Introduction

STI (sexually transmitted infection) which is commonly known as STD (sexually transmitted disease), is transferred from one infected individual to another as a result of various methods, including close intimate contact or sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal sex).

Depending on the specific case, transmission can result from contact with bodily fluids (semen, saliva, blood or vaginal fluids) or from direct contact with an infected person’s skin.
Alternatively, an infection can also spread in nonsexual circumstances and can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, at childbirth or during breastfeeding.
In addition, it may also pass in other ways like blood transfusions, shared needles or other unsterilized medical instruments.

There are various types of sexually transmitted diseases, which can be caused by a variety of organisms such as bacteria, virus or parasite.
They can affect men, women and children of all ages, sexual orientations and backgrounds.
No single contraceptive method offers 100% protection; however, using condoms can offer an effective way to reduce the risk against most types of STD.

STIs are serious illnesses with significant health consequences and require treatment.
People who had unprotected sex or have reasons to believe that they had an intimate contact with an infected partner, need to get tested immediately.

High-Risk Factors

Here are of some of the major risk factors for acquiring an STD:

• Having unsafe unprotected sex that involves the vagina, penis, mouth or anus.
• Having multiple sex partners or a partner with multiple partners.
• Not using latex condoms during sex or having a partner that doesn’t use them.
• Using unsanitary and unprotected sex toys.
• Being a victim of rape or a sexual assault.
• Working in the sex industry.
• Using IV drugs or having a sexual encounter with a user.
• Having a history of STD.

Common STD Types

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) / Genital Warts
• Bacterial Varginosis
• Genital Herpes
• Hepatitis A, B and C
• Pubic Lice / Crabs
• Trichomoniasis
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• HIV and AIDS
• Gonorrhoea
• Chancroid
• Scabies

Importance of Early Testing

U.S. public health officials are constantly looking for new ways to increase awareness and influence people to get themselves frequently screened for a possible sexually transmitted infection.

Many STD are curable and most respond well to treatment, but it is extremely dangerous to neglect, ignore and leave them undetected and as a result – untreated.
Due to the enormous risks, access to proper testing is a fundamental aspect of attaining and maintaining good health.

Since some STDs do not produce any uniquely noticeable symptoms (even for years) and since others can develop only mild physical signs that can be mistakenly overlooked, there is almost no practical way of knowing if someone got infected without being tested first.

It’s important to remember that many diseases are treatable when caught early enough.
Early detection helps the prevention of permanent damage, stops or slows the illness’ progression and increases the ability to manage the symptoms more effectively as well as minimize side-effects.
The sooner people learn about their STI, the sooner they can seek professional medical treatment in order to limit the effects.

Additionally, getting screened and diagnosed can prevent unawareness to an existing infection as well as passing it further to other partners unknowingly.

How Do Private STD Testing Services Work?

Online STD test providers offer a fast, discrete, hassle-free and accurate way to get checked for a potential sexually oriented infection.

The process is very easy and convenient:

• The user orders his or her desired test online (either a panel test for multiple STDs or individual ones).
• Once the order is finalized, the customer needs to choose and visit a preferred local clinic, where the actual test will be performed.
  Most services work with a very large number of professional labs nationwide, meaning the client can select from a list which contains thousands of certified medical labs all across the country.
  No unnecessary waiting, bureaucratic paperwork or appointment are needed.
• The actual testing process, which includes taking a small blood and / or urine sample is pretty quick and typically takes only a few minutes.
• Test results are usually given online, over the phone or emailed to the client in a few days.

Benefits

A private STD test offers a number of meaningful advantages:

• Saves time. The fastest way to get checked.
• Can potentially save anyone’s life.
• Better privacy, information security and confidentiality.
• Access to a lab in the client’s area.
• Thousands of local test centers nationally.
• Fast results (often, within only a day or two).
• FDA approved tests.
• Free counselling, if tested positive.
• A relatively affordable option for people with no insurance.
• A convenient and embarrassment-free process.
• No need to see the family doctor.
• Prescription treatment, when appropriate.
• Peace of mind.

Paying for STD Testing with PayPal

Even though PayPal is one of the most popular payment methods on the internet, the vast majority of STD diagnosis companies are not offering it as one of their payment options.
A few players in this market do accept PayPal and hopefully, their number will increase with time.

Before Choosing: Features to Consider

In order to make sure that you receive optimal benefit from using this type of service, it is crucial to conduct proper research and verify that certain features that you need are actually being offered by the providers that you consider.
Doing so will help you decide which company is the best fit for your individual needs.

Such features may include:

• Payment via PayPal
• Local Walk-In Clinic Locations
• At-Home Test Option
• Same Day Testing
• Next Day Results (For part of the tests)
• Free Doctor Consultation
• HIV RNA Testing (Early Detection)
• CLIA-certified labs
• Health Insurance Accepted
• Anonymous Testing