Signs You Need to Use an STD Home Testing Kit
Posted on: 7 July 2021
Share
STDs are surprisingly common and can vary in terms of their symptoms. Whether it's due to a lack of time or because you can't get a doctor's appointment, you may want to try using an STD home testing kit. If you're unsure as to whether you need one, here are some signs that an STD testing kit is necessary.
Changes in Urination
Some STDs can change how often you want to urinate. For example, chlamydia causes increased urinary urgency and this is usually due to the urethra becoming inflamed. Depending on the type of STD you're suffering from, you may also encounter burning sensations when you pee. Some people also experience pressure-like sensations when urinating, or they find that they cannot empty their bladder properly.
If an STD testing kit comes back clear, it's worth considering other causes of changes to your toilet habits. Such causes can vary according to age and sex but can include thrush, cystitis, and prostate enlargement.
Abnormal Discharge
Most adults are familiar with the type of discharge they experience. For women, this can change throughout the month or in line with key hormonal events. If you experience a significant change in the colour or the scent, it may be due to an STD. For example, chlamydia can cause discharge to become yellow and smell odorous.
If an STD kit doesn't detect anything, it's worth visiting your doctor. Changes in discharge don't always have an underlying reason, but it's best to eliminate all diagnostic possibilities.
Painful Intercourse
You can experience pain during intercourse for any number of reasons. However, if this isn't normal for you, it's important to try out an STD home testing kit to eliminate various possibilities. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia can both cause enough inflammation to induce pain during intercourse. Other STDs, such as herpes, may cause sores that feel sore when they come into contact with something.
Painful intercourse can also arise due to more concerning conditions. As such, if an STD kit comes back negative and the pain continues, you should seek further medical advice.
When using an STD testing kit, make sure it is appropriate for the type of condition you're trying to detect. Some kits will not detect all conditions, so if your symptoms do continue despite receiving appropriate treatment or getting the all-clear, visit a medical practitioner. Finally, always read the instructions thoroughly to ensure the sample you collect is sufficient. Look for a business like iPlaySafe App that provides STD home testing kits.