BackgroundRoutine screening is key to prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections. Evidence suggests that clinic-based screening programmes capture only a small proportion of people with these infections. Self-sampling using non-invasive or or minimally invasive techniques might be beneficial for people who are reluctant to engage with conventional methods. We systematically reviewed studies of patients' experiences of obtaining self-samples to diagnose curable sexually transmitted infections. MethodsWe seached Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, BNI, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify relevant articles published in English between Jan 1, 1980, and March 28, 2014. Key words used were “self-sampl*” or “home-sampl*” or “self-test*” or “home-test*” or “self-swab*” or “home-swab*” or “self-collect*” or “home-collect*” and were combined with “acceptab*” or “prefer*” or “experience*” or “feasib*”. Studies were included if participants self-sampled for the diagnosis of a curable sexually transmitted infection and had specifically sought participants' opinions of their experience, acceptability, preferences, or willingness to self-sample. Findings45 studies were eligible for inclusion. Many variations existed, particularly of screening methods, settings of self-sampling (ranging from specialist centres to non-specialist health-care settings), and methods of ascertaining acceptability. 22 studies reported that the self-sampling experience was generally well received, highly acceptable, or comfortable. The 28 studies describing ease of self-sampling reported it as an easy procedure. Self-sampling was favoured over clinician sampling, and home sampling was preferred to clinic-based sampling. Female and older participants were more accepting of self-sampling than male and younger participants. Only a small minority of participants reported pain during self-sampling. Participants were willing to undergo self-sampling and recommend others to use self-sampling in the future. Safety was the most common concern followed by confidentiality and privacy. Only six studies used validated questionnaires. InterpretationOur systematic review found that self-sampling for diagnostic testing is well accepted, with most people having a positive experience and willingness to use it again. Most studies were conducted in non-specialist health-care settings, making the findings of our review more generalisable. Standardisation of self-sampling procedures and rigorous validation of outcome measurement will lead to better comparability across studies. Future studies need to conduct rigorous economic evaluations of self-sampling to develop an effective policy for the management of sexually transmitted infections. FundingNone.