About STDCheck.com
STDCheck.com is an online platform providing customers with rapid and confidential testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Patients receive results within a few days of visiting the lab, and never have to go to a doctor’s office. You can depend on trained health counselors to get started, and they offer consultations in the case that you do test positive for an STD.
The site has been featured in the likes of Forbes, Glamour, Men’s Fitness, and many other media outlets, praising its accessibility, dedication to privacy, and speed. Does this service deserve all the hype? Our STDCheck.com review will share information on what the company offers, the customer experience, and try to address any questions you may have about the process.
Overview of STDCheck.com
STDCheck.com was founded in 2010 by Fiyyaz Pirani, as a branch of a larger company, HealthLabs.com. Their goal is to provide convenient and affordable FDA-approved STD testing, with the added bonus of privacy.
STD Test Results
Your STDCheck.com test results will be ready within 1-2 days of your lab visit, and can be accessed on your account. The Value column indicates if the STD was detected in your system, and will state “reactive/non-reactive,” “detected/not detected,” or a reference range.
If the number in the range is below a certain amount, the STD value is not high enough to be considered positive, as shown by the Results column. If your results are positive, you’ll be instructed on how to schedule a phone consultation with a licensed MD at STDCheck.
Doctor Consultation
After receiving positive results, users can speak with one of the STDCheck physicians. You schedule a phone call, during which you have the opportunity to ask questions and have your test results explained. In some cases, the physician can prescribe treatment for you. STDCheck MDs can write prescriptions for the treatment of:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
- Herpes
So, what are the pros and cons of this health service? Let this STDCheck.com review break it down for you:
Pros
- Accessible and convenient, with 4,500 testing centres across the US
- Affordable
- Completely confidential
- Rapid results
- FDA approved tests
- Overall 9.8/10 rating based on over 5000 patient reviews
Cons
- They do not accept health insurance
- No at-home tests
- Not available internationally
STDCheck offers 10 individual STD tests, with an option to do panels as well. In this STDCheck.com review, I’ll take you through the most popular options, the 3 panel tests. Note that you can find a list of symptoms of each STD outlined in the FAQ section.
STDCheck.com Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Testing
STDCheck uses the FDA-cleared Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) test, which is the gold standard of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing. It searches for both Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, bacterias that cause these infections. It’s the most accurate test available, and only requires a small urine sample, no swabbing or undressing necessary.
The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Panel has a sensitivity rate of 99.8% and a specificity of 99.3%, meaning it’s incredibly accurate. It’s a 5 minute test that only requires that you haven’t urinated for at least 1 hour before arriving at the testing centre. You’ll receive your results in 1-2 days, and if the test detects traces of either infection in your urine, you’ll be informed on how to set up a phone consultation with a physician.
Chlamydia is a common STD in the United States, with upwards of 3 million new infections contracted annually. You can get chlamydia from vagina, anal, and oral sex, and through shared sex toys. Additionally, it can be passed from mother to infant during vaginal childbirth, causing pneumonia and eye damage to the child.
Gonorrhea is also fairly common, with around 1 million new infections each year. The bacteria thrives in the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and Fallopian tubes, as well as the urethra in both men and women. It can also grow in the mouth, throat, anus, and eyes. Like chlamydia, it can spread from mother to infant during childbirth, potentially causing blindness, joint-infection, or a life-threatening blood infection in the child.
It’s important to get tested, because both of these STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning that the infection won’t always show symptoms. They’re both curable conditions, and can be treated with antibiotics, but these untreated infections can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, leading to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Left untreated in men it can cause epididymitis, a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles. You can be reinfected if the bacteria was not fully cleared from yours or your partners’ systems.
Individuals are frequently infected with both STDs at the same time, which is why the Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Panel covers both. You should wait to be tested for 1-5 days after potential exposure to chlamydia, and 2-6 days for gonorrhea for the most accurate results. Physicians also recommend a retest 21-28 days after treatment to ensure that you’re cured. With STDCheck.com, the test costs $129.
STDCheck.com Herpes Type 1 Type 2 Panel
STDCheck.com’s Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 and 2 Panel is an immunoassay, meaning the blood is examined for antibodies (Immunoglobulin G) to both types of the virus. You’ll receive a positive result if enough antibodies are detected.
