Perhaps you’re experiencing symptoms alerting you to the fact that something’s wrong, but more than likely, you’re not, simply because most people don’t experience symptoms even when they are infected with STDs. Instead, maybe you’re realizing that any level of “active” sexual behavior, and not just “high-risk” sexual behavior, warrants annual or regular STD testing. No matter what your reasoning might be, if you’re thinking of getting tested for STDs, then it’s a good idea to act on that notion as soon as possible. And thanks to companies such as getSTDtested.com, you can order your STD tests online and at home without having to worry about your privacy being compromised. In fact, the process is so simple and hassle-free that it’s hard to find an excuse not to get the ball rolling on STD testing. However, the world of STD testing covers a number of infections, some of which are more common and well-known than others.
Which STDs should you get tested for?
As the founder and current CEO of getSTDtested.com, Tracey Powell gets asked this question a lot when speaking to people about his business. Powell is extremely well-versed in the world of STD testing, after all, he is the founder and former CEO of Home Access Health Corporation, where he created the first and only FDA-approved at-home HIV and hepatitis C tests. According to Powell, it’s a good idea to get tested for any disease that corresponds to symptoms that you are experiencing. The good thing about getSTDtested.com is that the company offers counseling to customers who are unsure as to which STDs they ought to get tested for. A trained counselor can thoroughly review each caller’s specific symptoms and circumstances to identify the tests that should be given priority, thereby allowing each customer to make an informed decision about his STD testing regimen.
Of course, some people cannot achieve peace of mind until they have been tested for all, or many, of the common STDs. This line of thinking is understandable, especially given the fact that STD symptoms are not always clear-cut. Also, patients with STDs are commonly asymptomatic, especially in their beginning stages. However, Powell will be the first to remind people that just because someone doesn’t happen to be experiencing symptoms of an STD, doesn’t mean that he doesn’t actually have one.
But does everyone really need to get tested for eight different infections? The answer is simply, no. GetSTDtested.com is the only online testing company that actively promotes appropriate test selection through a dedicated risk assessment tool, based on input from leading STD experts. Rather than simply recommending all eight standard STD tests for all customers, or requiring them to figure it out without support, the company uses Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and expert input to help customers select the appropriate set of tests, specific to their individual needs. Their core recommendation for many customers is the CDC Expert Pack, which includes, for sexually active individuals, the CDC recommendation of annual testing for HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as an expert addition of herpes-2 testing.
Is there a downside to testing for all eight common STDs?
STD testing for multiple diseases does not unnecessarily strain the body and does not require anything more than a single trip to a lab. The only drawback is increased cost. On the other hand, some STD testing services, including getSTDtested.com, offer dramatic reductions for multiple STD tests. And of course, some customers really want the peace of mind offered by the full eight STD test panel.
Of course, the decision to get tested for an STD can be difficult enough in the first place. After all, few people are able to calmly face the reality of being infected with any sort of disease. Fortunately, experienced professionals at getSTDtested.com can help make this emotionally harrowing process easier.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
