Reviewing the Top Home STD Test Kits
If you are looking for more than our fake STD tests, we've got reviews and links to the best home STD test kits below!
We’ve all been there. You want to test for STDs, but the experience is embarrassing. You make the appointment, sit in the waiting room, and you can’t help but feel judged. One of the reasons that people don’t test as often as they should, is because they don’t want to deal with the stares at the clinic.
Thankfully, you can use home STD test kits to get you the answers that you seek. Especially since the CDC recommends that you test every 3-12 months depending on your sexual activity. If you’re in a monogamous relationship, you’re still supposed to get tested once a year. Testing has come a long way, and now you can use products that are accurate and affordable.
What is a Home STD Test Kit?
A home STD test kit is a way for you to get STD test results in your own home. These companies will ship you a product that is filled with various testing kits, where you give your sample, and send them off to the laboratory. After the lab receives your samples, they will notify you of your results. In most cases, you can access your test results anonymously online, and you don’t even have to talk to anyone. People enjoy testing at home, because they literally don’t have to talk to anyone throughout the entire process.
How Much Do Home STD Test Kits Cost?
When shopping for a home STD test kit, you’re looking at several factors. Initially, how many STDs do you want to test for? Then, how much do you want to spend? If you want a test that has many different STD panels, you’re going to end up spending a few hundred dollars. Testing at home can be expensive, but it is still more affordable than going to the doctor without insurance.
Why Should You Use a Home STD Test Kit?
People don’t test for STDs as often as they should, and using a home STD test can improve the frequency that people test. Without testing, you are putting the health of yourself and your sexual partners at risk. People ignoring the need to test only increases the spreading of STDs. In fact, it’s a crime to pass on some STDs to other, like HIV. So, choose today to reduce the risk of spreading STDs, by testing yourself with a home STD test kit.
The Biggest Concern with Home STD Test Kits: Anonymity.
Many people still struggle with paying for things online because they worry about hackers getting their credit card information. So, you can imagine the concern that some testers have with receiving sensitive health information online. How can you be sure that you’re purchasing your STD test from a reputable company? How do you know that you’re the only person with access to your results? We recommend that you thoroughly research your options, like we have below. Then, once you find a test that you like, you should look up the accreditations of the company. You want to make sure that all testing is FDA compliant, and seeing HIPAA on websites shows that your medical rights will be upheld. You might find cheaper test from companies that aren’t accredited, but is paying less worth the risk of having your information leaked.
Popular Home STD Test Kits
There are many different tests you can choose from, that fit your budget and testing needs. Typically, the more diseases you test for, the more expensive the home STD test kit. Don’t worry though, we’ve reviewed the top 6 at-home STD tests, so you don’t have to!
MyLab at Home 8 STD Test for Men Discreet Mail in Kit (Lab Certified Results in 3-5 Days)
8 STDs tested
MyLab is one of the top results you get when you search for home STD test kits on Amazon or through a Google Search. This panel provides home testing for the most common STDs: Chlymadia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis C, HIV I and II, Herpes Simplex 2, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis. MyLab boasts that this home testing can be completed within 5 minutes and are all FDA approved. The cost is right around 250 dollars, making this testing kit one of the most affordable on our list.
Pros:
This kit is convenient, and anonymous. You are required to provide some information, but this is for the CDC. This testing kit is more affordable than visiting the doctor when you are uninsured. Also, these boxes provide a near 100% accuracy rate with their testing. In fact, the blood sheet to test for HIV is the most advanced home testing option available. Customers enjoy the fact that they can collect their own specimens, mail them off, and they don’t have to worry about doctors or appointments.
Cons:
The process can be confusing, as there are many different instructions for the various tests. Many people complained that the process could be streamlined more, and in response to their complaints MyLab answered that they are upgrading their system. Customers also didn’t like that they had to provide their birthdate, and that MyLab is on the label of the boxes. So, if someone really wanted to know what was in the brown box, they could search MyLab and easily find out that you’re testing. Finally, some customers didn’t get results back as soon as expected, but it seems that MyLab has improved their process over the years, and this is an old complaint.
