Testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases At Home
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases At Home
Testing for STDs or sexually transmitted diseases or STI’s or sexually transmitted infections at home is more comfortable when a home STD kit is purchased online. The individual then sends a sample for testing to the lab. There are variables in reliability with the different kits, but good options are available. The symptoms for common STD’s and the risk factors should be reviewed.
Method One: Testing with a Home STD Kit
There are numerous choices for at-home STD testing enabling the individual to send a sample to the lab. The kits available for STDs include HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Tests can be ordered to check for multiple STD’s simultaneously. Research should be conducted regarding the different tests offered by the company for at-home testing. It is essential to realize visiting an STD testing clinic or physician is more reliable than an at-home test.
Online testing is available through Planned Parenthood with the results sent to one of their labs for individuals residing in Washington, Minnesota, Idaho, and California. The kit includes a pre-paid envelope and proper instructions. The MyLAB Box enables the individual to test for gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, chlamydia, and other genital issues. Orders can be placed for a combo pack to test for more than one type of STD or a specific test for one STD. The test is ordered online and received in the mail. The company has stated it takes two to five days to receive the results. If the result is positive, a complimentary telemedicine appointment will be set by MyLAB Box with a local doctor. STDcheck.com is one of few online testing sites for hepatitis A. The OraQuick test is an FDA approved test for HIV. A sample from the gums provides results in twenty minutes. A 24/7 hotline is available.
Performing the Test
The instructions on the kit must be followed carefully. To receive fast results, the sample should be mailed as quickly as possible. Some kits speed the process with a pre-paid envelope. This may require a swab from the gums, a blood prick sample, or a urine sample. The blood pricks, swabs, and urine samples for MyLab Box tests take five minutes to self-administer. The company will connect the individual for a free telephone appointment for a local physician and prescription for positive results without the person having to leave the house. The OraQuick HIV test requires a swab to be run over the gums with the results requiring twenty minutes.
Further Testing
If the result from the at-home STD testing is positive, a second test should be scheduled at a clinic for confirmation. The individual should talk with their physician regarding treatment options. If the test is negative, but abnormal symptoms are present, a medical practitioner should be seen.
Method Two: The Symptoms
There are no symptoms or signs for many STD’s. An STD may still be present, condoms should be used, and STD testing should be performed regularly.
Checking for Chlamydia Symptoms
Chlamydia is a common STD. This is a bacterial infection located in the genital tract. There are often no symptoms during the early stages. A few weeks later, the symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen or during urination. Females may experience vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, and pain during intercourse. Males may experience pain in the testicles or a release from the penis.
Gonorrhea Symptoms
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection impacting the eyes, throat, anus, or mouth. Symptoms may be seen ten days after exposure or not for months. The symptoms may include pain during urination, murky, bloody or thick genital discharge, an irritated anus, or pain from bowel movements. Females may have heavy menstrual bleeding or bleed between periods. Males may have swollen or painful testicles.
Trichomoniasis Symptoms
Sexual intercourse may spread this one-celled parasite. In females, it impacts the vagina, in males the urinary tract. The following symptoms may occur in 5 to 28 days, including pain during urination or intercourse. Males may have a discharge from the penis and females a vaginal discharge, irritation, itching, or strong odors from the vagina.
HIV Infection Symptoms
This is an immunodeficiency virus with symptoms usually appearing in two to six weeks. The individual must be tested since the symptoms resemble the flu. Testing should be done immediately if the individual experiences headaches, fever, rashes, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph glands or nodes, diarrhea, coughing, weight loss, night sweats, or strange infections.
Method Three: Recognizing the Risks of STD’s
The risk of the individual’s sexual behavior should be assessed, including sexual intercourse with numerous partners, unprotected sex, and a history of STD’s. These actions increase the risk, and testing should be taken. Any treatments must be completed, and sexual health regained before having any sexual relations.
The Risk Statistics
The higher risk for STD’s are young people between 15 and 24. Their perception of this risk is generally low.
Recreational Drug Use
The risks for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV increase when recreational drug users are sharing the same needles. A study revealed two out of every five people infected with HIV from a needle did not know they had an infection.
The Alcohol Evaluation
Drinking can impact judgment and increase the risk of STD’s. If an individual believes their drinking is not under control and is having a negative impact regarding their judgment, they should consider decreasing their consumption.