Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections, is tricky. However, you can still do the STD test yourself at home. Nowadays, many sell STD test kits. You can buy them at pharmacies, drugstores, or online. If you buy online, you can send your test sample to the laboratory partner that sells the test kit to check the results. Although the reliability of home STD test kits varies, there are several options you can use. Start by reviewing common STD symptoms and considering whether you are at risk.
Do at-home STD test with a personal test kit
Many kinds of personal test kits allow you to take your samples and send them to a lab to test the results. These test kits are available for screening for common sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. For uncommon sexually transmitted diseases, you can order specific test kits or test kits that can check for several types of STDs at once. We recommend that you look for information first before deciding to use this personal test kit. You should always remember that a home STD test kit cannot give you a 100% accurate result as if you saw a doctor, but you can send it to the lab for more convincing results.
What you should pay attention to when using STD home tests.
1. Pay attention to the type of test kit you buy
Before you decide to buy a test kit, you must make sure that you already know very well about it. Not all personal test kits can give you accurate results, but you can choose the best one from the others. If you buy online, you can check if any partner labs accept your samples.
2. Observe the instructions for use
Once you are ready to do the STD test at home with the test kit you purchased, you must pay attention to the user manual. Follow the instructions on the test kit carefully, and remember to send samples immediately so that you can know the results as soon as possible. Some test kits provide prepaid envelopes to speed up the inspection process and make it easier for their customers. Usually, they will ask you to send a sample of urine, blood, or gum fluid. You also have to pay attention to delivery deadlines. Usually, instructions are stating when the specimen should arrive at the lab at the latest. That is so you can get accurate results.
3. Perform further tests
Once you get the results of the home STD test, you can do further tests. If you get a positive result on the personal test kit, have a second test at the clinic to confirm the diagnosis. You should consult a doctor to discuss treatment options that you can take. If the result is negative, but the symptoms are still there, you should go to the hospital or doctor for other checks. In case you have another disease.
Doing an STD test yourself at home is more practical, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed. But you also have to pay attention to the symptoms and avoid the causes that can trigger STDs. Visit a doctor for more appropriate treatment.