You may be considering getting tested for STDs, or you may have already made the decision. In either case, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of going to a clinic or using an at-home testing service. For most people, confidentiality remains one of the most important aspects of STD testing, so you may want to opt for an in-home testing service. However, testing at home has disadvantages compared to a private testing center. Below we’ve listed the pros and cons of private testing centers compared to at-home testing, so you can make the best decision for your circumstances.
Advantages and disadvantages of home testing
Ordering a home test kit remains an option for those who want to be tested for STDs. While these test kits are convenient and private, they also have some crucial drawbacks.
Advantage: convenience
When you choose to order a home testing kit, it will be delivered directly to your home. You can take the test in complete privacy and at the time most convenient for you.
Advantage: no human contact
Concern about encountering a neighbor, co-worker, friend or family member at a local clinic remains one of the most common reasons people avoid or delay STD testing. Some also feel embarrassed at the thought of anyone, even strangers, knowing they are having an STD test. Testing at home gives you privacy and comfort during the process.
Disadvantage: Not administered by a medical professional
The convenience and anonymity of home testing come at a cost. At-home tests may be less accurate than if you choose to have a medical professional administer tests for STDs. Most at-home testing kits require you to provide blood, genital swab, or urine samples. You must follow specific instructions to collect these samples. Some users are squeamish about pricking their own fingers or collecting samples. If you perform the test incorrectly, you risk not detecting (and therefore not treating) an STD, which in some situations can lead to long-term damage. You also continue to endanger sexual partners.
Disadvantage: no immediate action in case of positive test results
Once you order a home test kit, you will need to wait for it to arrive and be returned to the laboratory. If you find out that you are positive for one or more STDs, you should still see a healthcare provider for treatment.
Advantages and disadvantages of private testing centers
Private testing centers offer you another way to get tested for STDs if you suspect you have one or want to make sure you don’t. Although you will need to travel to a testing center, they offer many advantages over at-home testing.
Downside: Leaving the comfort of your home
Unlike at-home testing kits, you must leave your home and travel to a private testing center.
Advantage: Anonymity
You might assume that private testing centers don’t protect your privacy, but they do: Private testing centers maintain confidentiality by not sending anything to your home or reporting anything to your healthcare provider. You don’t have to worry about your partner, roommate or neighbor finding out what’s in an envelope or package. Additionally, no one in a center waiting room will ever know that you are having an STD test, making the entire process discreet. In fact, you order your tests online or by telephone prior to your visit.
Benefit: increased accuracy
Private testing centers are staffed by medical professionals who regularly collect samples from patients. With their training and experience, you are more likely to get accurate test results, giving you peace of mind and confidence in the results.
Pro: Fast results and treatment assistance
Most STDs can be treated easily and quickly with antibiotics or other medications, although some STDs require a slightly more complicated treatment plan. Either way, a private testing center can collect your samples and provide test results within 24 to 72 hours, which is usually faster than an at-home test. You can consult your results online or call a healthcare consultant who can speak to you about your results by telephone. If your results come back positive for one or more STDs, you also have immediate treatment options to get you on the road to better health.
Pro: Live interaction for support and questions
If you’ve never gone through an STD testing process and suspect you’re positive, it can be a scary experience. When you visit a testing center or chat with a healthcare advisor online or by phone, someone can guide you through the process to ease your anxiety and answer any questions you may have about testing, processing, and treatment options.
Contact Priority STD Testing today
Priority STD Testing offers private, FDA-approved STD testing at more than 4,000 locations across the United States. Our confidential process involves three steps: order your test, stop by a comfortable and convenient testing center, and receive your results quickly from one of our CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)-certified labs. We remain committed to protecting and respecting your privacy so you don’t have to worry about being put in a potentially embarrassing situation. Contact us today for more information about ordering your STD test and visiting one of our private testing centers.