Things You Need To Know About HIV Home Test Kits

The concept of HIV has significantly changed over the years. It is for this reason, people are being able to receive proper medication and treatment. However, initially HIV was considered to be a shameful disease. No matter how odd it sounds, but it is necessary to receive the appropriate treatment for HIV from time to time to get rid of the problems. Experts have often suggested that people within the age group of 16-34 should once consider getting HIV testing done to avoid any possible health risks.

If you have been feeling uncomfortable about the treatment, it is better to opt for the home test kits. For the convenience of the people, these test kits have been introduced for the people. Moreover, many people Do not feel comfortable about discussing the disease with the doctors. Therefore, these test kits were designed keeping in mind, the comfort of the people. There are several benefits of opting for the home test, one major being privacy. These home test kits are easily available in the market and often prescribed by the doctors. If you are comfortable with the procedure, you should consult talking to your doctor about it and purchase the test kits.

Types of HIV Home Test Kits

If you have been considering to opt for HIV home test, then there are two methods as approved by the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA). The two methods of HIV Home Test Kits include the following- Home Access HIV-1 Test System and the Ora-quick HIV Test Kit.

Home Access HIV-1 Test System

This home testing kit has received approval from FDA ever since July, 1996. All you will need to do is take a sample of your blood and send it off to the lab for processing. However, if you want to use this kit, you will first need to register for it. You can call to the toll-free number and get access to the kit. However, specific processes are carried out before determining the whole procedure. The step includes to undergo an anonymous interview and pre-counseling. Then, you can proceed to collecting blood and send it to the lab for examining.

It usually takes a day or two to receive the proper results. Nonetheless, you will be required to call the toll-free number to know about your results. Usually, you results are double-checked before handing it over to you. So, if you have received a negative result, you don’t need to double check it.

OraQuick HIV Test Kit

These testing kits are widely available in the United States of America ever since 2013. Since it is new and a much developed procedure, you usually get the result within 20-40 minutes. This does not require blood samples, you need to collect the saliva samples. If you place the swab in the testing solution, you will be able to receive your results immediately.

Even if you receive a positive result, you will need to receive a clinic to take a consultation and final result. You will receive a counseling prior to 24 hours for toll-free numbers. You can learn about their service and help you to reach out to the positive results. As a result, you need to visit any local clinic.

There may be other testing kits too, so you can check up on them online.

How effective are the HIV home testing kits?

Home testing kits in some cases may not help you receive all the accurate information. If you receive negative result by using these kits, there are chances it is accurate for it detects it in the 99.9% accurate results. But, if you have received a positive result, it is better to check up for a follow up appointment since these are not pretty effective in giving the positive results.Get Tested for HIV at near by std testing center.

However, there are several benefits of  using home testing kits for HIV as they are convenient, easy access to test HIV, maintaining privacy and anonymity.

Flu or STD? Signs you need to get checked immediately

Most people are of the view that if they have anybody discomfort they have been affected by flu. Flu happens to be the end result of any discomfort. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that these days a lot of symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases or STD are pretty similar to those of the flu. Most of the sexually active people are prone to the diseases. Although they usually do not observe, any outbreak of symptoms, it would still be residing in their body. Thus, if you're giving up on some of the symptoms considering it to be flu, you seriously need to get checked.

Some of the prominent signs that would compel you to get checked are mentioned below.

Body rash

Considering the whole of sexually transmitted diseases, not all result in body rash. But there are certainly some STDs which can lead to the appearance of unwanted rash on your body. Some of the prominent ones include syphilis and HIV. If you notice any of the rash on the body after indulging into an unprotected sex you need to get checked. Also, there are chances that you develop the rashes even after having protected sex. In such a case, you may need to talk to your doctor.

Unusual discharge and bleeding during periods

If you have been noticing a discharge for a long time from your anus, vagina or penis, it is clearly evident to be a sign of the sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the STDs lead to unusual discharge from the genital areas. Some of the common STDs in which unusual discharge appears include vaginal thrush, Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Another reason why you should get checked is unusual bleeding after the end of period. Bleeding between two periods is a sign of increased or high stage Chlamydia and gonorrhea. If you notice such symptoms, it is better to treat it. However, if you do not treat it, the conditions would increase and lead to affected uterus. It may even lead to PID.