Overall:
This home STD test kit is one of the most well-reviewed on the market, and is our number one pick for testing at home. The level of accuracy and FDA approval give you confidence when you’re testing yourself.
STD Testing Home Kit (8 Types of STDs)
8 STDs tested
This kit tests for all common STDs including: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes simplex 2, HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis C, and trichomoniasis. This is an easy-to-use test that provides results in as little as 2-7 days. The cost is right around 300 dollars, and that’s to be expected since it is an 8-test panel.
Pros:
You can test for all 8 of these STDs at once, which saves you several trips of going back and forth to the doctor. This is a straightforward test that requires a finger prick, so you know you’re testing with the most accurate methods.
Cons:
There aren’t a lot of reviews or extra information about this product. It always seems a little worrisome to be the first person to buy a product. Also, you can purchase an 8-panel home STD kit from MyLab for less money.
Overview:
When purchasing this product, you’re trying it out for the first time on your own. Some people don’t mind purchasing things without reviews, but there’s a level of risk involved. You’re not sure if you’re going to get a box that is filled with testing equipment that doesn’t work. So, even though it’s convenient to order this testing box from Amazon, make sure you’re ready for anything. Many people don’t want to take chances when they are taking these sensitive tests.
Oraquick HIV Test an Home
One STD tested
Oraquick is an HIV test that provides a 99.98 percent level of accuracy. Unlike other home STD test kits, this product is an oral swab. At just under 40 dollars, this is an affordable option for those that want to test for HIV at home. This testing kit is completely FDA approved and is effective and safe.
Pros:
This kit is ideal for someone that only wants to test for HIV, so they don’t have to pay added fees. This 40-dollar test is cheaper than testing at a clinic, and it provides results in 20 minutes. Many customers reviewed this product as easy to read and use. Also, some customers like the fact that there is no blood involved in the testing.
Cons:
Although testers like that there isn’t any blood involved in the testing, this is not as accurate as a blood test. So, remember that buying a test that involves a finger prick will give you better results. Some customers also complained that the testing tubes were spilled over in the box when the package arrived. There were mentions about the test being sold without its original packaging, but these seem to be complaints from years ago.
Overview:
This testing kit is ideal for someone that doesn’t want to pay extra money to get tested at the clinic. However, if you receive a package of testing material that isn’t in its original box, you should be wary. Having proper testing materials is vital to you getting accurate results, and with these sensitive tests you need to know if you’re negative or positive. Also, if you want the most accurate home test for HIV, you’ll choose one that requires blood.
EverlyWell At-Home STD Test Kit
7 STDs Tested
The EverlyWell STD test is the first home STD test kit that isn’t available on Amazon, but it’s still a great project. This test is perfect for males or females and comprehensively checks for 7 STDs. This panel tests for chlamydia, hepatitis C, syphilis, Gonorrhea, Herpes Type 2, HIV, and Trichomoniasis. This test kit requires urine and blood, and can be purchased from the EverlyWell website for 200 dollars.
Pros:
Shark Tank approved, this testing kit comes with a serious vote of confidence. Most of the products supported by Shark Tank are phenomenal, so you know the craftsmanship and accuracy are the focus of EverlyWell. There aren’t a lot of reviews of this product, so you’ll have to try it out for yourself. The price point is great, and this is one of the more affordable options. This home STD test kit is just one of the many testing kits this company provides, so that’s also interesting if you want to test anything from your food allergies to your fertility.
Cons:
The lack of information on this product always is a cause for concern. However, with the Shark Tank backing this company, I think that speaks for itself. Also, EverlyWell does not provide testing to New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Rhode Island. So, if you are a resident of one of these states, you’re out of luck.
Overview:
Other than not being available in a few states, and not having a lot of reviews, this is a great product. The price is affordable, and Shark Tank is a good business reference. The testing process is complete within 3-5 business days, which makes this one of the faster home STD test kits.
