Sexually transmitted diseases have reached a new high in the United States and across the globe, according to the most recent studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention..
STD test kits are becoming more popular as the need for controlling and preventing hazardous sexually transmitted diseases and infections becomes more urgent. The beauty of these kits is that they’re convenient, easy to use, and non-invasive. The best STD testing services allow you to take the sample yourself, mail it in, and receive confidential online results quickly. If you’ve ever had sex, then here are a few things you should know about STD testing.
PriceFrom $99-$269
Take at HomeYes
Results in2-5 days
LetsGetChecked is one of the most prevalent STD test kit services in America. Known for its accuracy, LetsGetChecked manufactures its kits in an accredited facility and uses world-renowned certified labs. Physicians review the results individually to ensure accuracy, as well.
LetsGetChecked also makes it easy and convenient to take an STD test. You can order the kit to your house and get it the next day. Samples are taken in the privacy of your own home, and LetsGetChecked even pays for return shipping. Best of all, you’ll receive your results within 2-5 days.
What’s more, LetsGetChecked has medical professionals on staff that you can speak with at all hours of the day or night. So, if you get positive results from your STD test kit, there’s someone available to help you deal with the news and take the necessary steps forward.
Pros
- Several different tests and packages
- Next-day delivery and preprepaidturn shipping
- Fast results
Cons - Can’t take all STD tests individually
- Not available in Australia and New Zealand
PriceFrom $57.50-$499
Take at HomeYes
Results in1-5 days
As the byline implies, myLAB Box is a convenient way to get STD testing on your terms. You can test for just about anything from general wellness and nutrition to serious STDs, fertility, and more. myLAB Box has individual tests and packages for multiple tests, and the pricing is very competitive (sometimes half the cost of competitors).
myLAB Box gives you access to a network of doctors who can help you with your diagnosis. Or, if you’d prefer to work directly with your regular physician, myLAB Box has a convenient PDF format that you can print out and bring to your doctor. What’s even more convenient is that myLAB Box partners with medical professionals who will provide free treatment if your results turn
- Free same-day treatment via telemedicine
- Affordable tests and packages
- FAS/HSA cards accepted
- Website is outdated
- Only available in the US
PriceFrom $20-$109 per test
Take at Home No
Results in 24-72 hours
Priority STD is a major STD testing company that offers fast and reliable results for a wide range of STDs, including Herpes, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis. With over 4,000 testing centres around the country and no appointments required, you can get a Priority STD test done on the same day you order it. These labs work fast, delivering results in as little as 24 hours.
HIPAA compliant, all Priority STD tests are entirely confidential. Results are sent to a private online account only you can access, and no information is shared with your healthcare provider, mailed to you, or even billed using the Priority STD name. Priority STD also offers treatment options for patients who test positive, with same-day medications available in most situations.
- Fast turnarounds (24-72 hours)
- Completely confidential
- Same-day testing and meds
Cons - No at-home testing option
- Only one twin-panel test
PriceFrom $24-$349
Take at HomeNo
Results in1-2 days
STDcheck.com is one of the fastest ways to get STD test results possible. You can get tested the same day you order your test, have a sample taken in 5 minutes, and receive the results in 1 or 2 days. That’s lightning-fast for this industry. And since you don’t need a doctor’s request or insurance to work with STDcheck.com, everything is completely private. The company works with over 4,500 labs across America, too. So, there’s always a lab conveniently located near you.
STDcheck.com has 10 test panels that include all of the primary sexually transmitted infections and diseases, such as HIV type 1 and 2, herpes 1 and 2, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis. What’s more, STDcheck.com includes hepatitis A, B, and C, something that most average STD tests exclude. Starting at just $24 for a basic single STD test, STDcheck.com is also one of the most affordable options on the market.
Pros
- 5-minute testing, results in 1-2 days
- Same-day testing available
- Tests in certified labs
- Cons
- No at-home option is available
- No saliva test option
PriceFrom $99-$269
Take at Home Yes
Results in 2-5 days
LetsGetChecked is one of the most prevalent STD test kit services in America. Known for its accuracy, LetsGetChecked manufactures its kits in an accredited facility and uses world-renowned certified labs. Physicians review the results individually to ensure accuracy, as well.
LetsGetChecked also makes it easy and convenient to take an STD test. You can order the kit to your house and get it the next day. Samples are taken in the privacy of your own home, and LetsGetChecked even pays for return shipping. Best of all, you’ll receive your results within 2-5 days.
What’s more, LetsGetChecked has medical professionals on staff that you can speak with at all hours of the day or night. So, if you get positive results from your STD test kit, there’s someone available to help you deal with the news and take the necessary steps forward.
- Several different tests and packages
- Next-day delivery and preprepaidturn shipping
- Fast results:
Cons - Can’t take all STD tests individually
- Not available in Australia and New Zealand
PriceFrom $75-$235
Take at HomeYes
Results within seven days
The beauty of Nurx is that it makes critical medical assessments, procedures, and treatments affordable and accessible to everyone. You can get things like birth control, genital herpes treatment, and STI tests with or without insurance and without the hassle of asking your doctor for a lab request.
