Anyone who has gone to an STD clinic for a STD test knows just how awkward and excruciating the process can be. From the fear of bumping into someone you know, the waiting for your turn that feels like forever and then having to discuss your sex life with a stranger.
While the process is quite not so much fun, it is a necessary evil. Getting tested regularly is the best way to keep yourself protected and healthy.
What if there was an easier way to do it without having to go through this strenuous process?
Healthcare providers are now moving STI testing online to make it more private and comfortable for people who want to get tested. There are a few options available online in Canada that canadians can now take advantage of. The testing process is very simple and involves three very basic steps.
They first need to visit a website offering online testing and fill out screening information then order for home self-testing kit. Second, you drop or mail your sample to a participating facility. Lastly, they will later get an email notifying when results are ready. They can then log in to the website to view results.
The only disadvantage of online testing is cost. The home self-testing kits are pretty expensive retailing at $80. This price tag may make the kits inaccessible to most people in Canada.
Cost aside, here are three places with online STI testing from other countries:
1. Eve Kit
Eve Kit has an easy to use web interface. Once you login you will be asked a few screening questions regarding your sex life and once done you can purchase your test kit online. The site charges $85 to get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. HPV test for high risk strains associated with cervical cancer cost $110.
The Eve kits are available all over Canada. You will receive expedited shipping to allow you to receive the test kits soonest possible.
2. Get Checked Online
This site is operated by BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) and was the first online testing facility operated by a government agency. The site works in a similar way as Eve Kit. Once you take your sample you are required to send it to one of the Life Labs near you.
Should you test positive a nurse from Get Checked Online will contact you and discuss a way forward.
The best part about using this site is that common STD tests such as HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and Hepatitis C are available free of charge
The service is however, available in Vancouver and interior BC only. BCCDC is working to offer this service to more areas across Canada.
3. Let’s Get Checked
This is a Dublin based company now offering its services in Canada. The site has a live chat service that enables you to get answers to any questions you may have regarding online testing.
Work similarly to the other two sites and is available as a mail-in service across canada. You can mail your samples to Ontario or BC.
The company offers four testing packages ranging from $120 for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing and $380 to get tested for the 10 most frequent STDs.
If you detest walking into a public or even a private clinic to get tested, now you have a more private alternative. Get tested today.
Not Available In Singapore
Unfortunately, such testing methods are still officially unavailable in Singapore. Your best bet is to look for a clinic that has experience in handling sexual health issues professionally and discreetly. Shim clinic is such a place in Singapore that you can expect professionalism with staff and doctors that will treat you with respect, ensuring you are comfortable with the entire process in a discreet manner. Act quickly if you suspect an exposure to a Sexually transmitted disease, especially HIV – if your last suspected exposure is within the last 72 hours, come to us for HIV testing and get treated with HIV PEP immediately – do not wait.