Aside from flossing, what’s that one thing that you probably don’t do as often as you should? (It’s okay, we won’t tell your mom.)
We’ll take one guess: get yourself tested.
Unless you’re part of the 12% of young adults who got tested for sexually transmitted diseases in the latest year, you’re probably due for a check up. And we, as young adults, probably need to get those numbers up.
Luckily getting tested no longer requires an uncomfortable visit to the doctor. Gone are the days of feeling ashamed or opting for Planned Parenthood over your family physician.
While we could go on about how STI testing shouldn’t be a thing you feel uncomfortable doing, we’ll accept the status quo and instead recommend ways to get tested discreetly, without all the fuss.
LetsGetChecked, myLAB Box and Everlywell are three awesome companies that offer powerful at-home STD testing kits that help you know as much as you need (or want) to know about your sexual health. Let’s stack the three up against each other to see which at-home test should be added to your cart ASAP.
How do at-home STD tests like LetsGetChecked, myLAB Box, and Everlywell work?
No, this isn’t an article about the next Theranos. Legitimate at-home laboratory tests are all over the place now, empowering you get tested for anything from fertility to allergies. But what about for sexually transmitted diseases / infections?
Luckily, with just a finger prick, urine sample, or genital swab, you’ll know your results in no time. LetsGetChecked, myLAB Box, and Everlywell all follow a fairly similar process to deliver your box and results quickly.
1. Order your test(s) online.
2. Receive test(s) in the mail.
- Your test will come in discreet packaging, so ship it to wherever is most convenient for you; the office, home, your mom’s house — all without shame.
3. Collect your sample.
- It should only take a few minutes! All three companies require you to collect your sample in the morning and return it in the same day.
4. Wait for your results.
- You’ll get results within just a few days and can access them online any time.
5. Talk to someone.
- If you want to discuss your results, you can easily chat with a doctor or nurse through their consultation services.
Who should use an at-home STD test?
Starting a new relationship? Dabbling in dating apps? Married for 20 years?
It doesn’t matter who you are or what your current relationship status is. If you’re sexually active, you should be getting tested regularly. Doctors recommend that the sexually active get tested every 3-12 months, depending on the number of partners you’re involved with. Both you and your partner should ALWAYS get tested when you first start to hook up.
But remember, you should wait at least 4 weeks from the time of potential exposure to disease before taking a test. Why not do the test at home, say, in the comfort and privacy of your own bathroom? It’s easy, more affordable, and you’ll be able to keep track of your results with whatever service you choose, often more easily than your doctor’s office.
LetsGetChecked, myLAB Box, and Everlywell make STD testing extremely accessible to just about everyone, so there’s no more excuses for not getting tested regularly.
Let’s compare LetsGetChecked vs myLAB Box vs Everlywell to see which at-home STI testing kit makes the most sense for you, your budget, and maybe even your partner, too. We’ve aggregated all the important information below to help you choose the right test:
LetsGetChecked STD Screening Kit
LetsGetChecked has become a go-to resource for at-home medical testing, giving patients more control over how and when they get tested for anything from an iron deficiency to fertility to sexually transmitted diseases.
An Irish-born startup, LGC was founded in 2014 to bridge the gap between current healthcare and the way consumers were behaving in the world of Uber and Seamless. In the end, their mission is to promote a “more consolidated and cohesive healthcare engagement,” according to founder Peter Foley.
When it comes to testing for STDs, LetsGetChecked offers four different tests, ranging from testing two to ten different infections. So depending on what you want to screen for, you can select the testing bundle that makes the most sense.
LetsGetChecked offers the following kinds of testing kits:
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Simple 2 |
Basic 3 |
Standard 5 |
Complete 10 |
| $99 per kit | $199 per kit | $149 per kit | $269 per kit |
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LetsGetChecked takes any of the guesswork out of choosing individual tests by bundling screens for many of the most common STDs. That said, if you only need to test for just one or two different infections, you can also choose an individual Herpes test ($119) or the Hepatitis B & C test ($79). Either way, make sure to use the code FINVSFIN20 for 20% off your order.
Depending on your test, you may have to do a finger prick as well as a urine sample. Truth be told, both are fairly painless, but they also provide clear instructions and even videos to take away any jitters, especially about collecting your own blood.
Side note / personal anecdote: I HATE needles and shots of all kinds, but had no trouble with the finger prick.
Once your results are in, LetsGetChecked’s physicians and nurses are available to review your results with you and recommend treatment options. Overall, LetsGetChecked provides a simple, flexible, and comprehensive approach to at-home STD testing. Their approach is an incredibly well-thought out way to stay informed when it comes to your sexual health.
Should you test positive for an STD, LetsGetChecked can prescribe proven treatments immediately — at no additional cost — so you don’t have to go to a third party to get them. It’s all incredibly convenient, private, and cost-effective. Remember: You can save 30% on any STD t