Many prefer to undergo STD or STI at-home testing. It is more confidential and the person who is getting tested doesn’t feel uncomfortable. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) or STD (Sexually transmitted disease) is a condition that occurs when you engage in unprotected sex. Some common symptoms are burning and itching sensations in the genitals.
However, no need to panic since most of them are completely curable. But if you have unprotected sex, there are chances of contracting it again. This is why you need to use a condom to be safe. According to WHO, over 1 million people get STIs daily.
It is because using condoms is never 100% effective. If you are sexually active, STIs could be a common problem. Fortunately, today we have multiple at-home kits to test if you have an STI. The sooner you get a diagnosis the faster you can start your treatment.
How Do People Get Affected by STDs and STIS?
You get STDs or STIs when viruses, bacteria, or parasites attack your body. This exchange of microorganisms occurs through sexual activity. It usually happens when people exchange bodily fluids while anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
Moreover, there are some STDs that can affect a developing fetus. For example, syphilis is one such STD. There are other STDs that are found in the blood. Those who share their infected needles can pass on the virus.
When Is the Right Time to Get A STI Or STD Check?
Those who are not in a relationship but sexually active should often take an STI test. Here is a testing guide that you can follow:
- If you are from 13-64 years old, check for HIV at least once.
- If you are a woman who is sexually active and have not crossed 25 yet, we recommend you test for gonorrhea and Chlamydia at least once a year.
- If you are expecting, test for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
- If you are undergoing a high-risk pregnancy, test for gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
- We suggest getting tested for HIV once a year to individuals who share needles or engage in risky sexual activity.
Gay men and active bisexuals too should test for HIV on a regular basis. We recommend taking HIV tests 2 to 4 times a year. Also, get a yearly test for gonorrhea, syphilis, and Chlamydia.
What Are the Most Common Types of STIs or STDs?
Here are some common STIs:
- HIV
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis B
- Genital Herpes
- Genital warts or HPV
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
A majority of STIs are spread through oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. However, some spread through non-sexual methods. For instance, it can transmit through sharing of syringes or needles. Also, it can spread through blood transfusions.
Why Are STDs And STIs Deemed So Dangerous?
Those suffering from STIs or STDs may need to undergo the following effects. They can make you feel really uncomfortable. If you are not careful and leave them untreated, they can manifest into something dangerous. These complications include:
Pregnancy Difficulties
If you do not treat the STDs, it can lead to severe complications in pregnancy. For instance, it can cause low birth weight, premature birth, or stillbirth. Moreover, it can lead to spontaneous abortion, instant rupture of membranes, and postpartum endometritis.
Eye Inflammation
Two STDs namely gonorrhea and Chlamydia are reasons for eye inflammation. This occurs when semen directly or indirectly gets in the eye. If the victim rubs their eye with their unwashed hands after sexual intercourse, it can cause eye inflammation.
Arthritis
If you have gonorrhea, there are chances of developing gonococcal arthritis. This condition causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Furthermore, it can lead to inflamed joints with severe pain.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Some STIs like Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammation. This is prevalent in women. It can cause pelvic pain or severe belly pain in the lower side.
Heart Disease
Developing chlamydia is serious. This is because it is linked with several heart diseases. The condition has something called “molecular mimicry”. This leads to an autoimmune response that causes heart inflammation.
How Long Should I Wait to Get an At-Home STD Test?
An individual can test for STIs a few weeks after intercourse or exposure. If they are curable STIs, you will have to do a retest after the treatment is over. For instance, with gonorrhea and chlamydia, the doctor will ask for a retest.
Even after you receive a negative result, test again to ascertain the same. If you are at high risk in terms of developing STIs then make sure you request a retest.
Many tests can trace infections for between 5 days – 2 weeks of intercourse or exposure. If you get a negative test result, the doctor will ask for a retest after 2 weeks. This is especially if you still have symptoms.
Some Of The Best at Home STD Test Kits
Nurx Reviews
It is true that the results from self-collected samples are not the same as those taken in a professional lab. However, with Nurx, you can be assured. The product takes fluids from areas like the throat, vagina, and rectum. This ensures that it delivers the right results for STDs and STIs within seven days.
The kit tests:
- HIV
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
Nurx gives you three different at-home testing kits that you can choose from.
Basics Covered Kit: This kit is ideal for those who just need a retest. It tests for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia to name a few. The cost of the kit is 150 dollars.
