According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STDs are becoming increasingly common across the country. In big cities, residents are reporting these sexually transmitted infections at a higher rate than average. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD(Sexually Transmitted Diseases).
At-home STD testing kit has been around for a while now (some Planned Parenthoods introduced it as early as 2015), it’s def becoming a more and more popular option for people who don’t want to physically go into an office to get an STD screening
Getting an STD test can be daunting if you have never done it before. But it doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, you may be surprised by how fast, easy and affordable it can be.
The Ultimate Guide To STD Testing
Who should be tested?
All adults and adolescents (ages 13 – 64) should be tested for HIV at least once in their life.
How often someone should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) depends on risk factors including the number of partners, type of sexual activity or drug use. To determine if you are at risk for HIV/STDs, a counselor may ask questions regarding sex, lifestyle and drug use during your visit.
Generally, most people benefit from an STD screening at least once a year. It is important to know that not all doctors provide regular testing for HIV/STDs, so check with your doctor or medical provider after each visit.
If you or a partner have tested positive for an STD, every partner should be tested and treated to avoid re-infection.
How often should I be tested?
Every 3-6 months:
- Anyone who has multiple or anonymous partners
- Anyone who shares injection drug needles or equipment
- All sexually active men who have sex with men and transgender individuals
Every year
- All sexually active persons over the age of 13
Where can I be tested?
In the comparison table below, you can compare new Online STD testing, At-Home STD Testing to traditional clinic testing methods. Explore all of these options in-depth and find out exactly how and where to get STD tested.
| Testing Method | Waiting Times | Speed of Results | Positive Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Clinics | By AppointmentLimited Hours | 7-10 days | Yes |
| Doctor Visit(with insurance) | By Appointment | 7-10 days | Yes |
| Doctor Visit(w/o insurance) | By Appointment | 7-10 days | Yes |
| Online STD Testing | 10-20 min | 24-72 hours | Yes |
| At-Home STD Testing | No wait | 5-11 days | Yes |
1. Free STD Clinic
You may be able to get a free or discounted STD test, depending on your financial situation.How It Works
Urgent Care STD Testing
Many people who are looking for routine or precautionary STD tests visit urgent care facilities instead of a private practice or their primary care physician. Urgent care facilities are a great option if you are concerned that you may have contracted an STD and need to see a physician.
2. Visit Your Doctor
Many STD tests require a genital exam. Counseling and confidential (private) testing for STDs are provided by trained staff who are sensitive to your needs and concerns.
3. At-Home STD Test
Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.
You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.
At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.
Rapid HIV Test
The OraQuick In-Home HIV Test is currently the only rapid home test the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved. It’s sold online and at drugstores. People need to be at least 17 years old to use it.
To take the OraQuick In-Home Rapid HIV Test you must:
- Swab the inside of the mouth
- Place the swab in a tube with a developing solution
4. Online (Walk-In) STD Testing
This is one of the easiest ways to get tested for STDs. You order the test online, but you walk into a testing center to get checked.
How It Works:
Step 1 - Order Test.
There are many website Order a test kit online from many available options. One of the option is STD Check. Order Online or by phone. There are different choices of 10-Test Panel or individual tests.
Step 2 - Visit Test Center.
There are thousand of testing centers nationwide, tests only take a few minutes.
Step 3 - Get Your Results
Test results are available in 1-2 days. They will email you your result. There is no need to visit the center for result.
Planned Parenthood STD Testing
The Planned Parenthood affiliates operate more than 600 health centers across the United States, and Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider offer Free STD testing, Free HIV Testing and treatment for women, men, and young people.
What should I expect?
Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is simple and confidential. A variety of methods are used by healthcare providers to diagnose sexually transmitted infections. The most common include:
- Collecting a urine sample
- Performing a finger stick
- Drawing a small tube of blood
- Collecting throat and/or rectal swabs
It is important that you ask and understand which tests are being performed and how they work during any visit. Not all tests are the same, and not all providers will screen for the same STDs.
During your visit, a trained professional will ask a series of questions about your sexual history, drug use or other aspects about your health.
At the conclusion of your visit, you should know:
- How to receive your results
- Which tests are being conducted
- Who to contact if you have any further questions
- How to access safer-sex materials (condoms, lube) and lower your risk factors
What is the window period?
Each STI test has a 'window period'. This is the time between when a person comes in contact with an STI, and when the STI will show up on a test. If the test is taken too soon after contact, there is a chance that a test result is not accurate.
The window period varies from person to person and depends on the type of test. If you are concerned about specific exposure to an STD, ask your health care provider or test counselor about when you should be tested.
What if my test results are positive?
If a result is found to be positive, it means you have been infected and need treatment. A healthcare provider or counselor will contact you to discuss your options and offer support.
Finding out that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), can be confusing or even scary - but you are not alone. The majority of people who are sexually active will get at least one STI in their lifetime. With the proper care and medication, STIs can be treated and managed.
It is important that your partner(s) be notified, tested and treated. Anyone you have had oral, anal, or vaginal/ internal genital sex with may unknowingly pass it on to another person (including back to you), or it can develop into more serious health problems if left untreated.
Things to know about STD testing & treatment
Clinics can test for gonorrhea and chlamydia using a urine sample. If this test result shows a positive result, then they will provide you with treatment and explain how your partner(s) can be treated.
For testing involving urine samples, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, do not urinate or engage in sexual intercourse for one hour before testing.
Many STD tests require a genital exam.
Counseling and confidential (private) testing for STDs are provided by trained staff who are sensitive to your needs and concerns.
For testing involving urine samples, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, do not urinate or engage in sexual intercourse for one hour before testing.
Rapid HIV testing is done with a blood sample taken from a finger stick. The results are available in approximately 20-40 minutes.
Individuals ages 19 - 26 who have no health insurance and meet financial criteria may qualify for the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program to receive the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) at no charge. Other fees may apply.
Gardasil is given as a series of doses over the course of several months, which would require you to return to the health center to get the full benefit.
