U.S. Approves First At-Home Test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis in Women

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has greenlit the first at-home test designed to detect chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis in women.

Developed by Visby Medical, this groundbreaking diagnostic tool is the first of its kind to be available over the counter, allowing women to perform the entire testing process from the comfort of home. «This could be a game-changer for patients who feel anxious or hesitant about visiting a gynecologist,» noted an FDA staff member.

The tests are slated to hit the market «within a few months,» with pricing details to be revealed closer to the launch, according to the Visby team. Each kit includes everything needed to collect a sample—women simply take a vaginal swab themselves. Results come via a compact device included in the package, which syncs with a dedicated app and delivers answers in about 30 minutes.

Any woman can use the test, whether she’s experiencing symptoms or just wants peace of mind. The Visby Medical test boasts an accuracy rate of 97.2% or higher, depending on the infection being screened.

A 2023 report on sexually transmitted infections highlighted over 2.2 million diagnosed cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the U.S. alone. Trichomoniasis, meanwhile, ranks as the most common non-viral STI, affecting more than 2.5 million people nationwide. All three infections are treatable with antibiotics, but if left unchecked, they can lead to serious complications, including infertility.