Frequent and painful urination

Most of the common sign of STD includes frequent and painful urination. It is indeed a clear sign that something is harmful and that you need to get checked. UTIs are the most prominent reason for painful and frequent urination. Some of the prominent diseases that can lead to pain while urinating include herpes, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and trichomonas. The symptoms in this case won't vanish on their own. As a result, you will need to visit a doctor and get it checked.

Itching

This happens to be a clear and evident sign of you suffering from sexually transmitted diseases. If you notice that you have been itching your genitals more than usual, you may need to call your doctor. Diseases such as herpes, genital warts, and pubic lice can lead to excessive itching down there. As a result, you can choose to treat the condition. Most of the people are of view that spreading talcum powder can help. However, it will only help for a brief period of time and not long.

Painful sex

If you have or feel the pain while penetration, there is seriously something wrong. As a result you should get checked as soon as possible. The STDs such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis can lead to a lot of painful sex. Thus, in conditions like this it is better to avoid sex. If you have been suffering from painful sex, you can consider talking to your doctor.

Flu or STD?

These symptoms for sexually transmitted diseases isn't always visible. You may often notice the symptoms mentioned above and consider them to be nothing but flu. In this way, you fall a victim to your symptoms and tend to dive more in the result. You need to make sure that you take care of proper methods and procedures to avoid any kind of damage from the disease. Make sure to test and keep you and your partner protected from it. Get Tested Now.

Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hepatitis B is another effective liver disease caused by virus of Hepatitis B. However, with proper treatment Hepatitis B can be cured on its own. Nonetheless, it the disease isn't treated properly on time, it can be dangerous and often lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is one of the serious problems around the world. Lakhs and thousands of people die every year due to Hepatitis B. Even if Hepatitis B is a illness for a short period of time, most of the people affected by it cause serious damages. Hepatitis B can be prevented by immunization.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is the infection and inflammation of liver. People who are infected by this virus often tend to pass it to other. Most of the people are unaware of their seriousness. Several people detect no symptoms, while some experience infection only in the initial stage. However, if it is not treated in time it can lead to a chronic infection. This virus keeps on attacking the liver from time to time. In certain cases, the damage can tend to be irreversible. Most of the people who are affected by Hepatitis B, tend to die due to liver failure.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Most of the people suffer from the infection right from their children. However, these are not diagnosed in all cases. Although you may notice it rarely. Some of the most common symptoms of Hepatitis B include

●     Muscle and joint pain

●     Dark coloured urine

●     Fatigue

●     Fever

●     Sudden loss of appetite

●     Yellow of eyes (sclera) and skin (jaundice)

●     Weakness

●     Discomfort in the abdomen

Even if you notice the minor symptoms, you will need to get it diagnosed. The symptoms for Hepatitis B will become major for the elderly people mostly over the age of 60. Even if you have been exposed to the symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Nonetheless, you can take certain measures to prevent the infection.

How is it diagnosed?

Most of the doctors conduct blood tests to determine Hepatitis B. People who are at the risk of developing Hepatitis B include

●     HIV positive people

●     Kidney dialysis patient

●     Come in touch with any Hepatitis B patient

●     Pregnant

●     Prone to IV drugs

●     Been criminals in jail

For the screening of Hepatitis B, blood tests are carried out. The wide range of blood tests include

Hepatitis B surface antigen test

The presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen would indicate that you're are affected. The positive results mean that you are capable of spreading it however the absence means you will not. Nonetheless, the test won't indicate any difference between serious and mild disease.

Hepatitis B core antigen test

The presence of the core antigen would determine if you had been affected currently or not. The positive results means it may either be serious or mild. However, it can determine that you are recovering from the disease.

Hepatitis B antibody test

This test determines the immunity of HBV. The possible result shows that you are safe against the disease.

Liver function test

This is very essential for Hepatitis B patients. The presence of excess enzyme means you are affected. It also helps you determine which part is not functioning properly.

How is Hepatitis B treated?

Hepatitis B can be treated by the following ways

Hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin

If you notice any symptoms regarding the exposure of Hepatitis B, you should consult your doctor. A vaccination will help you prevent the infection from growing. You may as well get vaccinated once again or an injection for HBV immune globulin.

