The number of at-home health tests available to consumers nowadays is astounding. From general wellness to sexual health to nutrition, what’s available out there might surprise you. The convenience of testing for various conditions in the home allows consumers more flexibility and control over their own well-being. And with so many options, it’s easier than ever to discover the unknown when it comes to your health.
Are you curious as to what tests you can take that don’t require a doctor’s visit? Here are some of the most common at-home health tests that are readily available to consumers right now.
1. STI Tests
You can never be too sure about your sexual health. No matter how safe you think you’re being, the reassurance that you’re infection-free is a huge weight off your shoulders. If you are sexually active, caring for your sexual health should be a priority. After all, sexually transmitted infections are extremely common, and you could well come into contact with them at some point. If you’re concerned you may be infected, waiting weeks to see the doctor simply isn’t an option.
Enter at-home STI testing, an easier way to get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Maybe you don’t want to wait for the next available appointment. Or maybe you just prefer the privacy of at-home tests. Either way, testing for STIs at home is convenient and holds the same validity as doctors’ tests. From chlamydia to gonorrhea to HIV, you can test yourself for it all with a simple at-home test kit.
2. COVID-19 Tests
The pandemic presented us with a plethora of new challenges to navigate. The most significant is the fact that we now have a new illness to be aware of. At the beginning of the pandemic, all it took was a cough for someone to suspect COVID-19. Now we still find ourselves asking the question, “How do I know if this is COVID or just the common cold?” And with some people not presenting symptoms at all, it can be difficult to know whether you’ve contracted the virus.
At one time, it was common to drive all over town in search of a COVID-19 test. Luckily, tests are becoming more readily available. You can even test yourself for this infectious disease at home now. This eliminates the stress of tracking down a testing site and trying to get an appointment. At-home tests are the way to go!
3. Food Sensitivity Tests
While a food sensitivity, unlike a food allergy, is not life-threatening, it’s still worth knowing about. People with food sensitivities or intolerances often experience symptoms like nausea, diarrhea (or constipation), gas, cramping, and bloating. But these symptoms can have numerous causes, making it hard to pinpoint whether or not you have a food sensitivity.
Fortunately, it’s possible to determine whether you’re sensitive to certain foods without having to leave your house. At-home food sensitivity tests work by testing your body’s immune response to a variety of foods. Typically, these tests will detect if you have an intolerance to any fruit, vegetable, meat, seafood, grain, or spice. It’s common to test for eggs and dairy products as well.
4. Vitamin Deficiency Tests
You may think that you’re getting enough essential vitamins from the foods you eat, but how can you be sure? A true vitamin deficiency is serious and could cause fatigue, dizziness, and hair loss (among other things). If you’re experiencing symptoms and suspect you may have a deficiency, you can seek out the answers for yourself. And if you’re just curious, an at-home test is the perfect way to learn more about your nutrition needs.
Vitamin deficiency tests require a blood sample, which may be taken at home. After mailing your sample to a lab, you’ll receive results in as little as a few days. Most tests will check your levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, and more. From there, you can address gaps in your diet and start making changes to help you feel your best.
Note: If your primary goal is improving your health, take an at-home food sensitivity test and a vitamin deficiency test. Using these two tests together will provide great insights into what changes you should make to your diet.
5. Fertility Tests
A couple may run into various obstacles when trying to get pregnant. The process of conceiving isn’t always easy and can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. Several factors go into having a baby — including a woman’s egg count and hormones (which affect menstrual cycles and ovulation).
Whether you’re a woman struggling to have a baby or you’re just curious about your reproductive health, you have options. At-home fertility tests check for the hormones in your body that contribute to normal ovarian function. Ovarian reserve tests can also tell you if you have a normal egg count for your age. Understanding your reproductive health no longer requires the help of a specialized doctor. You may now take preliminary steps on your own.
We live in a world where convenience is the name of the game. The everyday consumer wants expediency; this is especially true when it comes to healthcare. At-home testing fulfills this need for convenience and allows people to take more control of their health. So why not try it out? You may be surprised by what you learn.