Question 1

What is the difference between an STD and STI?

Accepted Answer

They refer to the same thing! "STI" stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, and "STD" stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. “STD,” like the term “venereal disease” before it, is older and less scientific. It’s also more popular because it’s the one most of us grew up using. “STI” is more accurate, but it’s not as widely known or used as the term “STD.” Regardless of which term you choose to use, they both refer to infections that are transmitted between people via sexual contact, such as kissing, genital touching, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration, etc.

Question 2

Can an STI or STD go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

Most STIs don’t fully clear without treatment. In some cases, symptoms may fade or disappear, which can make it seem like the infection is gone when it’s actually still present. That means it can still be passed to partners and continue affecting your body. Rarely, infections like trichomoniasis may resolve on their own, but that’s unpredictable. Testing, treatment, and retesting when recommended are the best ways to know for sure you’re in the clear.

Question 3

What will happen if an STD or STI is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If an STI isn’t treated, it can spread beyond the initial site of infection to areas like the cervix or prostate and lead to more serious conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The inflammation and scarring that can follow may sometimes affect fertility. Symptoms don’t always show up right away—many STIs have an incubation period, meaning signs can take days or even a few weeks to appear, and some people never notice symptoms at all. That’s why testing matters, even if you feel fine. If something feels off, getting checked sooner can help you get answers and care without the guesswork.

Question 4

How serious is an STD?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the infection and how long it goes untreated. STIs like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can typically be easily cured with a round of antibiotics. However, letting these infections go untreated can lead to complications and opportunities to pass the infection on to others. Untreated STIs also make it more likely that you will contract other, more serious infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with HIV, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner.

Question 5

How does an STD consultation work?

Accepted Answer

Online STD Consultation allows you to speak with a doctor about your symptoms and avoid costly urgent care bills to request lab testing. Once you begin a consultation, our doctors will order your lab test to screen for STIs/STDs and, if safe and appropriate, prescribe immediate treatment to relieve your symptoms. Note: Insufficient sample collection may result in a false negative or inconclusive results. This test does not replace in-person care. Our testing kits are to help you gain a better perspective on your health and how your body functions. You may use this information to make more informed health care decisions and choices. If you test positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or HIV, Wisp or it's clinician affiliates will notify you and will also report the positive test result to your state or county health department per state regulations. See site for details.

Question 6

Will your medical providers help me if I don’t have any symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We’re here to help everyone. Feel free to ask questions and request a lab referral if you are interested in getting screened for STIs, even if you do not have symptoms.

Question 7

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Our pricing is set to ensure access to medical care for everyone, regardless of insurance. Physician consultation and primary care access are included in the price. Medication will be an additional cost at the pharmacy, but can be billed to insurance if you have it. Pharmacy-specific discounts are available here. STI lab testing has an additional cost that varies by the lab and may be covered with insurance.

Question 8

Can I get a prescription for STDs online?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Wisp’s licensed providers can prescribe treatment for many common STDs and STIs online—like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. You’ll complete a short online consultation, and if treatment is safe and appropriate, a provider will send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy or have it shipped to you directly. It’s fast, private, and insurance isn’t required.

Question 9

What to take for STD over the counter?

Accepted Answer

There aren’t any over-the-counter medications that can cure an STD or STI. These infections usually need prescription antibiotics or antivirals to clear up completely. While you can use OTC meds to help ease symptoms (like pain or itching), they won’t treat the infection itself. If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested and treated right away—Wisp can help you do both online, privately, and affordably.

Question 10

Where can I buy STD medication online?

Accepted Answer

You can order prescription STD treatment directly through Wisp! After a quick online consultation with a licensed provider, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup—or shipped free and discreetly to your door. Everything happens online, so you can skip the in-person waiting room and still get trusted medical care fast.

Question 11

How quickly can I start STD treatment after my online consultation with Wisp?

Accepted Answer

Usually within hours! Once your online consultation is complete, a licensed provider reviews your information (often within minutes). If eligible, treatment is sent the same day for local pharmacy pickup—or get it shipped in 1–3 days. Wisp’s goal is to make sure you get safe, effective care as quickly and privately as possible.

Question 12

Where to buy a rapid STD test?

Accepted Answer

You can buy rapid STD tests online or at some pharmacies. If you prefer getting answers quickly and privately, you can also order testing through Wisp—your provider will send you to a partner lab for fast, reliable results without the hassle of an in-person appointment.

Question 13

How long do STD test results take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of test. Rapid tests can give you results the same day, sometimes within minutes or hours. Lab-based tests usually take anywhere from 1–5 days (not including shipping and handling). Timing can vary based on the infection being tested and the lab’s processing speed.

Question 14

How soon after sex can I test for STDs?

Accepted Answer

Each infection has its own “window period,” which is the time it takes for an infection to show up on a test. Some STDs can be detected in as little as a few days, while others may take 2–4 weeks. Testing too early can lead to false negatives, so if you think you were exposed, it’s smart to test now and again after the recommended incubation period.

Question 15

Can you buy an STD test over the counter?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many pharmacies and online retailers sell at-home STD tests you can use privately. You can also order testing through Wisp if you want medical guidance, discreet lab referrals, and treatment options ready to go if your results come back positive.

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