Testing Options
3 Testing Options for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
By STD Concern
If you are showing signs of an infection (STI), the only way to receive proper treatment is to get tested. The treatment you need cannot be purchased over the counter (OTC) at this time. Most of these STD's will not go away by themselves & can cause damage to your body. Below are three options for testing that will get you the needed treatment, if you have an infection.
Option A - Family Doctor
Going to your family Doctor for STD Testing might be a good decision 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 private health insurance cover STD testing? Probably not (read your plan).
PROS and CONS of using your Family Doctor
Pros
- Fast Process.
- They know your medical history.
- Peace of mind.
Cons
- Expect to pay for Testing.
- Expect pay for Treatments.
- Expect your Doctor & Nurse to ask difficult questions if you test positive.
Option AA - Public Clinic
Going to a Public Clinic for a STD Test & Treatment will cost you nothing (hopefully) but expect some sort of STD education by public health experts in a classroom and a possible lecture if you test positive. Because it is a public clinic your test results might also be public.
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
- Fast Process (usually).
- Testing is Free.
- Treatments are Free.
- Peace of mind.
Cons
- You might get a lecture if you test positive.
- If you test positive (or not) expect STD Education in a classroom.
- Test results might not be Private.
Testing
Option AAA - Private Testing
If you go to a Private Clinic or 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 but can be expensive, it all depends on where you go.
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 tested positive.
- No mandatory education on STDs if tested positive.
- Get tested at Home or Lab Near You.
- No Doctor Visit required (Home or Lab).
- Doctor Consultation if test positive (Optional).
- Peace of mind.
Cons
- You pay for Testing.
- You pay for Treatments.
Conclusion
All three options work, so choose the one your most comfortable with and can afford. Usually private testing services to protect your privacy do not except health insurance but have payment options that will make covering the cost a lot easier.
Note
In order to receive proper treatment, "testing is required".
