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\n\tAt-home medical testing gives you information about your health, right at your fingertips, without the need to ever set foot into a doctor\u2019s office. One of the latest developments in this trend is at-home testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are bacterial, viral or parasitic infections that can be passed on through sexual contact.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tTraditionally, STI testing involves seeing a doctor in person. There, they can often take samples like urine or vaginal fluids and send them for testing. But, despite the fact that STIs are exceedingly common \u2014 2.4 million STI cases were reported in the United States in 2020 alone \u2014 there\u2019s still stigma attached. For some, privacy may be part of the appeal of at-home testing. \u201cIt\u2019s more discreet, and it\u2019s off the record,\u201d said Dr. Robyn Faye, board-certified OB-GYN and member of HealthyWomen\u2019s Women\u2019s Health Advisory Council.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tIn addition, Covid-19-related backlogs and dwindling healthcare provider (HCP) numbers have made it more difficult to see an HCP in person. So it\u2019s not surprising that at-home testing for STIs has increased significantly during the pandemic.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tWhile teens and young adults have the highest STI rates in the United States, anyone who engages in sexual contact can get an STI. In fact, aging can increase your risk for STIs because vaginal thinning, which is common with menopause, can cause microtearing that can make it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter your bloodstream.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tFindings also show STI rates are higher in women compared to men, and women are more likely to experience serious health issues from STIs, including infertility, chronic pain and pregnancy complications.<\/p>\n
\n\tAdditionally, Black and Hispanic people have higher STI rates than white people, even though they represent only 12% of the U.S. population. The CDC explains that this difference is likely the result of a lack of access to sexual healthcare.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tWhen you order STI test kits online, they\u2019ll ship right to your front door in discreet packaging, providing you with everything you need to collect samples on your own. After collecting samples, you\u2019ll send them over to the brand\u2019s affiliated lab. It\u2019s a simple, no-fuss process.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tIn addition to convenience and privacy, another benefit of at-home STI testing is that it helps improve access to testing for infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes, syphilis and HIV for those living in communities with limited healthcare services.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tBut there are some caveats. For example, while at-home testing is fairly accurate, there\u2019s always room for error as a result of self-collection, Faye said.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tAt-home testing also comes with a few other drawbacks, such as:\n<\/p>\n
\n\tAnyone who is symptomatic should see a medical professional and avoid using at-home tests, Faye urged. But if you\u2019re interested in at-home tests for asymptomatic testing, opt for brands affiliated with CLIA-certified labs that also offer physician follow-up.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tWhile at-home tests are great for people who don\u2019t have easy access to a healthcare provider or who may feel uncomfortable talking about sex, there may be a missing element of patient-doctor interaction, Faye noted.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tIn-person appointments also allow HCPS to talk to people about safe sex, answer questions that crop up randomly and schedule follow-up testing. HCPs may also gently ask people about their lives and partners, leaving the door open for people to report instances of domestic or sexual abuse. Without this in-person interaction, some people may fall through the cracks, Faye suggested.\n<\/p>\n
\n\tBut at-home STI testing does have its place. For busy, well-informed people who want to take charge of their sexual health and know to follow up with their HCP if they\u2019re positive, at-home testing can be a convenient and reliable way to screen for STIs.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n