Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise, both in the United States and globally, according to recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV are among the STDs that are seeing an increase in cases. In response to this growing concern, healthcare professionals are urging individuals to take action, and one effective solution is STD testing.
STD test kits have gained popularity as they offer a convenient, user-friendly, and non-invasive way to control and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and infections. The best STD testing services allow you to collect your sample at home, send it in for testing, and receive confidential online results quickly. Whether you have had sexual activity or not, it is important to be aware of the options available for STD testing.
1.
LetsGetChecked:
LetsGetChecked is a highly popular STD test kit service in the United States. Renowned for its accuracy, LetsGetChecked produces its own kits in an accredited facility and partners with world-renowned labs that are also accredited. The results are reviewed by physicians individually to ensure precision.
Taking an STD test with LetsGetChecked is convenient and straightforward. You can order the kit online and have it delivered to your doorstep the next day. The samples are collected in the privacy of your own home, and LetsGetChecked even covers the cost of return shipping. The best part is that you’ll receive your results within 2-5 days.
Additionally, LetsGetChecked has a team of medical professionals available 24/7. If you receive positive results from your STD test, you can seek support and guidance from these professionals to navigate the next steps
2.
my Lab Box:
myLAB Box offers a convenient and flexible approach to STD testing. With myLAB Box, you have the freedom to test for a wide range of conditions, including general wellness, nutrition, fertility, and various STDs. They provide both individual tests and packages with competitive pricing, often at half the cost of competitors.
One of the key advantages of myLAB Box is the access to a network of physicians who can assist with your diagnosis. Alternatively, if you prefer to consult with your regular physician, myLAB Box provides a convenient PDF format that you can print out and bring to your doctor. Additionally, myLAB Box has partnered with medical professionals who offer free treatment in the event of a positive result.
Pros
Free same-day treatment through telemedicine
Affordable tests and packages
Acceptance of FSA/HSA cards
Cons
Outdated website
Available only in the United States3.
Priority STD Testing:
Priority STD Testing is a leading company in the field of STD testing, providing rapid and dependable results for a wide range of STDs such as Herpes, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis. With a vast network of over 4,000 testing centers nationwide and no need for appointments, you can have a Priority STD test on the same day you order it. These laboratories work efficiently, delivering results in as little as 24 hours.
As a HIPAA-compliant service, Priority STD ensures complete confidentiality. Your results are securely sent to a private online account that only you can access. No information is shared with your healthcare provider, mailed to you, or billed under the Priority STD name. In addition, Priority STD provides treatment options for individuals who test positive, with same-day medications available in most cases.
Pros
Utmost confidentiality Same-day testing and medication
Cons
arduinoNo at-home testing option
Only one twin panel test available
4.
STD Check:
STDCheck.com offers one of the fastest ways to get STD test results. You can be tested on the same day you order your test, provide a sample in just 5 minutes, and receive results within 1 or 2 days, which is exceptionally quick. With STDCheck.com, you don’t need a doctor’s request or insurance, ensuring complete privacy. They work with over 4,500 labs across the US, making it easy to find a conveniently located facility.
STDCheck.com provides comprehensive 10-test panels that cover major sexually transmitted infections and diseases, including HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. They also include hepatitis A, B, and C in their tests, which sets them apart from many other providers. With prices starting at just $24 for a basic single STD test, STDCheck.com is also an affordable option.
Pros
Fast testing with results in 1-2 days
Same-day testing available
Certified lab testing
Cons
vbnet
No at-home testing option
No saliva test option5.
LetsGetChecked Basic-3:
LetsGetChecked is a popular STD test kit service known for its accuracy. They manufacture their own kits in an accredited facility and use world-renowned accredited labs. Each test is individually reviewed by physicians to ensure accuracy.
LetsGetChecked offers easy and convenient at-home STD testing. You can order the kit and have it delivered to your home the next day. Samples are collected in the privacy of your own home, and LetsGetChecked provides prepaid return shipping. You’ll receive your results within 2-5 days.
In addition, LetsGetChecked has medical professionals available around the clock for consultation. If you receive positive results, there will be someone to help you understand and navigate the next steps.
Pros
arduino
Multiple tests and packages available
Next-day delivery and prepaid return shipping
Fast results
Cons
arduino
Some STD tests not available individually
Not available in Australia and New Zealand6.
Nurx:
Nurx aims to make important medical assessments, procedures, and treatments accessible and affordable to everyone. Their services include birth control, genital herpes treatment, and STI tests, all available with or without insurance, without the need for a doctor’s lab request.
After answering basic health questions, a medical consultant reviews your file and provides a prescription or orders the necessary tests. Nurx offers a discreet alternative to traditional doctor visits, making it a suitable option for those who value privacy. They also provide testing kits regardless of your health insurance status.
Pros
Informative website
Affordable access to testing and treatments
Full medical staff for accuracy and support
Cons
Limited availability in some states
Medications available without doctor consultation7.
