07 Jun What Is The Best Way To Get STD Testing At Home?
Confidentiality remains one of the most decisive facets of getting tested for STDs, which may factor into your decision. There is, regrettably, still a stigma attached to screening, which can make a DIY option especially attractive for those with reluctance to attend a screening clinic. Concerns about bumping into a family member, friend or neighbor at a local clinic remains one of the most common reasons to evade or postpone testing. An in-home STD test keeps you up to date on your health status without the need of a doctor’s visit. Our team gives you the lowdown on everything you’ll need for fast and accurate STD testing at home to help you determine which is right for you.
What is an STD test?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be spread among sexual partners and via skin-to-skin contact. Getting tested for STDs can be a daunting proposal for many people.
Thankfully, a new wave of in-home STD testing options can test for common infections within the comfort of your own home, making testing yourself or a loved one simpler than ever before. Now, there really is no need to procrastinate or avoid getting tested because you’re hesitant to go to a clinic or doctor’s office.
What are the benefits of in-home tests?
If you have been sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most crucial actions you can make to defend your health. Even if you aren’t showing symptoms, testing for STDs can protect your health as well as the health of your current and future sexual partners.
Getting tested for STDs can be a sensitive and touchy issue for many. There are a multitude of varying reasons why people are reluctant to be tested at a doctors office or facility. You may…
- Feel a tinge of embarrassment with an open discussion with the doctor regarding your sexual history
- Feel embarrassed about making an appointment
- Feel embarrassment over going to the clinic to get tested
- Want your test to be as private as possible to avoid being seen at the clinic
Due to these and various other concerns, there has been a surging interest in at home STD testing options.
What are your in-home testing options?
Whether you are on the fence about getting tested or have already made the decision, it’s not hard to become quickly overwhelmed when trying to decide between using a DIY STD test or mobile STD testing. Let’s take a look at the differences.
Home STD test kits
Home STD test kits can be purchased at a pharmacy or ordered directly online. The most recent and up to date test kits feature the same, rigorous testing criteria found at your doctor’s office. Your results will be displayed in a concise manner with clear information detailing specifically which STDs you are being tested for. Many kits provide links for additional testing and other resources.
In-home test kits do have their shortcomings, however. The tests themselves appear reliable enough, but there is concern with those at home collecting a sample adequate for truly accurate lab testing. Another drawback with in-home testing to keep in mind is if you do test positive for one or multiple STDs you will still need to meet with a health care provider in order to receive treatment.
In-home STD testing with a mobile service
Mobile STD testing is a new and exciting approach that brings the precision and medical expertise of the treatment facility directly to your home. Many have looked to mobile STD testing in a way to circumvent the issues of privacy that may have caused anxiety when booking a screening for STDs with a doctor.
This practice sees a nurse visit you at home to administer the STD tests. You will be tested for the 7 most common and potentially harmful infections if they have gone undiagnosed, which are Hepatitis B and C, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea as well as HIV 1 and 2.
Once the testing process has concluded, your nurse will have your test sent to the lab for testing. After the results have been returned your nurse will give you a call to provide a professional consultation regarding your results as well as guidance on the necessary steps towards maintaining a healthy life for the years ahead.
How do you know if you need a STD test?
Anyone that has been sexually active and isn’t in a long-term relationship absolutely should be tested for STDs. Many STDs cause mild to moderate symptoms with the vast majority of these infections going unnoticed, often for years or potentially even decades without apparent symptoms. This is especially important to remember because a person can be living with an STD without even being aware they have one.
A common misconception is the best timing to get tested is immediately after potential exposure to STDs. However, there is actually an optimal window period for testing because exposure to, or even being infected with an STD, will not immediately lead to a positive test result. If you have concerns about exposure to STDs, you will need to be tested based on said window period. The lengthiness of this window period is dictated by the STD.
We have gathered some pertinent data based on specific diseases in the instance you suspect exposure to a specific STD.
Chlamydia
Although Chlamydia can appear in your systems in as little as 24 hours, testing should commence at least 5 days after potential exposure. Getting retested two weeks after completing treatment to ensure you are clear of the infection.
Gonorrhea
Testing for Gonorrhea can take place six days after potential exposure with a follow up test after treatment.
Hepatitis A
It may take as long as seven full weeks for Hepatitis A to show up in your blood. Seeing as there is no current cure for Hepatitis A, no additional testing will be needed.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can take anywhere from three to six weeks to materialize in your body, with many not showing any signs of the infection for more than three months after the initial infection. As with Hepatitis A, there is no cure for Hepatitis B so additional testing is not necessary.
Hepatitis C
This disease can take upwards of nine weeks to appear in your blood, with re-testing recommended three months after a positive test result in order to confirm that you do in fact have it. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there is a cure for Hepatitis C and it is a treatable condition.
Herpes
You can get accurate testing for Herpes anytime after six weeks from the presumed date of exposure. Although there isn’t a cure for Herpes, active outbursts can be effectively treated with medication.
Final words
Regardless of whether you choose DIY kits or mobile testing with a professional service, regular STD testing at home is the most failsafe measure you can possibly take to ensure you aren’t spreading an infection to a partner. If they regularly test as well, you’ll both be that much safer.
Related:
- What Can An Urgent Care House Call Treat?
- Does Insurance Cover House Call Visits?
- Can You Save Money With House Call Doctors?
- What Can A Primary Care Physician Offer During A Home Visit?
- The Future of Medicine is On-Demand and Personal with Physician House Calls
- Why a House Call Doctor is Right for You
- What Are The Benefits Of A House Call Doctor For The Elderly?
- What’s The Difference Between Concierge Medicine And Traditional Primary Care?
- What Are The Benefits Of A House Call Doctor For Covid-19?
Get your at Home STD Test with Concierge MD
If you want to get a private and discreet STD test at home, Concierge MD can help you get the answers you need. One of our medical professionals comes to your home to collect samples for lab testing and will help you understand your test results.
Click the button below to schedule an appointment!