Rapid Test for STDs: Get Your Answers With Quick Results
While many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are preventable, there are still many cases that arise each year. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, there are around 20 million new STD cases each year. One of the ways you can discover if you have an STD and prevent spreading it to others is with a test.
A rapid test for STDs is an easy way to get your results right away. Knowing whether you have an STD can provide you and your potential partners with peace of mind or a path forward toward treatment. You can sometimes find out your STD results within minutes with this option.
This blog will cover the basics of STD rapid testing. We’ll talk about the types of STDs you can get tested for and where you can go to receive them.
What Is a Rapid Test for STDs?
The goal of a rapid test for STDs is to save yourself time and stress when being evaluated for certain STDs. You can get these tests performed in a doctor’s office or from the comfort of your home, depending on what you need to be tested for.
The main goal of these tests is to address a problem many clinics face – people failing to return for their results. Unfortunately, many people who are getting tested for an STD are often too scared to learn their results. Some of the negative effects of not learning the results of your STD test include:
- Leaving infections untreated
- Continuing to spread the STD to other people
- Increasing the chance of complications
Patients can find out the results of their test within a few minutes instead of having to wait a couple of days. At-home testing may be preferable for some people so they can get tested in the privacy of their homes.
Understanding the Types of Rapid STD Tests
At-home or in-office rapid STD testing is effective at detecting several infections. One of the great things about this option is that it often eliminates the need for needles and blood. Results can be determined based on a urine sample or a swab of bodily fluid.
Gonorrhea
One of the unfortunate things about gonorrhea is that it doesn’t always show symptoms. Side effects of gonorrhea in women can be mild and easy to ignore. Untreated gonorrhea can result in long-term health problems such as:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women
- Problems with the testicles and prostate in males
That’s why it’s important to get tested right away if you start to experience symptoms. Common side effects include:
- Painful urination
- Green, white, or foul-smelling discharge
- Vaginal or anal itching
- Swelling or pain in the testicles
An STD home test kit allows you to find out if you’re positive for gonorrhea right away and start receiving treatment.
Chlamydia
Like with gonorrhea, chlamydia doesn’t always show symptoms. Getting tested is often the only way to know if you have the infection and prevent more serious issues from arising. Untreated chlamydia may cause infertility issues or PID.
Common symptoms of chlamydia may include:
- Testicle inflammation
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Painful sexual intercourse
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
There are HPV tests available that can screen for cervical cancer. However, these tests are typically reserved for women over the age of 30. It’s typically not recommended to test for HPV in the following groups of people:
- Adolescents
- Men under 30
- Women under 30
You can use STD rapid testing to look for high-risk strains of HPV that are associated with cervical cancer. It’s recommended to follow up with your healthcare provider if you get a positive from this form of STD testing.
Herpes
One of the ways you can test for herpes is with a sample of fluid scraped or swabbed from a sore. It can be challenging to test for herpes if you’re not currently having an outbreak. Healthcare providers typically test for herpes in these scenarios with a blood test.
You can purchase a rapid STD test for herpes that you can take at home. You can seek medical treatment once you find out your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that it can be overwhelming if you’re considering purchasing an at-home STD test. What’s great about this form of testing is it takes a lot of the stress out of the process. Let’s go over some of our most commonly asked questions.
How Do Rapid STD Tests Work?
Rapid STD testing kits include reagents that interact with antibodies or antigens connected to certain STDs. You’ll need to collect a sample that you’ll apply to your test. This may include:
- Bodily fluids
- Blood
- Urine
You can see your results after a brief incubation period. Changes in color or the appearance of lines will let you know what your results are.
What Are the Limitations of Rapid STD Tests?
One thing to keep in mind with at-home STD tests is that they have a lower sensitivity rate than the ones done in a doctor’s office. Sensitivity refers to how well your STD test can determine true positives. This means you may encounter an increased risk of false positives.
That’s why it’s always recommended to follow up with your healthcare provider if you receive a positive at-home STD test. They’ll conduct further testing which can confirm your positive test result.
Where Can I Buy At-Home Rapid STD Tests?
Many pharmacies carry rapid STD tests. Unfortunately, that doesn’t eliminate the need for privacy when pursuing this type of test. There are many organizations, such as ReliaLab Test, that offer at-home tests that can be ordered online or over the phone.
Get Fast STD Screening With ReliaLab Test
It can be stressful and overwhelming having to wait days or a week for your test results. A rapid test for STDs can let you know right away whether or not you have an STD. You can then work with your healthcare provider to seek medical treatment if your results are positive.
At ReliaLab Test, we understand how stressful it can be to wait for your test results. We offer a quick STD test for our customers, testing for infections like herpes, gonorrhea, and HPV. Get in touch with our office to request an at-home STD test today.