Healthy Women Kit: The kit traces fairly common infections. For instance, you can test for trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV, and costs 190 dollars.
Full Control Kit: This testing kit is suitable for those who haven’t tested in a year. It is an in-depth testing kit that looks for hepatitis C, syphilis, HIV, and more costing 220 dollars.
EverlyWell
This brand sells STD testing kits for both men and women and the price is just 169 dollars. The sample is collected with a vaginal swab or finger prick to check for STDs and STIs. The kit allows you to test for the most common STDs in females.
The Kit Tests:
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis C
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
It takes a few days to get test results. With every purchase, you get a set of instructions you need to follow and the things you need for sample collection. In addition, they also have individual tests for gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and HIV.
The best part about EverlyWell is that every test is checked and approved by certified doctors. EverlyWell will help you connect with a physician if you get positive results. In addition, the physician will offer you treatment options at no additional price.
LetsGetChecked
You can easily get this kit at all CVS locations. It is a convenient and easy-to-use kit and takes 2 to 5 days for the results. The brand has three exclusive types of testing:
Simple 2: This is an at home chlamydia test and gonorrhea test kit. These are the most common STIs and STDs to test for and cost 99 dollars.
Standard 5: This testing kit looks for the above-mentioned 2 STIs. In addition, it tests for HIV, Trichomoniasis, and finally Syphilis. This is a popular choice among the public. It uses urine samples along with a finger prick to determine the STDs costing 149 dollars.
Complete 8: This testing kit includes all tests stated in Standard 5 and costs 249 dollars. In addition, it looks for Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, and Gardnerella Vaginalis. The test uses a urine sample and a finger prick.
With this test, you need to get a blood sample and urine sample. Furthermore, the kit offers medical support too. So, if the results come positive, a physician will get in touch with you. You can discuss your further treatment options and ask questions as well.
PrioritySTD
It is one reliable testing option you can choose. Many people claim the results to be the most accurate. Not to forget, they are private and safe. You can expect to get results in just one day and start with your medication the very day.
The best part about PrioritySTD is that you can order it online, privately, or through a call. It has over 4,000 labs in the country. Moreover, you can see your results directly online. If the tests come out positive, then there are treatment options too.
In addition to individual tests, the brand has these tests as well.
Twin STD Panel: This is the test that checks for gonorrhea and chlamydia and costs 119 dollars.
10-Panel Test: This is a popular option for testing among people and the cost is 198 dollars. It consists of the following tests.
- Herpes Type 1 And Type 2
- Hepatitis B & C
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- HIV 1 and 2.
myLAB Box
The brand offers different STD kits and they are.
Safe Box: This testing kit checks for trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, HIV, and chlamydia and the price is 169 dollars.
Total Box: This testing kit offers all tests included in the Safe Box. In addition, it checks for syphilis, herpes type 2, Mycoplasma genitalium, along with HPV. The price ranges from 369 to 389 dollars.
Uber Box: This testing kit offers 8 testing options. It is the best at home herpes test kit. It also tests for hepatitis C, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, and trichomoniasis. The price is 199 dollars.
V-Box: The kit costs 189 dollars and tests for abnormal vaginal discharge, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and yeast.
Love Box: This is the next testing option that you can choose. It tests for herpes type 2, HIV 1 & 2, syphilis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia among others. The test required a urine collection, a vaginal swab along with a blood test and costs 499 dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any treatments for the prevalent STDs?
You can use antibiotics to cure a majority of the STDs. These are either oral medicine or a shot that can be taken by mouth.
Can you cure an STD?
Yes. There are many STDs that are curable. However, there are other STDs that need treatment and lifelong care.
What should I do if I’m pregnant and test positive for STD?
In such a case, it’s best if you consult your doctor right away. The health care provider will give you the right treatment plans. They will discuss the available options to keep your little one safe.
After I recover from an STD, can I get it again?
Yes. If you receive treatment for STD and recover, there are still chances of getting it if you engage in unprotected sex. For infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, a short dose of medicines will do. It also requires a follow-up test. However, HIV and herpes need ongoing medications.
Bottom Line
It is important that you test for STIs and STDs regularly. Regular STD tests will help you prevent the spread of STIs. You can visit a doctor to confirm the results. Alternatively, an at-home test is a great choice. Many organizations offer free STD testing services too.
It is crucial that you follow the right treatment for fungal, bacterial, or viral infections as they are curable. If you want you can avail of an anonymous STD test too. You can also go for the CVS STD test.