7 At-Home Health Tests That Will Save You Time, Money, and Embarrassment

Thanks to technology and the surge in e-commerce, there are many things you can take care of from the comfort of your own home. Groceries, clothes, and even medical tests can be delivered to your front door.

This is good news for many, especially those who don’t jump for joy at the idea of going to the doctor. Whether you’re embarrassed or concerned about costs, you can avoid going to the doctor’s office with at-home tests. Whether you’re concerned about your cholesterol or suspect an STI, these tests can help uncover what’s going on with your health.

1. At-Home STI Testing

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are still misunderstood. Even in today’s more sex-positive culture, not everyone knows exactly how STIs are spread or how common they are. According to the CDC, there are about 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections every year. If you’re sexually active, you should get tested for STIs. The good news is, this isn’t something you have to do in person.

Today, STI testing is available 100% online. For example, Nurx offers three different STI home testing kits covering a range of conditions. You can test yourself for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis C, and more. Just choose the right kit, and it will be delivered to your doorstep in discreet packaging. Once your sample is sent back and tested, the company’s medical team will reach out with results and treatment plans, if needed.

2. Genetic Testing

Genetic testing used to be an expensive and inaccessible process. But that’s all changed in recent years, with more and more companies providing low-cost genetic tests. While this is something you can have done at a doctor’s office, you can also have genetic tests shipped to your address. This way, you can take your test at home and have your results sent directly to you.

At-home genetic tests have been growing in popularity over the last decade. In fact, over 26 million people have taken an at-home ancestry test. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, considering how convenient these at-home tests are. People are understandably curious about their genetic background, and these tests provide accurate results in a timely manner.

A well-known genetic test is 23andMe. This test is delivered to you and uses your saliva to conduct its analysis. It detects health risks, reports carrier status, and can provide you with a detailed family tree so you know where you came from.

3. UTI Testing

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. This condition doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, those symptoms can be very painful.

Chances are, you don’t want to wait to find out whether or not you have a UTI. Don’t worry: urinary tract infection strips let you test yourself. These over-the-counter tests can be found at Target, Walmart, and other discount stores and drugstores. With their 95% accuracy, you’ll know in minutes whether you need to seek treatment or not.

4. Body Fat Testing

Many trainers and nutritionists will measure your body fat before creating an exercise or diet plan. That’s because having a healthy body doesn’t just have to do with your weight — it has to do with body fat levels. Of course, you might not have the budget or the time to spend money on a personal trainer. Well, with an at-home body fat monitor, you don’t have to.

Body fat monitors like Yunmai Premium Smart Scale and EatSmart Digital Body Fat Scale provide a general overview of your wellness. This allows you to make informed health decisions for yourself. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just keep tabs on your health, these body fat monitors share real-time data in an accessible way.

5. Pregnancy and Fertility Testing

At-home pregnancy tests have long been popular, and over the years, their accuracy has only increased. While a doctor can provide pregnancy results, who knows how long you’ll have to wait for an appointment? With an at-home pregnancy test, you can find out in minutes whether or not you’re expecting.

Companies like STIX will deliver pregnancy tests, in discreet packaging, straight to your home. Such tests have 99% accuracy, so you can trust the results. The company also lets you choose how often you want to have pregnancy tests delivered. You can opt for “just once” if you’re looking to confirm (or rule out) a pregnancy. But if you’re actively trying to conceive, you might choose “every two weeks,” “every four weeks,” and so on.

If you’re in the latter category, STIX will also deliver ovulation kits. These tests will tell you the days you’re most fertile so you can plan accordingly. You can also choose how often you’d like these tests delivered.

6. At-Home Cholesterol Testing

To have a healthy heart, you need to have healthy cholesterol levels. Most people get a cholesterol test every few years as part of their routine physicals. But if you have high cholesterol, it’s important to monitor your levels regularly. That’s where an at-home cholesterol kit comes in handy.

These devices are ideal for those who need to test their blood more regularly. Even if you don’t have high cholesterol now, it’s important you closely monitor your levels if the tendency runs in your family.

Curo L5 Blood Cholesterol Test Kit is one user-friendly option. You can easily draw your blood sample with a pinprick, and the test strips analyze it in real time. The results are provided within two minutes.

7. Personalized Nutrition Testing

Every single body is different and responds to food differently. If you experience digestive issues or low energy levels, you might not be consuming the right nutrients. How do you know? Well, you could pay a nutritional expert — or you could test yourself at home.

With Vivoo, you can find out exactly what nutrients you should be consuming. First, you download the Vivoo app on your phone. Then, the company will send you a package of strips for urine testing. Two minutes after you gather your sample, you scan the strip via the Vivoo app. The app then dishes up the nutritional advice and lifestyle tips you need to live a healthy life.

At-home test kits are convenient, accurate, and easy to use. But keep in mind, you should nevertheless speak with a doctor to help you understand the results and available treatment options (if necessary). Even though medical advice might still be needed, you’ll have taken proactive steps to maintain your health.