After you answer basic questions about your health, a medical consultant will review your file and write out a prescription or order the tests you require. It’s much more discreet than going through your doctor, so Nurx is a good solution for anyone who values privacy. It’s also a good option if you don’t have insurance because Nurx will mail you a kit regardless of your health insurance status.
- Lots of information on the site
- Affordable access to important testing and treatments
- Full medical staff for accuracy and support
- Not available in many states
- Medications available to anyone without doctor consultation
PriceFrom $39-$-99
Take at HomeYes
Results within five days
Everlywell is one of the most well-known STD testing services. Many use these at-home kits because they’re more affordable than most competitors. Additionally, EverlyWell’s results are highly accurate. Everlywell also offers a free consultation for customers to discuss their results with a qualified medical professional.
Everlywell reports are detailed, offering valuable insights into your general health and sexually transmitted infections and diseases. You’ll get an STD test shipped directly to your home for easy and private sample collection. You can mail back the sample using the preprepaid envelope in your kit.
- Accurate results
- One of the most affordable STD tests
- Detailed reports and insights
Cons - Available in 47 states
- Tests included in the STD bundle aren’t available individually
Price from $24-499
Take home no
The result in 1-3 days
HealthLabs is a faster and more confidential way for Americans to get STD testing. With more than 4,500 CLIA-certified labs nationwide, anyone can walk into a lab and get tested. All testing is done anonymously, so privacy is ensured. And since the entire ordering process is online, you can log in the same day and get your STD test on the spot (if you fast for the test). No one else can access the results, and only you can see them. HealthLabs places privacy at the top of its priority list.
You can get your results within 1-3 days, and HealthLabs also offers a 110% satisfaction guarantee. You can have a variety of tests, from basic hepatitis panels to an in-depth HIV test and more. HealthLabs offers individual tests, complete panels and kits to make testing for many STDs more affordable.
Pros:
- Speedy results
- 4500+ CLIA-certified labs
- No insurance or referral is required
Cons - There is no option at home
- Does not accept health insurance
What is an STD Test, and Who Needs It?
An STD test is one of several types of tests done to determine whether or not you have an infection or a sexually transmitted disease. Different STDs require different forms of testing. Some require a blood test, others a saliva swab, urine sample, or a genital swab.
It is recommended that anyone sexually active, particularly if you have multiple partners, get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
That’s the general advice from healthcare professionals across the world. There are specific guidelines about STD testing for particular STDs, though. Here are some essential rules you should take into consideration if you are sexually active:
For chlamydia and gonorrhoea, get tested annually if:
- You’re a female who is 25 years or younger
- If you are 25+ and have multiple sexual partners
- You’re a male having sexual intercourse with men
- You currently have HIV
- You have been forced into sexual activity without consent
It is recommended that everyone from the age of 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once. Hepatitis C should be tested for anyone born between the years 1945 1965 since these are high-risk carriers.
Additionally, anyone who has multiple sexual partners uses intravenous drugs, is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant, bisexual or gay men who are sexually active or have been forced to perform sexual activities should have an STD test performed.
Where Can You Test for an STD?
STDs are spreading at a rapid pace. Fortunately, STD testing is available in several forms today, including:
- Doctor’s offices
- Clinics
- at home
A clinic is one of the fastest ways to get results. You visit one of the STD testing clinics, give in your sample, and wait for your results. Many people are uncomfortable with this or don’t have a centre nearby.
Alternatively, you can ask your doctor for an STD test. This is more convenient because it’s your regular doctor. But most people feel even more uncomfortable talking to their regular doctor about STDs than a generic lab technician. So, this can put many people off.
The most convenient and comfortable option is at-home STD testing. You take the sample in the comfort of your own home, mail in the sample, and receive the results online. So, it’s a lot more private. No one, not even your roommates, needs to know about it.
What STD Test Kit Should You Get?
Which STD test kit is the right one for you depends on the type of sexually transmitted infection you are testing for. Some kits are available for individual diseases. This will be more convenient and affordable.
Make sure the STD test kit you order covers the disease(s) you are looking for. Also, look for a kit that has an online customer portal. This will let you access your test results online through a private channel. Only you have the password for it, so only you can see the results. This is a faster and more confidential way of getting your results.
How Long Do STD Tests Take?
Taking an STD test is fast and painless. If you’re taking one at home, it takes seconds. Either take the swab, blood, or urine sample, and you’re done. If you’re taking it in an office or clinic, you’ll need to factor in the drive and wait until you’re seen and dealt with by one of the technicians. This can be quite a while, depending on how busy the centre is.
Getting the results also varies depending on where you take the STD test. Clinics will generally send you the results in the mail. Meanwhile, online results are much faster. You can receive your results within 2-5 days, depending on the STD test kit service you’re using.
How Much Does STD Testing Cost?
STD testing costs vary based on a few factors, including your location, what type of testing you’re doing, where you’re doing the tests, and, of course, whether or not your health care insurance covers it. Individual tests can run you at approximately $99, while you can get packages that test for multiple STDs for roughly $119-$275, depending on how many tests the package includes. If you’re planning on having more than one STD test done, it is worthwhile to order a multi-pack because it’ll be significantly cheaper than testing each one individually.