At-Home STD Testing
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.
Although at-home STD testing is safe and convenient, it’s not available in every community. Check your state and local laws to verify at-home testing is an option for you.
When to Get Tested for STDs
If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get a complete STD panel. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection.
Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.
What Will Be Tested in a Complete STD Panel?
You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms.
A routine STD panel may include:
A full-panel STD test adds:
Sources
- CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed May 2022
- CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed May 2022
- HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed May 2022