Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Shuvani Sanyal, MD
Fast, Affordable & Private STD Tests
The STI Project’s top two chosen STD testing providers: STD Check and myLAB Box – after months of networking and researching, we’ve narrowed our recommendation to the best private providers for STD tests per county. In the US, we believe STD Check and myLAB Box has the most value-added testing options.
Not only do they have a team of professional, dedicated, and passionate individuals, they understand why choosing a private provider can be tough. So, they cultivate a trusting relationship with each client – the benefits of which make your testing process seamless and as stress free as possible!
General advantages to private testing:
- They offer testing for more STDs than the ‘full panels’ at clinics (including herpes, hepatitis, etc.)
- Results usually in 1-2 business days or less
- HIPPA compliant – your information remains private
- A doctor to discuss your results, if appropriate
- Prescription treatment, if appropriate
General disadvantages to private testing:
- Cost
- Some do not offer oral and anal swabbing
- Sometimes there’s a higher risk of false-negatives
- Labs (STD Check) might not be in your area
- Testing yourself can feel overwhelming (myLAB Box)
Free/Income-Based STD Tests
For those of you on a tight budget, this is a great place to start. We have links to global testing finders based on your country. Some of the providers offer free services and testing while others charge based upon income. Use our by country links to find testing centers near you along with other sexual health services – some providers do both!
General advantages to free STD tests:
- Cost
- They offer oral and anal swabbing for bacterial infections
- Some offer rapid/instant tests
- Speaking to someone in-person (some see this as an uncomfortable disadvantage as well)
- Some offer additional services or free safer sex barriers
General disadvantages to free STD tests:
- They test for fewer infections
- Long walk-in/wait times
- Only open on certain days
- Result times can take up to 2 weeks, and some only contact with positive results
- They counsel you in-person about safer-sex (some see this as an advantage)
- Some cannot prescribe treatment
- They report your results (anonymously/confidentially, depending upon the infection)
* Use our links to find a free or income-based testing center globally!
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