What You Should Know about Online STD Testing
There are several hurdles to STD testing that people experience. Some people are uncomfortable with asking for testing from their regular healthcare provider or going to a free clinic to get tested. While online STD testing may be convenient and remove these barriers, there are several factors to consider before paying for this kind of service.
Types of Testing Offered
Most online testing companies only test for the most common STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. While it’s likely these are the diseases you most want to be screened for, if you are concerned about other common infections, such as HPV or trichomoniasis, you might need to pursue other options.
Testing Method
Most online companies will have you visit a local testing center to get a blood and/or urine sample. From there, your sample may be mailed to a laboratory to get results. It’s important to learn about the procedure for analyzing your sample as the shipment method of your sample could affect results.
Trustworthiness
When exploring online STD testing options, make sure the company is reputable. You can figure this out by reading its “about” section and learning more about the company and its mission as well as by reading online reviews. Be careful not to work with a fraudulent company.
Getting Your Results
In addition to figuring out how you’ll receive your results (via a secure web connection, email or by calling a 800 number), you will need to think about what you’ll do with the results. If you test positive, how will you connect with a local health care professional to discuss treatment options? If you test negative, what do you need to do to reduce your future risk of getting an STD? One of the benefits of being tested with your healthcare provider is having a trusted professional there to discuss these concerns with you.
If you decide that in-person testing is a better choice for you, the CDC can help you find a provider near you.
