At Better Life Science, we recognize that you may have questions regarding our at-home health testing services, and our team here to answer them. Please find below answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our practice.
STD Hero’s Common STD testing panel includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis. These sexually transmitted infections are common and easily spread through unprotected sexual contact. Early detection and treatment of these infections is essential for maintaining sexual health and preventing further spread. Our testing panel uses a simple urine sample, making the process easy and convenient.
Learn MoreMost people who have HPV infections do not experience symptoms, or it can cause mouth sores that look like other infections. If HPV does cause symptoms, they can include:
If you are sexually active and want to know your status, this is a simple way to do your part in keeping yourself healthy and preventing the spread of STDs.
STD Hero’s Oral HPV test screens for 14 high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus, or HPV, and confirms 2 high-risk genotypes, HPV 16 and HPV 18. HPV 16 is directly linked to nearly 90% of HPV oropharyngeal cancer cases. HPV is the cause of roughly 60% to 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States.
HPV Screen
HPV has low-risk and high-risk genotypes. Typically, Low-risk genotypes are associated with either no symptoms or mild symptoms, such as papillomas (warts). In contrast, high-risk genotypes are strongly linked to an increased risk of developing certain cancers. This test effectively screens for 14 high-risk HPV strains (or genotypes)—16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. If the test results are positive, it will accurately confirm whether your infection is caused by HPV 16 or HPV 18.
HPV 16
Overall, HPV 16 is the most common high-risk genotype and can increase your risk of developing certain cancers. HPV 16 is responsible for nearly 90% of HPV related oropharyngeal cancer cases in the United States.
HPV 18
While HPV 18 is a very common high-risk genotype, it can increase your risk of developing certain cancers.
Most people who have HPV infections do not experience symptoms or have mild symptoms such as warts near the genitals or in the vaginal or anal cavity. If you are sexually active and want to know your status, this is a simple way to do your part in keeping yourself healthy and preventing the spread of STDs.
STD Hero’s HPV test screens for 14 high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus, or HPV, and confirms 2 high-risk genotypes, HPV 16 and HPV 18, which are associated with over 70% of cervical cancer cases and nearly 90% of anal cancers.
HPV Screen
HPV has low-risk and high-risk genotypes. Low-risk genotypes are associated with either no symptoms, or mild symptoms that can include papillomas (warts). High risk genotypes are associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers like cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and head and neck cancers. This test screens for 14 high-risk HPV strains (or genotypes)—16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68—and, if positive, will confirm if your infection is caused by HPV 16 or HPV 18.
HPV 16
HPV 16 is the most common high-risk genotype and can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. Over 70% of all cervical cancer cases worldwide are caused by HPV 16 and 18 combined.
HPV 18
HPV 18 is a very common high-risk genotype and can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. Over 70% of all cervical cancer cases worldwide are caused by HPV 16 and 18 combined.
The STD Hero tests are accurate and reliable using the latest PCR technology, which is the gold standard in molecular diagnostics.
Find out more about the STD Hero test kit, the technology behind our at-home STD test kits, and what happens to your sample at the lab.
The STD Hero at-home sexual health tests look for specific viral or bacterial organisms in your sample that is causing an infection.
This is what happens to your sample once it reaches our lab up until you receive your results in your personal Better Life Science dashboard:
Our objective is to enhance the lives of our patients through the utilization of cutting-edge science and technology.
Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) vary by type and can include:
Sores, bumps, warts, itching, redness, blisters, or bleeding
Painful, burning, or frequent urination
Abnormal odor, irritation, discharge that’s a different color or amount than usual, or bleeding that’s not your period
oGeneral pain in the abdomen
Pain during sex
Fever, abdominal pain, rash, sore, swollen lymph nodes, or weakness
Your health is your priority, and at Better Life Science, we make it easier for you to take control with our at-home STD testing. Our CLIA-certified laboratory ensures that you receive accurate and reliable results, allowing you to stay informed about your sexual health in a comfortable, private setting. With our direct-to-consumer testing model, there’s no need for doctor’s appointments or long waits for results — everything is handled conveniently from home. Take the first step toward peace of mind today!
Better Life Science does not accept insurance for its tests. However, we do accept HSA and FSA cards as a payment method. Consider checking with your benefits coordinator to see if your FSA/HSA covers Better Life Science’s tests prior to purchasing.
Yes. Better Life Science accepts HSA and FSA cards as a payment method for our tests. Consider checking with your benefits coordinator to see if your FSA/HSA covers Better Life Science’s tests prior to purchasing.
Better Life Science is a clinical laboratory that offers direct-to-consumer testing services for food intolerance, food and inhalant allergies, and sexually transmitted infections.
Our testing process is simple and convenient. You can order your test online, collect your sample at home, and send it to our lab for analysis. Once we receive your sample, our team of experienced professionals will conduct the test and provide you with accurate and reliable results.
We take accuracy seriously at Better Life Science. All of our tests are backed by science and conducted using the latest technology and methods. We strive to provide the most accurate and reliable results possible.
No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to order a test. Our direct-to-consumer model eliminates the need for doctor’s referrals and makes testing easy and convenient for everyone.
Turnaround time for results varies depending on the type of test. Typically, you can expect to receive your results within 2 business days of our lab receiving your sample.
Our testing services are not currently covered by insurance. However, we strive to keep our testing services affordable and accessible for everyone.
Yes, you can order multiple tests at once. We offer a range of testing services to help you take control of your health and well-being.
We offer refunds or exchanges for tests that have not been used or sent to our lab for analysis. Please contact us for more information on our refund and exchange policy.
We take the privacy and confidentiality of our customers seriously. Your personal information and test results are kept confidential and protected in accordance with state and federal privacy laws.
This is what happens to your sample once it reaches our lab up until you receive your results in your personal dashboard:
1. After arrival, your sample is checked if it is in good condition for processing.
2. If your sample gets the green light for processing, it is prepared and then loaded into a PCR instrument for analysis.
3. After processing, the results of the test we just ran on your sample are loaded onto our servers.
4. Before you receive your results, they are checked and approved.
5. Once approved, your results appear on your personal dashboard for your to view and download.