Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are tricky. For convenience, this test can be done at home. You can purchase a personal PMS test kit from an online store and send the sample to a lab. While the reliability of personal test kits varies, there are several options available. Start by reviewing common PMS symptoms and considering whether you are at risk.
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Method 1 of 3: Doing the Test at Home with a Personal PMS Test Kit
Step 1. Purchase a PMS test kit
There are many personal test kits that allow you to take your own samples and send them to the lab. This test kit is available for screening for common STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. You can order a specific PMS test kit or a test kit that checks for multiple STDs at once. Learn about some of the available options. Remember that personal PMS test kits are not as reliable as tests with doctors or clinics.
- If you happen to live in America, specifically California, Idaho, Minnesota, or Washington, you can get an online STI test kit to test yourself and send the results to one of Planned Parenthood's labs. The test kit comes with instructions and a prepaid envelope (shipping fee has been paid).
- Buy myLAB Box. This test kit allows you to test for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and other venereal problems. You can order specific test kits or combo packages that test multiple types of PMS. Test kits can be ordered online and delivered to your home. The manufacturer says that the results will be given in two to five days. For users who get positive results, myLAB Box will arrange telemedicine appointments with local doctors to get medication prescriptions.
- Use STDcheck.com. This online testing site is one of the few home methods to test for hepatitis A.
- Use the OraQuick test for HIV. This test kit is FDA approved and requires you to take a sample of the gums and the results can be seen within 20 minutes. You can call the hotline 24 hours after receiving the results.
Step 2. Do the test
Follow the instructions in the test kit carefully and remember to send a sample immediately so that the results can be known quickly. Some test kits provide prepaid envelopes to speed up the process. Take your own sample. This means that you will need to take a urine sample, a blood sample, or gum fluid.
- The MyLab Box personal test kit requires a urine, gum fluid or blood sample. Testing can be done on your own in five minutes. If the test result is positive, the manufacturer of this device will connect you with a local doctor for a telephone consultation and a prescription. You don't have to leave the house.
- If you are using the OraQuick HIV test kit, moisten a cotton swab with gum fluid. The results can be known in 20 minutes.
Step 3. Perform follow-up tests
If you get a positive result from the personal test kit, have a second test at the clinic to confirm the diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor to discuss treatment options.
- Personal test kits have a high false positive rate.
- If the test result is negative, but you experience abnormal symptoms, see a doctor.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Step 1. Recognize the difficulty of recognizing symptoms
In fact, many STDs have no signs or symptoms. Even if you don't have any symptoms, there may still be PMS. You should always use a condom and get tested for STDs regularly.
Step 2. Check for symptoms of chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of the genital tract and is one of the most common types of STDs. In the early stages, you may not feel any symptoms. A few weeks after contracting, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain when urinating.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Vaginal discharge (for women).
- Discharge from the penis (for men).
- Pain during sexual intercourse (for women).
- Bleeding when not menstruating (for women).
- Pain in the testicles (for men).
Step 3. Look for the symptoms of gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that attacks the anus, throat, mouth, or eyes. Although symptoms sometimes appear only 10 days after contracting, you may have been infected months before. Symptoms you may experience are:
- Thick, bloody, or cloudy discharge from the genitals.
- Pain when urinating.
- Bleeding when not menstruating or menstrual blood is very heavy (for women).
- The testicles are painful or swollen (for men).
- Pain when defecating.
- Anus feels uncomfortable.
Step 4. Watch for symptoms of trichomoniasis
This tiny single-celled parasite can be transmitted during sexual intercourse. In women, this parasite infects the vagina. In men, the effect is felt in the urinary tract. After 5 to 28 days, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Clear, white, yellowish, or greenish discharge from the vagina (for women).
- Discharge from the penis (for men).
- Very strong vaginal odor (for women).
- Itching or irritation of the vagina (for women).
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Pain when urinating.
Step 5. Find out if you have symptoms of HIV infection
This disease is caused by an immunodeficiency virus. Symptoms sometimes appear two to six weeks after infection, and you may feel like you have the flu. So, the only way to know is to take a test. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately for tests:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Sore throat.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Rash.
- Fatigue.
- More severe symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, fever, cough, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Persistent fatigue, night sweats, chills, chronic diarrhea, frequent headaches, and strange infections (in late-stage HIV).
Method 3 of 3: Knowing If You Are at Risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Step 1. Evaluate your current level of risk for sexual behavior
If you have frequent unprotected sex, have multiple partners, or have a history of STDs, your risk is higher. If you think you may have an STD, get tested and get treatment, if necessary.
Make sure you get complete treatment and restore sexual health before making love to anyone
Step 2. Know if you are at risk
Young people ages 15 to 24 are at a higher risk, but they may not understand the risk.
Step 3. Reconsider your drug use
If you use injecting drugs or share needles with other people, you are at increased risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
According to the results of one study, two out of five people who contracted HIV from needles were completely unaware they were infected
Step 4. Think about whether alcohol affects your judgment
Drinking alcohol has a serious impact on judgment, which puts you at high risk of contracting STDs. If you feel like your drinking is getting out of control and is having a negative impact, consider cutting back.
