When it comes to taking care of reproductive health, many people do not always take all of the steps they need to in order to properly maintain that health. Many people are embarrassed to talk about sex or their sexuality, let alone go in and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases or infections that they may have contracted as a result of their sexual behavior. Even the promise of free STD testing at free clinics may not convince them to go in and get tested and face the nurses and doctors. However, there are new options that can and likely will help those hesitant people to get their STD testing completed. These methods will prevent people from possibly going for long periods of time with an untreated STD.

Free STD Testing Done Remotely

One of the biggest innovations in STD testing actually takes elements from other technologies and industries and simply works to change the format and environment of the free STD testing available. The idea is to perform the free STD testing process remotely rather than in person at a clinic or doctor's office.

Remote free STD testing allows patients to take samples themselves and mail them in to a lab to test for certain STDs, particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea. Then, rather than have an awkward face-to-face or telephone conversation for the results, users of this free service receive a text message with their results. 

Now, if the results are positive, of course, the person will need to go to the doctor or clinic to get treatment for the STD they were diagnosed with. However, if the results are negative, those awkward visits can be avoided. HIV tests are also available for home use, although those may not be free of charge.

Condoms that Detect STDs

One of the up-and-coming innovations in reproductive healthcare and STD testing is the idea of a condom that is made to detect STDs. The idea is that the condom will change color when the surface of the condom comes into contact with an STD infection.

While this technology is still in the very early stages of development, the idea of color-changing condoms will help people to immediately know if their partner has an STD and may even tell them which STD the partner suffers from.

This can prevent STD transmission between partners who do not know they are infected or worse who may be dishonest about their STD status. Look for future developments regarding these potentially life-saving color-changing condoms.

Now that you know about some of the new changes and technologies available or in development for STD testing, you can be sure that you make your reproductive health one of your top priorities, even if you cannot stomach the awkward doctor visits.