Considering that only roughly half of all new sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases are diagnosed in teens and young adults, if a person is sexually active they may wish to be tested for STDs regularly. Symptoms to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include itching in the genital area, soreness, unusual discharge or discharge that is foul-smelling, pain during sex, painful urination, or any unusual bumps, any of which should demand an STD test.

While there are medical clinics that will test and treat for these infections, some folks are too embarrassed to go to a medical clinic for a test, so they choose to use an STI testing kit at home. The benefits of using home STD testing kits include the following:

1. Test for several STDs
These kits will allow a person to test for the common sexually transmitted diseases and infections in the privacy of their own home. A person can test for common STDs including gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and syphilis. If a person finds out they have this disease they can see a doctor for treatment. These kits are even sophisticated enough to test herpes and HIV.

2. Maintain privacy
While doctors are bound to confidentiality under the law a person still may not want to be seen going in or out of the clinics for STD testing. This test will allow a person to take their sample and no one will know that they are getting tested. All of the tests are private. A person will be given a number for their results and they will not even have to share their name.

3. Avoid embarrassment
Most people trust their doctors, but getting tested for STDs can be embarrassing. A person has to talk about their sexual habits and partners. Many people do not want to share all the details even with their doctor. They may not even wish to tell the doctor the true number of people they had sex with. A person will not have to share this information with the at-home test. They will collect their sample and that is all they will need to share. However, if the results are positive for an STI, you will need to be treated by a medical professional immediately.

4. Time convenience
A person can take the test at home any time that they want. There is no waiting in a medical office. A person can take the test and once they mail in their sample they will get the results in just four days.

5. No judgments
If a person is found to have an STD they can call a toll free number and speak to someone. They will not have to worry about judgment and they can get information for treatment confidentiality. A person can take the time to read their results without having to worry about anyone looking over their shoulder.