Other Treatment options for Hepatitis B

Normal or initial hepatitis B hardly requires any treatment. Most people tend to get over this on their own. All you will need to do is by hydrated.

You can take antiviral medication to cure serious hepatitis B. This will enable you to fight against the virus. Nonetheless, this will prove to be effective for avoiding further risk. In case of liver damage, you will have to liver transplant.

Benefits of Confidential HIV test

As per general health reports, millions of people each year are affected by HIV. Not all people open up about their sexual health. Although physical contact is considered to be one of the main reasons for HIV, it isn't the only cause. HIV is also caused due to usage of syringe in blood tests, blood transfusion and so on. Most of the times it happens that a number of people aren't aware of the them being affected by HIV. It is necessary to detect HIV at its early stage since it will help to prevent further transmission of HIV. Diagnosing the disease at an early age can help in starting the treatment at an early period.

What is a HIV test?

One of the most common ways that can help to determine HIV in any human is blood test. The HIV test helps to find the following

Antibodies- These are produced by body when the body tries to fight against HIV.

Antigens- The protein contains of the HIV cell.

Antigens as well as antibodies

Mostly after the outbreak of the infection, antigens are found in huge quantity in the bloodstream. Nonetheless, these usually disappear after a few days. However, antibodies usually take time to appear in the blood stream. It can take about 6 to 12 weeks. After the outbreak of these antibodies, these can be found in the bloodstream.

Once you go to get the test, the negative result indicates that there is no growing sign of any infection. A positive result would determine that you are affected by the infection. There are chances that your results may not be accurate in the first go itself. If you get a positive result in the first time, it is better to get yourself checked the second time. This will help you determine the accuracy of the test.

Benefits of HIV testing

HIV testing is more important than that of the prevention. Most of the people are unaware of them being affected by HIV. This, thus increases the risk of transmitting HIV to others compared to the ones who are aware of themselves being affected by HIV. The 20% of the people who are unaware of their HIV status, tend to transfer HIV to about 50-70%. This is the reason why HIV testing is compulsory. Several studies have found that people are aware of their HIV status are less likely to indulge into any high-risk factor.

After beginning with the HIV treatment, the vital level dropped to an extreme level. When the viral load becomes undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV lowers too, it almost becomes close to zero too. There are several factors that may help in lowering the risk of developing HIV within the community. The infection rates may also be dropped among the community on HIV positive people if it is treated effectively. Reduced community viral load means that less infection would be transferred from people to people.

Benefits of confidential HIV testing

In many parts around the world, HIV is considered to be a taboo and a shame. Also, sexually transmitted infections and diseases are a major matter of shame among people. It is for this reason that not a lot of people want to discuss their sexual health with doctors or medical professionals. Especially when it comes to HIV, it becomes even more matter of shame. As a result, many of the people remain unaware. These people refrain from getting tested in medical clinics.

As a result, the matter of confidential testing had been developed. The matter of confidential HIV testing helps to save against the risk of embarrassment to a lot of people. For the purpose of confidential HIV testing, several personalized kits too have been developed. Also, there are several clinics around the world which help you to undergo the confidential testing procedures.

Getting tested in proper time can help to save you against several risk factors. It will not only save you but your partner as well.

How to take STD tests at home and benefits?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs are just something that are embarrassing for a lot of people. Although sexual health is very important, people usually don't come up talking about it even with the doctors. Many people consider that if they do not face any symptoms, they may not be suffering from the STDs. But about 80% of the sexually active people who do not take up any contraception or rather protection while having sex are very much at the risk of developing these diseases. Most of the time, there may not be any symptoms, but the infections remain. If they are not treated properly it can prove to be dangerous for the overall health.

STD test at home

Since many feel awkward about talking their sexual health, they prefer taking the STD tests at home. There are test kits available for home too.

●     Individual STD at Home Test Kits

You may find the appropriate home testing kits for individuals in the store. If you are looking for the option to just getting tested all by yourself, then this may be the most prominent option for you. If you have become infected by any recent sexual contact, the results will be more accurate. Some of the diseases that can be tested by it are HIV, syphilis, HPV, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes and many more.