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 and 2 Test Panel is 97-99% accurate 4-6 weeks post exposure, and remains 99% accurate after 6 weeks. The test, which requires a small blood sample, takes 5 minutes to complete, and you’ll receive results in 1-2 days.
HSV-1 (oral herpes) can be transmitted through kissing, sexual contact, oral secretions, shared personal items (ex: a toothbrush), and direct contact with herpes sores. HSV-2 (genital herpes) is spread through sex and direct contact with genitals of a herpes-positive individual, and is rarely transmitted through other means. Normally, the viruses will remain local to where the infection started, but it is possible to spread it accidentally by touching an open sore and touching your genitals, mouth, or eyes.
Herpes is extremely contagious, and is sometimes transmitted even when using protection, so it’s important for individuals to be aware of their status, and what symptoms to look out for. It’s also important to have a conversation with your partner about their status, and be aware that herpes can be contracted even if no symptoms are apparent. With both types, it can take a long time for symptoms to appear, from weeks to years.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 cannot be cured. The condition can be managed with antiviral drugs to help control outbreaks, reduce symptoms, and reduce transmissibility. The virus is not very disruptive to most people’s lives; absolutely anyone can get herpes, and it is extremely common.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 3.7 billion have an HSV-1 infection, and about 491 million people worldwide are living with HSV-2. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 and 2 Panel costs $130.
STDCheck.com 10 Test Panel
STDCheck.com is the only testing service that offers a 10 Test Panel, which covers:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes 1 & 2
- Hepatitis A, B, & C
- HIV
- Syphilis
The 10 Test Panel costs $198, or $349 with the HIV RNA test. This STDCheck.com review will take you through the tests we haven’t yet covered.
Hepatitis A, B, & C
The STDCheck tests for Hepatitis A, B, and C are all blood tests. The tests evaluate your blood for the antibodies specific to each strain. No preparation is required, and it’s recommended that you wait to be tested for at least 2-7 weeks after exposure for A, 6 weeks for B, and 8-9 weeks for C. Let’s go through some facts about each strain.
Hepatitis A is an infection that is commonly contracted via fecal to mouth contact, so it can be caused by contaminated food or drink, or through anal-oral contact during sex. There is no cure for this virus, but there is a vaccine, which is recommended for all children one year and older, at-risk individuals, and those who simply want to obtain immunity.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, semen or other bodily fluids, but does not spread by sneezing and coughing. This includes sexual contact, sharing needles, accidental needle pricks (possible if you work in a healthcare environment), and childbirth.
About 90% of adults can clear a Hepatitis B infection without medication, but the infection can be chronic, and in that case treatment plans are available. There is also a vaccine for this strain.
Hepatitis C is also transmitted through blood, but there is no vaccine. All strains affect the liver, but B and C can cause more severe damage and chronic issues.
HIV
The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) test looks for the presence of HIV directly in the blood, using an FDA-approved HIV 4th Generation Duo Antigen/Antibody test. STDCheck.com is the only online platform offering this HIV RNA test.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). The virus destroys the immune system, targeting specific cells (CD4 & T cells) that help the body fight common diseases. AIDS is a universally fatal illness, however, most patients survive many years after diagnosis.
There is no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapies are available to help keep the virus under control. People who are HIV positive can live normal lives with the right medical care. The virus is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, and is spread through blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, and rectal fluids. It can also be transmitted in breast milk.
You can take a Western Blot confirmation HIV test 25 days to 2 months after exposure, and the HIV RNA test can be taken 9-11 days after exposure. No preparation is required for the tests.
Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum, and consists of three stages. This disease can cause long-term medical issues and even death if not treated. Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with a syphilitic sore (chancre). Chancres can occur around the external genitals, inside the vagina, around the anus, in the rectum, and in or around the mouth. Transmission can occur during vaginal, oral, or anul sex.
The test offered by STDCheck.com is an FDA-cleared Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test, which looks for antibodies in the blood. A secondary test is performed to confirm the results if the initial test is positive. You should get tested 3-6 weeks after potential exposure.
STDCheck.com Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Looking for an STDCheck.com review other than this one? You’re in luck! There are over 5000 STDCheck reviews on the website, resulting in a 9.8/10 rating. The overwhelming majority compliment the speed at which results are delivered, and the convenience of lab locations and online ordering. STDCheck has a 5 star rating and an A+ on the Better Business Bureau.
