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How to Get Tested for STDs

By STD Concern

You will have to decide whether you get tested publicly or privately. The main differences between Public & Private testing are Costs, Privacy & Insurance.

With Public Testing, Tests and Treatments are free but you will have no Privacy. With Private Testing you will have to Pay (Health Insurance usually not accepted) but your test results will be Private & Confidential whether or not you test Positive.

1. Public Testing (Free)

Going to a Public Health Clinic for a STD Test & Treatment will cost you nothing but expect some sort of STD Education in a classroom and a possible Lecture if you "Test Positive." Plus you can expect these officials to contact past and present sexual partners if you test positive (it's their job). Because of this friends and family might find out about your STI.

These clinics are usually run by public health departments and owned & operated by state or local governments. They basically do a good job. It will usually require you to go to their Test Center to take a blood, urine or saliva test than wait a few days for the results.

These public health clinics might also have At-Home Testing Kits available.

PROS and CONS of using Public Testing

Pros

• Testing is Free.
• Treatments are Free.
• Professional People.
• Peace of mind.

Cons

• First Come First Serve. (Get in line).
• Expect a Lecture if you Test Positive. (All depends)
• Expect STD Education in a classroom whether you test positive or not.
• Test results are not Private. (It's up to them)

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Note: You can avoid Health Problems if your STI is Detected & Treated.

2. Private Testing (Pay)

If you want to use a Private Testing Service, you will have to pay for the Test and Treatment. Health Insurance will probably not cover this kind of testing. Private testing is thorough and affordable if you choose the right one. 

At-Lab

This usually requires you to go to a Private Lab for a blood, urine or salvia test and then wait a few days for results. If you test positive you will have the option to talk to their doctors if you want about treatments and have them sent to your local pharmacy (if possible).

At-Home

You can buy an STD Home Test Kit and have it sent to your residence. You will then provide a urine, saliva, or a blood sample by pricking your finger. Then you send it back to them and wait so many days. They also provide access to a doctor if tested positive and the ability to write prescriptions (own discretion) and have them sent to your local Pharmacy.

PROS and CONS of using Private Testing

Pros

• Fast & Discreet Process.
• Test Results are Private & Confidential.
• No Lecture if you Test Positive.
• No Mandatory STD Education if Test Positive or Not.
• Get Tested at Home or Lab Near You.
• No Doctor Visit required (at-Home or at-Lab testing).
• No Lab Visit (at-Home Tests)
• Doctor Consultation on Phone if you Test Positive (Optional).
• Professional People.
• Peace of mind.

Cons

• You pay for Testing.
• You pay for Treatments.

3. Family Doctor (Health Insurance)

Going to your family Doctor for STD Testing might be a good decision for you because this person would know your medical history and administering treatments could be easier. The testing would take place at their lab and would either be blood, urine, or saliva.

But if your uncomfortable talking about your symptoms to your Doctor and their Nurse in person and on the phone then going to your doctor might be an issue. Does Health Insurance cover STD testing? Probably, read your plan.

PROS and CONS of using your Family Doctor

Pros

• Fast Process.
• They know your medical history.
• Peace of mind.
• Doctor Consultation before and after Testing. (Probably)
• Testing & Treatments covered by Health Insurance (Probably)

Cons​

• They might have to contact past and present partners if your test positive.
• Expect your Doctor or Nurse to ask difficult questions if you test positive.
• Your Test will be recorded in Medical Information Bureau. (Health Insurance)
• Your Test will not be private and confidential. (Health Insurance)

Conclusion

All three options work, so choose the one your most comfortable with and can afford. Remember you can avoid complications if your STI is detected and treated. In order to receive propter treatment, testing is required.

Note: To receive Proper Treatment for STIs, testing is required.

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Note: To receive Proper Treatment for STDs, testing is required.

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