Telehealth has skyrocketed in recent years. While this surge is partly due to the pandemic, it’s also due to the many benefits that come with online healthcare. Not only is it convenient for patients, but it can also save them and their doctors time. This article highlights a few health services available online you should consider taking advantage of:
1. Birth Control
Ordering birth control online isn’t just convenient, for many people it’s also a more comfortable option. Instead of having all eyes on you at the drugstore, you can have birth control delivered directly to your front door. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Many online retailers sell birth control. You typically need a prescription from your doctor. But once that’s provided, it’s usually very easy to set up your delivery.
Some healthcare companies do everything in-house. They’ll have you virtually meet one of their doctors who will evaluate your needs and write the prescription you’ve both agreed on. Then, all you have to do is wait patiently for the delivery. It’s also worth mentioning that your birth control can be delivered in discreet packaging.
2. Therapy
According to a OnePoll study, almost 50% of people believe going to therapy is a sign of weakness. Interestingly enough, of that number, only a quarter have never been to therapy.
Based on the information above, it’s clear that therapy, while important, is still considered taboo for some. Think about it. Are you someone who’s never gone to therapy? If so, what’s kept you from doing so? Chances are, it’s due to the stigma and embarrassment you might feel if people knew.
It’s important to remember that therapy is for everyone. The same way you visit your doctor for a physical is exactly how you should visit a therapist. Being mentally healthy is just as important as being physically healthy.
With that said, maybe you’re still embarrassed by the idea. Thankfully, online therapy exists. Instead of having to physically walk into an office, you can talk to a qualified professional from the comfort of your home. You don’t even need to turn on your camera if you don’t want to. Online therapy makes it easy for those who aren’t comfortable talking in person to get help.
3. Pediatric Services
Many medical offices closed during the pandemic in an effort to slow down the spread of disease. However, through that experience, physicians realized how impactful telemedicine services can be. Now, more doctors than ever before are offering their services virtually, as well as in person.
Online doctor visits can be a great option for individuals who don’t live close to their doctor’s office. It’s also a good option for people with limited availability, those who might be contagious, or just want to ask their doctor a few questions. Some online pediatric services are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about your child’s health.
Telemedicine appointments have skyrocketed in the last couple of years. But it’s important to remember, that they shouldn’t replace in-person visits. This is especially true if you have symptoms that require a closer evaluation or need lab work that can’t be done virtually. Make sure you tell your doctor everything to ensure you receive the best care possible.
4. STI Testing
Sexually transmitted infections are common but are still highly stigmatized. Some people assume that having an STI means you have multiple partners or poor hygiene. That isn’t necessarily the case. Because not all STIs have symptoms, they are easy to accidentally pass from one person to the next. This is why it’s so important to regularly get tested.
Unfortunately, due to the stigma, people don’t always make time to get tested. Thankfully, you can get tested online without having to go to your doctor’s office or a lab.
Several healthcare companies offer virtual STI testing. All you have to do is put in your information, and the STI testing kit will be delivered to your front door. These kits typically include everything you need for testing, so you just have to take your sample and send it back.
Your results are typically sent to you via text message or email. Depending on your results, there may be additional information regarding treatment. But don’t worry, many STIs can be treated online too.
5. STI Treatment
As mentioned above, you can even receive treatment for your STI online. Similar to ordering birth control, once a doctor sends your prescription to the pharmacy, you can opt to have it delivered to your front door.
Some pharmacies use a third-party service for the delivery, while others put your medication in the mail. Either way, with online delivery, you can set up the frequency of your deliveries, when you want them delivered, etc.
It’s important to remember STIs are nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, every day over 1 million sexually transmitted infections are acquired. Many of these infections are asymptomatic. Meaning, that people don’t know they’re infected and more likely to pass it to their sexual partners.
While it’s important to practice safe sex, don’t let an STI diagnoses make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, seek treatment as soon as possible.
Your health is a priority, but that doesn’t mean you always make it one. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to push your health to the backburner. Unfortunately, this only does more damage. Thankfully, the services above are available online, making it more convenient for you to receive care.
