With STD and STI rates on the rise, it is more important than ever before that people engaging in unprotected sex, or sex with multiple partners, undergo regular STD testing. Like most things in the digitized modern world, the Internet does pose a solution. Rather than go in to see a doctor to undergo STD and STI testing, people can now find a lab site online that offers at home STD test kits. These test kits test for diseases with complete anonymity and convenience.

Home STD Test Kits

At-home STD test kits can be ordered from reputable lab sites with ease and anonymity. Place your order online, and the test kit will be delivered directly to your home in a discreet envelope. Most require a urine, saliva, or blood-prick sample to be sent in. The kit will come with complete instructions on how to collect, store, and mail the sample back to the lab. Generally, within a week, you will receive your lab-certified results electronically. When you are choosing a lab to order from, be sure to check their accuracy percentage to ensure your results are reliable. Some lab sites also offer a doctor-consult phone call with positive results.

Who Should be Tested

The home STD test kits test for a variety of STDs and STIs such as Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes, and HIV. Be sure that you are ordering the correct test to suit your circumstance. Anyone who is engaging in unprotected sex should be regularly tested. If you have multiple partners, it is also crucial that you are regularly tested, not just for your own safety, but also to help prevent the spread of STDs. Many STDs don’t have symptoms or don’t show symptoms for a long period of time, so people can be unaware that they are potential carriers. This, of course, contributes to the spread of STDs and STIs. Many people don’t realize this but even engaging in oral sex without a condom can transmit STDs or STIs, so that would require STD testing as well.

How to Avoid Contracting an STD

There is only one definitive way to not get an STD or STI, and that is through abstinence. If, however, you are in a sexual relationship, always wear a condom, even during oral sex. If you are considering entering into a sexual relationship, don’t be afraid to request that the person is tested beforehand. This can be a difficult subject to broach, but protecting yourself is the most important thing, and if they are the right person, they won’t mind. The most important thing to remember is that regular testing won’t prevent you from getting an STD, but it will help you get treatment and stop the spread if you are a carrier.