Everlywell:
Everlywell is a well-known provider of at-home STD testing services. Many people choose them for their affordability compared to competitors. Everlywell ensures highly accurate results and offers a free consultation with a qualified medical professional to discuss your results.
In addition to STD tests, Everlywell provides detailed reports and insights on general health, food sensitivities, and gender-specific tests. You can conveniently collect a sample at home, and the pre-paid return shipping envelope is included in your kit.
Pros
Accurate results
Affordable STD testing option
Detailed reports and insights
Cons
Limited availability in 47 states
Some tests only available in STD bundle8.
Health Labs:
HealthLabs is a faster and highly confidential option for STD testing in the United States. With over 4,500 CLIA-certified labs nationwide, you can walk into a lab and get tested. The entire process is anonymous, ensuring your privacy. Ordering is done online, allowing you to walk in on the same day and take the test immediately (unless fasting is required). Results are securely published to your private account, accessible only by you. Privacy is a top priority for HealthLabs.
Results are available within 1-3 days, and HealthLabs offers a 110% satisfaction guarantee. They offer a wide range of tests, including basic hepatitis panels, comprehensive HIV testing, and more. HealthLabs provides individual tests, full panels, and packages to make testing for multiple STDs more affordable.
Pros
Rapid results
Extensive network of 4,500+ CLIA-certified labs
No insurance or referral needed
Cons
No at-home testing option
Does not accept health insuranceAn STD test is a type of test conducted to determine whether an individual has an infection or a sexually transmitted disease. Different STDs require different testing methods, such as blood tests, saliva swabs, urine samples, or genital swabs.
It is recommended that anyone who is sexually active, especially those with multiple partners, undergo STD testing. Getting tested is crucial for maintaining personal health and preventing the spread of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
While general advice from healthcare professionals suggests regular STD testing for sexually active individuals, specific guidelines exist for certain STDs. Here are important considerations for STD testing:
- For chlamydia and gonorrhea, annual testing is recommended for:
- Females aged 25 years or younger
- Individuals aged 25+ with multiple sexual partners
- Males engaging in sexual intercourse with men
- Those currently diagnosed with HIV
- Individuals who have experienced non-consensual sexual activity
HIV testing is recommended for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64, at least once. Testing for hepatitis C is advisable for individuals born between 1945 and 1965, as they are at higher risk.
Furthermore, individuals with multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug users, pregnant individuals, those planning to conceive, bisexual individuals, sexually active gay men, and individuals who have experienced non-consensual sexual activities should also undergo STD testing.
STD testing can be conducted at various locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, and at home. Clinics offer fast results, but some people may feel uncomfortable or lack access to a nearby clinic. Consulting with a regular doctor is convenient, but discussing STDs with them may cause discomfort for many individuals. The most convenient and private option is at-home STD testing, where individuals can collect samples in the privacy of their own homes, mail them in, and receive results online without anyone else needing to know.
Where Can You Get Tested for STDs?
STDs are spreading rapidly, but fortunately, there are multiple options for STD testing available today, including:
- Doctor’s offices
- Clinics
- At-home testing
Clinics provide one of the fastest ways to get results. You visit an STD testing clinic, provide your sample, and wait for the results. However, many individuals may feel uncomfortable or have limited access to nearby clinics.
Alternatively, you can request an STD test from your regular doctor, which is more convenient since it’s your trusted healthcare provider. However, discussing STDs with your doctor may make some people even more uncomfortable than talking to a generic lab technician, discouraging them from seeking testing.
The most convenient and comfortable option is at-home STD testing. You collect the sample in the privacy of your own home, send it by mail, and receive the results online. It offers greater privacy, as no one, not even your roommates, needs to know about it.
Which STD Test Kit Should You Choose?
The appropriate STD test kit depends on the specific sexually transmitted infection you are testing for. Some kits are designed for individual diseases, while others offer packages for testing multiple infections, which is more convenient and cost-effective.
Ensure that the STD test kit you choose covers the specific disease(s) you are interested in testing. Look for a kit that provides an online customer portal, allowing you to access your test results privately. Only you have the password, ensuring confidentiality and providing faster access to your results.
How Long Does STD Testing Take?
STD testing is quick and painless. At-home testing takes a matter of seconds, as you collect the swab, blood, or urine sample yourself. In-office or clinic testing involves factoring in travel and waiting time until you are seen and tested by a technician. The waiting time can vary depending on the clinic’s busyness.
The time to receive the results also varies depending on where you undergo the STD test. In-office tests require processing, and the doctor may call you with the results or schedule a visit to discuss them. Clinics typically send results by mail. Online results are usually faster, with a turnaround time of 2-5 days, depending on the chosen STD test kit service.
How Much Does STD Testing Cost?
The cost of STD testing varies based on factors such as location, type of testing, testing location, and insurance coverage. Individual tests can range from approximately $99, while packages that test for multiple STDs typically range from $119 to $275, depending on the number of tests included. Opting for a multi-pack is cost-effective when planning to undergo multiple STD tests, as it is significantly cheaper than testing each infection individually.