Lets Get Checked (5 Panel)
5 STDs tested
Lets Get Checked is another home STD test kit that isn’t available on Amazon, but you can purchase this kit through their website at Lets Get Checked. This is another company that provides many different types of tests, including cancer screening. This 5-panel test covers testing of gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, Syphilis, and trichomoniasis. You can purchase a 5-panel test for 180 dollars, which is comparable with the rest of the products on this list. This test requires a blood and urine sample, and the laboratory results are available within 5 days.
Pros:
Just like EverlyWell, Lets Get Checked provides at-home testing products to help improve your health. There are many reviews on this website, and of the 300 reviews, this company boasts a 9.3/10 in customer satisfaction. This company also provides a 100-dollar test that covers chlamydia and gonorrhea, which isn’t offered by a lot of other companies. Considering that these are the two most common STDs, this is a great testing option.
Cons:
Even though there are a lot of positive reviews, you never know how accurate these reviews are when they are on company websites. When you’re looking at this test, and comparing it to EverlyWell, at least EverlyWell has a reputable backer. Also, this test is more expensive than other 5-panel tests.
Overview:
This Lets Get Checked home STD test kit is perfect for individuals that want options. However, the pricing is a bit high for these tests, and you don’t get results before 5 days. So, you’re paying more for a testing kit and not getting your results any faster.
MyHomeTests - 13 Panel
13 STDs tested
Our final test is another at home STD test kit that needs to be purchased from its own site. The MyHomeTests site offers many different test options, and the one we’re reviewing is the 13-panel test. With this test, you can find results for 3 site chlamydia, 3 site gonorrhea, hepatitis C, herpes simplex type 2, HIV, mycoplasma, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and ureaplasma. Testers will need to provide a urine and blood sample to send to the laboratory. You receive your results in 2-3 days and will pay 400 dollars for this home STD test kit
Pros:
This test comes with easy-to-read instructions that anyone should be able to follow. You’re also submitting a blood sample which makes your testing more accurate. Also, the 2-3 day results window is one of the fastest options of all the at-home STD test kits. The site shows that they are HIPAA compliant, meaning that you don’t have to worry about your personal information being mishandled.
Cons:
This test is a bit more expensive than other 13-panel tests, but the results time is faster. Also, there aren’t a lot of reviews about this product, so you’re going to have to figure out if you like it on your own.
Overview:
Other than being slightly more expensive than other 13-panel tests, the website is competitive with the pricing of other websites. This test does cover every STD you could want to test for, and you know you’re going to be safe ordering from MyHomeTests because of their accreditations.
Why is STD Testing Important?
Whether you purchase a home STD test kit, or go to the doctor, it is important that you test annually for STDs. Like we mentioned before, if you go untested you risk infecting your partner or contracting more advanced STDs. For example, if you let syphilis and chlamydia go untreated it can cause infertility in males and females. So, you should make testing your number one priority, especially when you have an active sex life.
Home STD Test Kit Wrap-Up
Now that we’ve gone through several different options, you should be better informed on what STD testing kits are available. You see that many of these companies sell through Amazon, making it even more convenient with their two-day shipping. Many people choose to get a 5-panel for their first test because it covers all the popular STDs. It’s up to you, but buying a 13-panel test isn’t necessary unless you want to be thorough.
Finally, the window for the test results is also important. You may want the results back as fast as possible, and you should be prepared to pay for that expedited turnaround time. However, you shouldn’t test within 30 days of having a new partner. It can take up to a month for you to test positive for certain STDs, so you should make sure it has been at least 30 days. Some companies offer a rapid HIV test that is viable at 28 days, but you can just wait the extra two days and save yourself some money.
Whichever test you decide to use, make sure you’re testing at least annually. You need to keep your health in mind, and with these at-home STD test kits, you can test discretely and often. With the same level of accuracy as the doctor’s office, who wouldn’t want to perform the same tests in the comfort of their own home?