●     Combination panels

This may be a surprise to many but not all STDs reflect their symptoms. Sometimes you won't even get to notice that you may be suffering from any. Apart from getting tested for one infection, you can get tested for multiple infections using the kit. These may be inclusive of the testing of HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia. Some boxes even allow you to take test for 14 sexually transmitted infections at a time.

●     Test with Partner

You may not be confident and too scared to take a test. This is normal. However, since you feel you are infected, there are chances that your partner may be infected as well. You can consult your partner to come along and take a test with you. This will be beneficial for both of you. If you know about each other's sexual health, you will be able to take more precautions and avoid any kind of risk that may come on your way. You can purchase the testing kits and get it all done.

Why take a test at home?

So, many people are really uncomfortable to open up about their sexual health with any doctor. Reports have found that several of people are infected but not all of them turn to a medical consultant for help. These people feel embarrassed for being suffering from sexual diseases.

There are many people who take up these tests at home. This is most prevalent for the STD testing in Arizona. Well, taking a test at home can help you with a lot of things.

●  Avoid awkward conversation

Many people prefer not to get tested at a clinic since they will have to converse about all the private things which may become awkward. You can definitely rely on your doctor to help you, but at the same time you may find it uncomfortable. You may sometimes tend to lie about your sexual health to your doctor. This may initially seem a small deal but if your doctor doesn't know all the information, he may not be able to perform the proper treatment. Taking a test at home will prevent you from all kinds of awkward conversation.

●     It saves a lot of time

If you are to take a test at the clinic, you will need to plan alot of things. You will have to get an appointment, visit the place wait for your call and then get the test done. You may need to cancel out some important details out of your plan just to get the testing done. However, if you get a self testing kit, you can complete the test within a few minutes. It will save you against the trouble of visiting a doctor and thus, save your time.

The results of testing at home may not be accurate always. You can visit any clinic in this case and get it done. You should look for 'STD testing near me’ over internet and there will be vast ocean of options available. You can choose one reliable option and get the test done.

STD vs STI: Difference of STDs and STIs

People who are sexually active and do not undertake precautions are very much prone to the sexual diseases and infections. The two most prominent ones being sexually transmitted disease(STD) and sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most of the common people tend to confuse between the two but they are two very different things.

Rapid Std Testing

STD vs STI

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, as most of us know. But as per medical standards, these basically are the wide infections that become a part of human body due to the consecutive sexual contact. Nonetheless, most of the people who are infected through sexual transmission don't usually get the disease. It just remains in the infection phase. This is where STIs come in the action. As per the references of the medical experts, STI are the sexually transmitted infections. This is just to clarify the confusion of the people that not all the sexually infections turn into diseases.

Just for example, women suffering from HPV (Human papilloma virus) do not develop the risk of cervical cancer. However there are several cases in which the infections finishes over two years. Also, in the generation, many people think that suffering from sexually transmitted disease is a shame. Thus, the sexually transmitted infection is a much preferred option for people like these.

STD

STDs are the transmitted infections which grow and turn out to be dangerous for the patients. These usually happen due to the sexual contact. Apart from the sexual contact, the other modes for the transfer of these diseases include breastfeeding of the mother to it's infant, blood transfusion or even drug infants.

Since the genitals are the moist areas, there is a high risk of being infected. These moist areas prove to be ideal environment for the growth of the bacteria, virus. People who do not use contraceptives but are sexually active are very much prone to the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. However, not all STIs are STDs. Most of the adolescent women are subjected to STD. Thereby, the rate of STD is increasing in senior people too these days.

Some of the prominent STDs include

●     Genital herpes

●     Genital warts

●     Hepatitis B

●     Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

●     Chlamydia

●     Molluscum Contagiosum

●     Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

●     Crabs, which is also referred to as the pubic lice

●     Trichomoniasis or Trichomoniasis

●     Syphilis

●     Gonorrhea

STI

Nonetheless, as per medical experts, these are the infections which haven't transmitted into diseases. They might disappear after a specific time and may re-appear if it is not taken care of properly. However, these are not as serious as the disease. In this case, the infections are transmitted or might grow due to the already existing infection. It is necessary to take proper care of them since they have a severe impact on the health.