They have 4.8 star rating on TrustPilot, and one 5-star STDCheck.com review stated, Super discrete, convenient and quick process. Took seconds to take my blood and It took less than 24 hours to get my results! I would highly recommend STDcheck!
Overall, customers are extremely satisfied with the service. Most negative comments on the Better Business Bureau are regarding their refund policy (80% refund), and all of these complaints are marked as resolved. I was amazed at the amount of positive customer feedback, and the goodwill of the company while researching for this STDCheck.com review.
Are STDCheck.com Tests Worth It?
For peace of mind, privacy, and convenience, this STDCheck.com review says… It’s worth it! If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, and you’re uncomfortable going to the doctor, or cannot afford to do so, this online platform is a great option. There are many reasons why someone would find solace in the anonymity and ease of use that STDCheck offers.
Patient reviews for STDCheck are excellent, most of them praising the speed of the process overall, from the conveniently located labs, the 5 minute intake time, and the few days it takes to receive results. If you think you might have been exposed, it never hurts to get tested for the sake of your physical and mental health.
STDCheck.com Promotions & Discounts
Thinking of Googling an STDCheck.com promo code? How about an STDCheck.com discount code? Unfortunately we were unable to find any for this STDCheck.com review, but there is a Pay Later option, which allows you to order your test and go to the lab before paying. Payment is still required before you can access your results.
Where to Buy STDCheck.com Tests
STDCheck.com is the only place you can purchase tests.
FAQ
How long do results from STDCheck.com take?
According to our STDCheck.com review, results come in very quickly. STDCheck.com boasts that results are available within 1-2 days of your visit.
Where are STDCheck.com testing locations?
On the front page of STDCheck.com, you can click Find a Lab, which will take you to a page with an interactive map. Here, you can enter your zip code, and it’ll display the labs near you. There are over 4,000 locations nationwide, and many are open on Saturdays for your convenience.
What are symptoms of STDs?
STDs are not restricted to the genitals. They can infect the mouth, throat, upper thighs, anus, and eyes. Many STDs can be completely asymptomatic, and it’s important to remember that you can still infect your sexual partners even without displaying symptoms.
Writing this STDCheck.com review has been extremely educational! All of the following information is taken from their website.
Overall, symptoms vary, but can include:
- No symptoms
- Bumps, sores, or warts near the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus
- Skin rash
- Painful urination
- Itching, irritation, or burning near the vagina or penis
- Vaginal discharge in women
- Discharge from the penis in men
- Rectal discharge, bleeding, or pain
- Vaginal odor
- Redness or swelling near the genitals
- Testicle pain and/or swelling in men
- Painful sex
- Lower abdominal pain
- Flu-like symptoms like fever, body or muscle aches, and chills
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Pink eye/conjunctivitis, or swollen and red eyes
Often it goes unnoticed, because many people experience no or very few symptoms when infected. Signs can include:
- Pain or burning when peeing
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Painful intercourse in women
- Bleeding between periods in women
- Painful or swollen testicles in men (less common)
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
Can affect the genitals, mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. Symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks, but can take months. Like chlamydia, many people don’t show any symptoms. Signs include:
- Painful or burning sensation when urinating
- Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge in women
- White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis in men
- Testicular pain or swelling in men (less common)
- Rectal discharge or bleeding, or anal itching and soreness
- Painful bowel movements
Coinfection is common with chlamydia and gonorrhea, people often have both simultaneously.
This virus commonly infects the mouth and the genitals, usually causing outbreaks of painful sores. Most people with HSV experience mild symptoms, or no signs at all, so it’s commonly overlooked. Usually the first outbreak of symptoms is the most severe, and while some people have recurrent episodes for years, others may only have a single outbreak.
- Pain, burning, tingling, or itching before blisters appear
- Cold sores or fever blisters in the mouth area, such as the lips, the gums, the tongue, inside of the cheek, the roof of the mouth, and the throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pain, burning, itching, or tenderness before blisters appear
- Small red bumps or small white blisters, or open sores (ulcers) in, on, or around the genitals or anus, and nearby areas, such as the buttocks and thighs
- Flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in the groin, fever, headache, and muscle aches
- Pain in the lower back, butt, and legs
- Pain when peeing (when urine makes contact with sores)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus attacks the immune system, weakening its ability to fight off other infections and illnesses. HIV can lead to AIDS, a potentially life-threatening condition. You may not have symptoms immediately, and some people develop a flu-like illness 2-4 weeks after being infected.
