
7 Sexual Health Services You Can Access from Home
One of the biggest benefits of telehealth is that it lets you handle intimate health matters from the comfort of your home. You can avoid the awkwardness of going to a doctor’s office, explaining why you need to get tested, or even taking time off work, arranging childcare, or driving long distances to get the care you need. While it would be great if everyone felt comfortable talking about sexual health with their provider and could be sure they’d get non-judgmental, trauma-informed care, we’re not quite there yet.
Thankfully, the internet has made it easier to access a variety of sexual health services online. You can now order condoms, pregnancy tests, and other products online, and even consult with healthcare providers, get prescriptions, and have medications delivered right to your door. If seeing a doctor is difficult for you, here are some telehealth options to consider:
- Birth Control Prescriptions and Delivery
While birth control pills aren’t available over the counter yet, you can still get a prescription and have it delivered to your door. Services like Hers, GoodRx, Lemonaid Health, Nurx, Pandia Health, Pill Club, PillPack, Planned Parenthood Direct, Prjkt Ruby, and Twentyeight Health make it easy to access birth control online, including hormonal options like the patch and the ring. - Emergency Contraception Prescriptions and Delivery
If you need emergency contraception, like the morning-after pill, many of the same services offering birth control can also provide emergency contraception prescriptions and delivery. It’s also a good idea to have some on hand, just in case. This way, you’ll have it when you need it, without the added stress. - STI Testing and Treatment
Getting tested for STIs is something everyone should do, but it can feel awkward. Fortunately, you can now order an STI testing kit and do it from home. Companies like Nurx, LetsGetChecked, myLAB Box, and Everlywell offer at-home STI testing options, some of which accept insurance. If you test positive, some services also provide treatment, so it’s worth checking to see if that’s available. - Herpes Medication
If you need medication to manage herpes, either to reduce outbreaks or shorten an ongoing one, you can get it online from providers like Roman, Nurx, and Hers. Lemonaid also offers medication specifically for genital herpes. - Erectile Dysfunction Medications
If you or your partner are dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation, as ED can indicate underlying health issues. Once you’ve been checked out, you can get ED medications prescribed online from Roman, which also offers treatments for premature ejaculation, genital herpes, and cold sores. - UTI Treatment
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be a common problem, especially after sex. Fortunately, you can now get diagnosed and treated for UTIs online with antibiotics from services like Lemonaid, GoodRx, and Planned Parenthood Direct. - Yeast Infection and Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
If you’re experiencing itching or unusual discharge and suspect a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV), you can consult with a healthcare provider online for a diagnosis and treatment. Wisp offers treatment for yeast infections, and you can even sign up for regular deliveries of antifungal medications. Virtuwell offers both yeast infection and BV treatment at a low cost, including antibiotics for BV.
Telehealth services have made it easier than ever to manage your sexual health. Consider checking out the options above to see which ones might be most helpful for you.