If left unchecked, Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can wreak havoc inside your body. The earlier you feel like something is wrong, the earlier you need to get tested. Admittedly, having to explain to the doctor that you think you have an STD is something no one looks forward to. You may be reluctant or shy to explain the circumstances that led you to this awkward position but it is this information that the doctor needs to help them get to the root of the problem.
To avoid all these, people now prefer to seek STD testing and medical attention online. But is this a better route to take for such a serious health issue? Here are 6 things you should know about online STD check services.
Diseases They Test For
There are hundreds of STD tests that can be done in a hospital setting. But if you go online you will only have access to a selected few. Majority of online sites offer testing services for common STD infections such as;
- Hepatitis B
- Chlamydia
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
Different Testing Routine
Where do you get your blood drawn? Who gets to perform the test? Where do you drop your samples? If you are a first timer looking for services on an online testing site, you are probably asking yourself many questions.
Most online testing services have their own physical outlets where you can get the recommended tests done and wait for your results. Online services without outlets will send you to credible labs or diagnostic centers with instructions to get the same tests done.
Partner With A Reputable Service Provider
To be assured of quality services, it is advisable to opt for reputable online testing sites. For instance, if you’ve been asked to mail your urine sample to an undisclosed location, there’s no certainty if the urine test will be conducted at all and whether the results will be conclusive if they get to conduct the tests.
You know that you are dealing with a professional online testing service if they are open about their location. Such sites prefer to send you to an outlet near you and collect any samples themselves. This ensures minimal tampering with the samples which increases the chances of you getting accurate results.
How Do You Get Your Results?
Since most of the correspondence is carried out online, you may wonder how the tests results will get to you. Well, different sites offer different options. You may get your test results through the mail, you could also return to the same site and check their web page, or you may be asked to call their service number after the waiting time has lapsed. On condition that the service maintains confidentiality, and is reliable, then you can trust that the results are authentic.
Interpreting The Results
No doubt, when it comes to convenience, nothing beats online STD testing services. But once you get your results, it dawns on you that you can barely interpret your own results. All the numbers and medical jargon may mean something to a qualified professional but to you, they make no sense. In the long run, you may have to call them back for assistance or go to an actual hospital and get your results interpreted.
- Links to Treatment
Was your test positive or negative? Once you’ve figured out what your results mean, it is time to find out whether or not you need treatment. If you tested positive for an STD, it was scary enough for you to deal with the news. But now you have to worry further about how you will get the right treatment. Unfortunately, online testing sites do not offer treatment services. It is, therefore, important for you to go see a medical professional to help you access the right treatment for your condition.
Above are 6 things you need to keep in mind when considering online STD testing. With this information, you know what to expect, and hopefully, you are better equipped to make the right decisions based on your tests’ outcome.