Know What To Expect From An STD Test

Did you know? More than a million Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are acquired daily worldwide?¹ And, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) majority of these infections are asymptomatic.¹ However, the good news is that, with the help of a simple STD test early detection and prevention of these infections is possible!

But, do you know the appropriate method used for STD testing? And, if it is the same for both men and women? Let’s find it out in this article!

How To Get Tested And What To Expect During An STD Test

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are majorly transmitted by having vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected person. And, there are more than 20 types of STDs which could be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.² 

So, let's begin with understanding some numbers related to the common STDs that can affect men and women.^1,3,4,5

WHO estimates that most of these infections can often go undetected, hence it is advised to take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your partner. One such step is taking an STD test as a precautionary measure.¹ 

Who Should Take This Test?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), below mentioned are the screening recommendations for STDs:⁶

1. If you’re a sexually active male or female you must get tested once a year for gonorrhea and chlamydia if you’re -
   - younger than 25 years of age or 
   - above 25 years with certain risk factors (having new or multiple partners or an infected partner).
2. All pregnant women are advised to get tested for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, especially in their first trimester.

How Is STD Testing Carried Out?

Depending on the infection, the following tests can be advised by your doctor -⁷ 

• Blood test: Basically used to diagnose syphilis, and sometimes herpes. During this test, your doctor will collect a blood sample from your arm into a test tube or vial.
• Urine test: Some infections such as trichomoniasis and gonorrhea can be diagnosed with the help of urine tests. 
• Swab test: Used to diagnose HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes infections. For women, a swab sample from the vagina or cervix is taken while for men sample from the penis or urethra is collected.

But, did you know that the real-time PCR technique is apt to diagnose an STI?

Yes, out of all the laboratory methods used, real-time PCR is said to be the most advanced  diagnostic tool to screen STIs.⁸ And, to detect an STI in men and women the first morning urine is usually preferred.⁹

So, to protect your sexual health have open conversations with your doctor and most importantly get tested!⁶ Now, what if we tell you that, you can get tested for STDs right from the comfort of your home?

Yes, that’s possible! Of all the STD test kits available, LifeCell’s STD Male and Female at-home self-collection kits will give you this opportunity. Check out what this kit offers in detail below.

An Overview Of LifeCell’s STD Test Kit

How Many STDs Does LifeCell’s At-Home Kit Test For?

LifeCell’s STD Male and Female kit can detect 7 STIs in men and 8 STIs in women with the help of real-time PCR technique. The sample type required to carry out this test includes:-

• Vaginal swab sample from women and
• Urine sample from men

And, once you’ve taken this test, here’s what the results may indicate:

What If Your Results Are Positive? What’s Next?

If you test positive for any STD, don’t panic! Remember, STDs affect millions of people around the world and all are treatable with medicine and some can be cured completely as well.¹⁰ So, as a next step you can:

• Speak to LifeCell’s in-house health expert and get guidance on possible treatment and the best way forward.
• Consult your physician and get advice on appropriate treatment for your condition.
• Get tested again after you’ve completed your course of treatment as recommended.
• If required, get your partner tested and treated to avoid relapse of the infection.

Takeaway Message

The fact is, anyone can get an STI, regardless of age or gender if they are sexually active. And, one way to ensure your and your partner’s safety in the long run is “STD screening.” So, if you wish to opt for LifeCell’s at-home STD test kit, just follow these simple steps one by one and get started!

• Step 1: Visit www.lifecell.in/ website
• Step 2: Order STD Test - Male or STD Test - Female kit
• Step 3: Self collect the sample from your home
• Step 4: Schedule sample pick up
• Step 5: Receive expert-reviewed results in 3 days
• Step 6: Get personalised recommendations based on your report with our experts

Simple isn’t it?

So, why wait if you’ve already taken the decision to monitor your sexual health status?

Click on “STD Test - Male” or “STD Test - Female” and order your kit right away!