STD home test, how does it work?

STD home test

These days you can easily test yourself at home for an STD. The process is completely anonymous. If you don’t want to go to a doctor or GP and you suspect which STD you might have, you now have the option to take a test at home to see whether you have an STD. On various sites – providers with reviews are listed on thuistestenvergelijken.nl – you can order an STD home test online. The home test is sent completely anonymously in a plain envelope.

How does the STD home test work?

In general, an STD home test works as follows: a small container or tube is sent to your home. These are important tools for collecting the test material. You’ll also receive a request form and clear instructions. You collect the sample, place it in the container or tube, and then fill in the request form. On this form you enter the date when the test was taken. There are also codes on the form (these correspond to the codes on the sample you send in) that you need to keep so you can check your results later via an online portal. You then put the test material in an envelope and send it in the supplied return envelope. To guarantee quality, it’s recommended that you send the sample as soon as possible after collection, so that the results are as accurate and reliable as possible. The envelope or package can be sent postage paid to the reply number. The lab then needs about three days to examine the test material and provide a result. The outcome is posted on the online portal, where you have access using the codes you received earlier. That’s how simple, reliable and anonymous it really is.

What if the result is positive?

If the test is positive, it’s recommended that you visit a GP anyway to treat and combat the STD. If you’d rather not go to your own GP, that’s also an option.

Which STD home tests are there?

There are different types of STDs that can be tested at home. The most common are: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis.

Finally: opinions on the reliability of home tests differ, but given the developments in recent years, the reliability of home tests has increased enormously and many are ordered online for a first opinion. If you still have doubts or symptoms, it’s always wise to (still) visit a doctor.