Self-collection of samples for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
WHO recommendations on self-care interventions
Overview
Certain STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, are curable. However, around the world, specific populations with the highest rates of STIs (including young people, mobile populations, sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender persons) often do not have access to adequate health services. Even when quality services are available, many factors prevent these groups and others from seeking STI testing from a health-care provider or clinic, such as concerns about autonomy, inconvenience, stigma and lack of privacy.
For STIs, there are now kits which allow people to collect their own samples to be tested. WHO recommends that self-collection of samples for gonorrhoea and chlamydia should be made available as an additional approach to deliver STI testing services. Additionally, WHO recommends that self-collection of samples for syphilis and trichomoniasis may be considered as an additional approach to deliver STI testing services.
