Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI
26 MILLION
new STI cases in 2018
Nearly HALF
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
1 IN FIVE
people in the USA have an STI
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Mall-in-kits at home Results in days 100% pain free Free consultations for positives Free shippingSTD Test
If you wish to take an STD test, you may be wondering about the processes that involve an STD test. As there are over 25 kinds of STDs with similar symptoms and causes, the STD tests can seem complicated. However, in reality, the processes are straightforward and convenient for anybody. Continue reading below to get a better view of the STD test processes and the things involved.
Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI
26 MILLION
new STI cases in 2018
Nearly HALF
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
1 IN FIVE
people in the USA have an STI
First of all, what are STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that spread when you indulge in sexual activities with an infected partner. It can be oral, anal, or vaginal. Certain bacteria, parasites, and viruses are responsible for causing the infections.
Why are STD tests necessary?
In case you had sex with an STD infected stranger without being aware of it. However, since the symptoms don't show in the first few weeks, you let it be.
Such an act can pose a severe threat to your health and your significant other. With time, most STDs like hepatitis B and genital herpes may cause permanent damages to your internal organs too. Some of such health problems are organ damage, cancer, infertility, and blindness. Usually, if you contract an STD, it will make you more prone to getting other infections. Hence, if left untreated, there are chances that you may be carrying more than one STD infection.
According to a CDC report, about 20 million new STDs occur annually in the U.S. Unfortunately, many infected people do not receive immediate treatments for their infections. One primary reason is that many STDs show no symptoms, or the causes are hard to pin-point. Another reason is the negative social impact on STDs that often gets in the way of STD tests. But taking the test is the only sure way to detect whether you have an STD.
How do I know which STD test to take?
With a wide range of infections, pin-pointing the proper STD test to take may be challenging. Hence, you will need to consult your doctor for advice. You may probably have to take the test for one of the following: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea, HIV Type 1, HIV Type 2, Herpes 1, Herpes 2, Chlamydia, Syphilis, HPV, Trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium.
Your doctor will not recommend any test unless you have a history of likely exposure or request for the test. In case an infection or a symptom bothers you, it would be best to talk it out with your doctor.
To know about the proper test to take, you need to talk with your doctor about the following:
- If you have any prevalent symptoms.
- Whether you had sex with multiple partners or even strangers.
- If you or your sex partner has a history of STD before.
- The type of sexual activity you took part in, like oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It can include other sexual contacts that involve bleeding or the exchange of sexual fluids.
- Any medications you are taking.
- Whether you use protection or the types you use.
- Other suspicious exposures or chances of getting the infections.
With proper communication, your doctor will be able to figure out which STD tests you should take. There is no shame in sharing your sexual history with a doctor who is willing to help you.
How are STD tests taken?
With advancement, STD tests today are painless, easy to take, and takes very little time. Depending on the type of infection, you may have to take swab tests, blood tests, urine tests, or physical tests.
Blood and urine tests:
In most STDs, taking a blood sample or urine sample helps to detect and confirm the infection. You can check for Chlamydia, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, and hepatitis with urine and blood samples. In cases of early infection, these methods may not be very reliable. That is because it takes time for the STDs to spread throughout the body. For example, for HIV tests, it can take from one to three months to detect the infection.
Swab tests:
To check for STDs, the use of swabs is a systematic method. Here, you have to insert a urethral, vaginal, or cervical swab into your vagina or the tip of your penis. If you have a history of anal sex, you may have to insert an anal swab in your rectum. The buds help to collect the germs residing in the likely infected areas.
Physical test:
If STD symptoms are appearing, you will have to show them to your doctor for examining it. In case of STDs like genital herpes, your doctor may look for sores and bumps in the vulnerable areas. The most sensitive parts include your anus, vagina, penis, and mouth. Feel free to share and ask your doubts, as that may help in diagnosing the right infection.
How do I get an STD test?
If you are looking to get yourself tested, you can book an STD test from our website. After booking, you will receive a code or requisition form via your email. Bring that form to our partner's nearest lab to get tested discreetly on the same day. With over 4,500 testing sites all around the country, you will be able to find one in your vicinity. If you feel insecure about multiple STD infections, you can also opt for a quick ten test panel.
The tests will only take about 10 minutes. You can expect your test results to be out within 1 to 2 working days. In case your results show that you have an infection, you can proceed for immediate consultation and treatment. Except on Sundays, our partner's labs are always open for testing.
Conclusion:
As STDs are a prevalent thing, it is necessary to approach an STD test regularly. Though the chances of getting one accidentally are low, the probability is never zero. At this age, you need to normalize the process to get rid of the stigmas related to sexually transmitted diseases. When taking STD tests, ensure that you talk about your sexual history and seek advice. There is nothing to be shy of when your health is at stake. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine. By taking proper precautions, you will be able to live a healthy life free from STDs.
Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI
26 MILLION
new STI cases in 2018
Nearly HALF
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
1 IN FIVE
people in the USA have an STI
Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI
26 MILLION
new STI cases in 2018
Nearly HALF
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
1 IN FIVE
people in the USA have an STI
GET TESTED NOW
Secure and confidential Same day testing Results in 1-2 days Doctor consultations available Fast lab visits Mall-in-kits at home Results in days 100% pain free Free consultations for positives Free shipping