Home STI tests offer a practical, discreet solution for checking your sexual health. But once the results are in, how do you make sense of them? What do the words “positive”, “negative” or “indeterminate” mean? And what should you do next?
Negative result: is it reassuring?
A negative result means that the infection was not detected in the sample.
However:
some STIs take a long time to be detected (seroconversion window),
testing too early can result in a false negative,
if symptoms persist, repeat the test or consult a doctor.
To better understand the key moments of screening, read: When to have an STI test?
Positive result: what to do?
A positive result indicates the probable presence of an infection. In this case :
consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible,
inform its partner(s),
don’t panic: most STIs can be effectively treated if caught in time.
Discover our complete guide: STI 101
Indeterminate or doubtful result
It may happen that the test cannot be interpreted (incorrect sampling, technical problem). In this case :
repeat the test,
or complete with a laboratory examination.
Importance of medical follow-up
Even if home STI tests are reliable, they are no substitute for a full medical check-up.
Vaginal and STI testing is a good first step, but in case of doubt or persistent symptoms, a consultation remains essential.
Conclusion
Correctly interpreting an STI test means making the right decisions at the right time. A positive result needs to be confirmed and treated quickly, while a negative result does not mean you can stop being vigilant.
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