21/06/2023
At-home STD tests can provide an accurate and convenient method for knowing your STD status. Find out which test kit is best for you.
Regular testing for s*xually transmitted diseases (STDs) and s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) is important for overall health and any necessary treatments. At-home tests can provide an accurate and convenient method for knowing your status.
STDs and STIs are very common. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 millionTrusted Source STIs are acquired daily worldwide.
One reason for this is that contraceptive methods, such as condoms, are not always failproof. Overall, if you’re s*xually active, you could contract an STI.
Nowadays, there are dozens of at-home testing kits that may make getting tested easier.
Here’s some information on quality at-home testing options, how to figure out what type is best for you, and when to contact a doctor.
Why you can trust us
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an at-home STD test, which is why we turned to the experts.
Our vetting team goes the extra mile to make sure you have the best options available to you. Every product we recommend and brand we work with is thoroughly vetted by our team. If there are any lawsuits, recalls, or regulatory action letters documented about these products or companies, our vetting team makes sure they’re reported and listed.
In addition to legalities, our team always checks for medical credibility, good business practices, privacy practices and security, social impact, and the validity of any health claims a brand makes about a product. At-home testing services are required to abide by telehealth standards in the following circumstances:
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)- and/or Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)-certified
guidance available to customers who test positive for an STD
prescription services available in the event of positive test results
physician orders for in-person lab testing available where necessary
Though this is not an at-home testing service exclusively, PrioritySTD is one of the most reputable STD testing options. Most reviews say the tests are fast, private, and accurate. You can get same-day testing, same-day medications, and results in 24 to 72 hours.
You can purchase your PrioritySTD test privately, online, or over the phone. PrioritySTD has more than 4,000 labs across the country. After your testing, you can access your results online or by calling a care counselor. Treatment options are available as well.
What we mean when we say STI and STD
STIs are infections transmitted from one person to another during va**nal, a**l, and oral s*x.
An STI is considered an STD when it causes symptoms. Usually, an infection is the first step on the road to potentially developing a disease.
Not all diseases start as infections. But in the case of STDs, they do. In both cases, STIs and STDs are used interchangeably, mostly because of the stigma that is associated with the term “STD.” We also use these interchangeably throughout the article.
According to the CDC, in 2018, 1 in 5 people in the United StatesTrusted Source had an STD or STI.
Although common, most people don’t realize they have an STI because most of these infections have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
Common symptoms of STDs include:
pain during s*x
urethral discharge or burning for people with a p***s
ge***al ulcers
sores or bumps
itchiness
abdominal pain
Vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of an STD.
Common STIs include:
syphilis
ge***al herpes
gonorrhea
hepatitis B
HIV
ge***al warts or human papillomavirus (HPV)
chlamydia
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While most STIs are contracted through va**nal, a**l, or oral in*******se, some can be transmitted through nons*xual means, such as blood transfusions and shared products, like needles and syringes.
Common symptoms of STIs
While not all STIs cause symptoms, knowing what to look out for can make it easier to get prompt treatment. Here are some of the most common symptoms of STIs:
itchiness or burning of the va**na or p***s
pelvic pain
discharge from the va**na or p***s
strong va**nal odors
va**nal bleeding that isn’t a period
sores around the ge***al area, a**s, or mouth
a need to p*e frequently
pain when urinating or having a bowel movement
va**nal pain when having s*x
How to choose the right test for you
With dozens of at-home testing kits available, it can be hard to choose the right one. After all, what does a good at-home STD testing kit look like? What should it entail? What do you need?
