At-Home STD Tests
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transferred from one person to another by means of sexual intercourse. It is one of the common illnesses worldwide. Data shows that one in five people in the U.S. have an STD and half of these people are aged 15 to 24. Diagnosis of these diseases is crucial so that prompt treatment can be started, and further transmission prevented. STDs can now be easily and quickly diagnosed with the help of STD kits. This article will discuss the best and most helpful at-home STD tests that are available.
1. Everlywell STD Test
The Everlywell STD Test is able to test for the six most common STDs:
- Hepatitis C.
- HIV.
- Syphilis.
- Trichomoniasis.
- Chlamydia.
- Gonorrhea.
They provide kits with easily-to-understand instructions and test results. The kits also include tools that enable samples to be obtained at home.
They are affiliated with CLIA-certified testing facilities and have a physician network that can address your concerns and treatment options should there be any significant findings in your test. They also accept health savings account (HSA) funds, so it is convenient and helpful for those with an HSA account. It also provides discounts for subscriptions. These kits may need a blood sample and vaginal swab, so it might be a little uncomfortable. They are not available in some states, such as New York. This STD kit retails for $169. You can also get kits for individual STDs that retail from $49. Subscribing to their membership program can give you access to their kits for as low as $24.99
2. Nextmed STD Test
The Nextmed STD Test provides several STD packages where you can choose to be screened for 4, 10 or 15 STDs. These packages include a virtual consultation and a treatment plan that is optimized for you.
An advantage of using at-home STD tests is that there is a fast turnaround of results, with some being available as early as the next day. Should any significant findings be identified, a physician will be available to explain to you your status and the treatment plans available. What is nice about their kits is that you can also check for urinary tract infections via urinalysis. The collection is in the form of urine and blood, so you will still need to be pricked.
The Nextmed STD Basic screens for four infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes 1 and herpes 2), and retails for $129. The Nextmed STD Standard screens for 10 infections (STD Basic plus trichomoniasis, HIV 1 and 2, syphilis), and retails for $139. The Complete STD screen retails for $199, and screens for mycoplasma, ureaplasma and hepatitis B and C. HSA funds are also accepted.
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3. LetsGetChecked Test Kit
The LetsGetChecked Complete 8 provides screening for eight STDs:
- Chlamydia.
- Gonorrhea.
- HIV.
- Syphilis.
- Mycoplasma.
- Ureaplasma.
- Trichomoniasis.
- Garnerella.
With these kits, sample collection is made easy as they provide video tutorials. There is also no additional cost when you return samples for testing, and items are shipped discreetly for your privacy and protection. Turnaround time for results is fast with an average of two to five days. A nice feature of these kits is that consultation and medication are included in the package.
Unfortunately, those residing in New York cannot get these kits due to state restrictions. Availability of medications also varies per state. The kit retails for $249, which is pricier than other test kits, but they have an available subscription option to widen payment options. They also accept flexible spending account (FSA) and HSA cards.
4. Nurx Test Kit
Nurx provides several STD packages to cover various needs:
- Basics Covered STD Kit: Tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. This is recommended for people who have previously been tested for STDs to monitor their current status. Samples collected are urine and blood from a finger prick. This kit retails for $150.
- Full Control Kit: Tests for hepatitis C as well as the four STDs from the Basic STD kit. Samples to be collected also increase, as a throat swab and a rectal swab is required aside from the urine and blood sample. This kit retails for $220 and is recommended for first-time users who want an overall view of their sexual health status.
- Healthy V Kit: Similar to the Full Control Kit but is targeted at females.
Getting a Nurx test kit does not include virtual consultations. An additional cost can cover you for one year of unlimited medical care with their team. The website provides instructions that guide users on sample collection. Although the kits might be pricier than other options, what is nice about these kits is that the price can go lower if it is applicable with insurance (as low as $75). Without insurance, this can be quite pricey compared to other kits.
Whichever kit you choose, what is important is that you take action over your health. STDs are curable and it is important to get diagnosed early so that you can avoid complications that can further affect your health.