Apart from the above mentioned sexually transmitted diseases, some of the prominent infections are enlisted below

●     Epididymo-orchitis

●     Hepatitis C

●     Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

●     Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

●     Trichomonas vaginalis

There are other infections too which if left untreated can prove to be a threat to the human Heath.

The sexually transmitted infections such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can eventually lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This attacks the immune system of the body and decays it's functioning and the body becomes weak. There are very few chances of people surviving after being affected by HIV. This is one of the most fatal STDs and STIs. The infection eventually changes into a disease and turns out to be dangerous for the whole being of the body. It is for this reason that experts recommend taking proper care even after being slightly infected. The increase can prove to be fatal.

However, there are experts who suggest that the sexually transmitted diseases and the sexually transmitted infections are the same thing. It is just the increase of the infections to that of the diseases. So, if the differences are considered, there isn't much difference between the two.

Get Tested for STD and STI Now

The Causes and Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's)

The different kinds of sexually transmitted diseases if not treated can grow and prove to be fatal. However, reports have shown that a number of people don’t confront the doctors because of shame. But it is really necessary to get the STD testing done. There are a number of centers around the world where the individuals get their testing for STD done. If you are looking for STD testing in Arizona, you should search for the “STD testing near me”. There are a number of diseases for which you should undergo the tests.

It should be noted that not all sexually transmitted diseases make their symptoms visible. If you are sexually active and do not use the contraceptives then you are very much prone to the STD. Even if you feel that you are not prone to it, there are chances that you are affected by the Sexually transmitted diseases. As per reports, 80% of the people are at the high risk of being affected by sexually transmitted diseases if they are sexually active and do not use any kind protections. These diseases can grow out to be deadly, which is why doctors encourage the patients to talk about it and get it treated.

Some of the prominent sexually transmitted diseases with their signs and symptoms are mentioned below

Chlamydia

This is the STD caused by bacteria which is basically transmitted due to anal, oral and vaginal sex with the infected person. This is one of the most common forms of sexually transmitted diseases around the world. Usually it happens that people suffering from chlamydia do not notice significant symptoms. Nevertheless, the people who show symptoms of being infected do it within a week.

Some of the symptoms of chlamydia includes

• Pain while urination
• Penile discharge (men)
• Pain while sexual intercourse
• Swollen testicles (in men)

Some of the other symptoms which are very common while suffering from chlamydia include

• Discharge
• Bleeding
• Pain in the rectal area

Syphilis

This bacterial STD is also transmitted by vaginal, oral and anal sex. This had been quite prevalent in the old days and can even be found in today’s generation. Men are more prone to syphilis and it is considered to be one of the serious problems. Syphilis if not treated in the right time can lead to HIV. If you become infected by HIV, treatment gets really difficult and the immunity system of the body gives up. IF you are infected by syphilis, there are high chances that you might be infected by HIV.

Syphilis usually occurs in four different phases: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. Now all these phases have their own different symptoms. Nevertheless, the symptoms of primary syphilis which the men and women mostly go through includes

Small sore when the body becomes infected. The sore is usually painless and forms itself in the lips, anus, penis or vaginal area.

The lymph nodes swell up around the infected area.

Other prominent symptoms of syphilis include:

•          Rash in the palms or feet. Nevertheless, these sores usually don’t itch and are painless.
•          Feeling of tiredness.
•          Soreness in throat.
•          Extreme headache
•          Lymph nodes are swollen.

Herpes

This is one of the most common kinds of sexually transmitted diseases. It is formed by the HSV or herpes simplex virus. HSV1 usually infect the mouth due to oral sex or HSV2 usually affects the genital area due to anal or vaginal sex with the infected person. These are the virus that are transmitted due to direct contact such as oral sex or kissing. HSV if not treated properly can lead to serious problems.

People suffering from herpes usually doesn’t show any infections. Some people do not have the symptoms of herpes. Thus, it is difficult to trace the problem. Herpes causes blisters which are often considered to be skin pimples. These symptoms should not be ignored but need to get the testing done.

Any person suffering from sexually transmitted diseases needs to talk to their doctors without feeling embarrassed. There maybe possibilities of suffering from it, and on the recommendations of the doctor you should get the testing done.