that uses CAP- and CLIA-certified labs.
Privacy: Most at-home herpes tests don't accept insurance or require extensive identifying information outside of name and address, which can go a long way toward protecting your privacy. Additionally, look for a company that offers discreet packaging when shipping.
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To find the best at-home herpes tests on the market today, we first consulted a panel of medical experts who specialize in sexual health, urology and reproductive and women's health. Our team then researched a broad range of at-home HSV tests and rated each based on cost, the type of herpes viruses tested, accuracy, collection method and turnaround time. In addition, we considered the company's reputation and follow-up support. Specifically, we looked at whether or not the option for a health care consultation or treatment was available. After compiling the data, we narrowed our list of the best herpes tests based on specific testing needs, such as turnaround time and additional medical support.
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Herpes is primarily detected in one of two ways: through antibodies in the blood or by the presence of the virus in a lesion. Urine tests are less common but can be used in combination with another sample method to ensure accuracy.
To date, there are not any fully at-home rapid tests that can detect the herpes virus, so all "at-home" tests require you to pre-purchase the test online, then collect the sample yourself and mail it to the lab or visit a certified lab to have the sample specimen taken for you. Regardless of the option you choose, at-home herpes enable you to get tested without making an appointment with your primary care doctor.
Herpes is a virus that causes skin infections and painful sores on the body, primarily around the mouth and genital areas. Aleece Fosnight, a board-certified physician assistant specializing in sexual medicine, women's health, and urology, tells us: "There are several types of herpes including varicella-zoster, the virus responsible for chicken pox. But the herpes simplex virus — or HSV — comes in two forms:
HSV-1 mainly causes oral herpes — also known as cold sores
HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes
HSV-1 is spread through skin-to-skin contact and saliva and mainly causes oral herpes, also known as cold sores. HSV-2, on the other hand, is usually spread through sexual contact, resulting in genital herpes.
Although herpes is most contagious during an outbreak, herpes simplex 1 and 2 can also be transmitted when there are no visible sores or symptoms. Unlike most other STDs that can only be spread through bodily fluids, HSV-1 and 2 can be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact.
"Both types of herpes can cause small, painful blisters around the site of the infection," says Dr. Rashid Bani, medical director at Your Sexual Health. Moreover, both types can infect your face or genitals. Although HSV-2 is responsible for most cases of genital herpes, you can get genital herpes from HSV-1 (and vice versa).
Painful sores or blisters are the most common symptom of herpes, Purdie tells us. With oral herpes, there is typically just one blister, whereas genital herpes often appears in a cluster. Other common signs can include:
Fever or flu-like symptoms
Headaches
Body and muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or groin area
Tingling, burning or itching sensation
Unusual vaginal discharge
Painful urination
It's important to note, though, that not everyone who's infected with herpes will show symptoms. In fact, most people with HSV are asymptomatic and may not even realize they have it.
You should get tested if you begin to experience symptoms or notice any sores around your genitals, says Hack. One exception would be if you've had sex with a partner who has genital herpes. In that case, it's important to remember that it can take time for your body to develop HSV antibodies. The incubation period for herpes is typically two to 12 days, but it can take even longer. In some cases, it can take up to 16 weeks or more for HSV to be detected in your blood, Fosnight says.
Our experts agree that at-home tests are generally reliable when used correctly, so it's crucial you follow the directions for sample collection exactly as stated by the company.
While the most accurate way to detect herpes is through a viral culture or PCR test via a swab of the blister or lesion, "blood tests, which look for HSV antibodies in a blood sample, can be used if you don't have an active outbreak or sore," says Hack.
If you test positive for herpes, the next step should be to consult a healthcare provider to discuss possible treatment options. While there is no cure, treatments are available to help speed up healing, prevent or shorten outbreaks and reduce the chances of spreading it to partners.
Your doctor may also advise getting retested after a positive test result, especially if you have no symptoms. "No HSV test is perfect, and false results can occur," says Hack. For example, one study found that herpes IgM testing resulted in many false positives for HSV-2 and many false negatives for HSV-1.
False negatives can occur if the infection is very new since your body hasn't developed the antibodies yet. On the other hand, false positives can occur due to cross-reactivity. Antibody tests can sometimes react to other viruses in the same family (e.g., HSV-1 or the varicella-zoster virus). In other words, you may test positive for herpes type 2 when, in fact, you only have type 1. Because of that, it's always a good idea to discuss your results and sexual history with a doctor.
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Dr. Stephanie Hack, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist
Dr. Jill Purdie, board-certified ob/gyn in Alpharetta, Ga.
Aleece Fosnight, a board-certified physician assistant specializing in sexual medicine
Dr. Rashid Bani, medical director at Your Sexual Health
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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.