Early HIV symptoms:
- Fever
- Rash
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
These early signs usually go away within a few days or weeks, but the virus multiplies rapidly and the individual is very contagious during this time. After these initial symptoms disappear, a person with HIV may be asymptomatic, so it can take years for more severe symptoms of HIV infection to develop.
As HIV multiplies and attacks the immune system, you may begin to show signs of chronic infection, including:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Mouth and skin problems
- Cough
- Fever
When a person reaches this final stage of HIV, their immune system is severely compromised. At this point, the person is more vulnerable to serious illnesses and infections, including those that are potentially fatal.
AIDS symptoms can include:
- Recurring fever
- Drenching night sweats
- Rapid weight loss
- Prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes
- Persistent headaches
- Extreme, unexplained fatigue
- Chronic diarrhea
- Discolored skin blotches
- Sores on the mouth, genitals, or anus
- Unusual illnesses from opportunistic diseases
- Pneumonia
- Memory loss, depression, or neurological disorder
While it affects mucous membranes (genitals and skin), it can be destructive to the brain, bones, and heart. There are 4 stages to syphilis: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Left untreated, late-stage syphilis can make you paralyzed, blind, numb, or demented. Because syphilis can be asymptomatic at different stages, and the signs are similar to other conditions, it’s hard to detect without testing.
1. Primary Stage
A chancre (painless and highly contagious sore) in the location where the bacteria entered the body, typically the genitals or rectum, sometimes on the lips or mouth. It’s possible to have multiple chancres, but usually only 1 will appear. It generally appears within 10 to 90 days of infection. While the sore heals by itself within 3-6 weeks, without treatment the syphilis infection will stay in the body and spread through the bloodstream.
2. Secondary Stage
Usually 2-8 weeks after the chancre has healed, or sometimes while it’s healing, the secondary stage begins.
- Skin rash that’s usually non-itchy, and can occur on any part of the body, often the trunk, the palms, and the bottoms of the feet
- Sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus
- Fever
- Swollen lymph glands
- Tiredness and aches
- Patchy hair loss
These symptoms might stop, or they may recur over a long period, leading you to…
Latent Stage
You may experience a period after the secondary stage when no symptoms are present. This can last for months or years, and symptoms might not reappear.
3. Tertiary Stage
Syphilis may spread throughout the body if left untreated. At this point it can damage multiple organ systems, including the brain and nerves, eyes, bones and joints, and the liver. It can begin 10-30 years after infection, and can cause severe health issues, even death. The symptoms include:
- Numbness
- Issues with movement
- Paralysis
- Vision problems or blindness
- Mental decline, or dementia
At any stage, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system, which can result in the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Trouble with coordination
- Changes in behavior
- Dementia
These are contagious viral infections, and can cause inflammation of the liver, and liver damage. It’s common to not experience any symptoms of Hepatitis, but those who do may experience:
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right abdomen where the liver is located
- Pale or clay-colored stool
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Aching joints or muscles
- Yellowed skin or eye whites (jaundice)
As you can probably guess, it can be very difficult to detect many STDs without a test. You often can’t tell by how you look or feel, so if you think you may have been exposed at all, it’s important to get tested to make sure, for your own peace of mind.
This STDCheck.com review has found that It’s generally a good idea to do an STD test yearly, so you can protect yourself and others. Some are curable with medication, and some can be managed with treatments, so early detection will help you get on the path to good health!
STDCheck.com Refund & Cancellation Policy
STDCheck.com can accept, refuse, or cancel any orders made through the service, and will refund you in that case.
You can request to cancel an STDCheck order prior to your lab visit, within 21 days of your order. If you cancel your order within the timeframe, you’ll receive a refund minus a 20% cancellation fee. No refunds will be provided after 21 days, but you can call to get a credit on your account for future orders.
If you test positive and seek a consultation, it must be scheduled within 21 days. Otherwise, you may have to pay for another STDCheck test.
Contact STDCheck.com
If you have questions beyond this STDCheck.com review, the company provides help through the phone 24/7. Call 1-800-456-2323 to speak with a Care Advisor if you have any questions or concerns. Our STDCheck.com review didn’t turn up an email address.
Are you more comfortable with online doctor’s visits? Check out Wisp and EverlyWell.
