When to Test for Trichomoniasis At Home

Can you take a trich test at home? Absolutely!

You can now test for trichomoniasis at home. At myLAB Box, we specialize in helping people to take total control of their health. When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), “trich” is often overlooked. That’s a shame because it’s one of the most common STIs in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 70% of these people will never develop any symptoms. This makes it much more difficult to recognize signs of the infection and be tested as a result. 

In light of this information, a trichomoniasis home test is extremely helpful for any person who is looking to be absolutely sure of his or her status. Today, we’ll explain the symptoms of trich and how to test for trichomoniasis at home.

When Should You Test for Trichomoniasis At Home?

Let’s start by exploring trich a little more thoroughly. This infection is caused by a parasite that dwells in your bodily fluids. The parasite can be exchanged between partners through semen, pre-cum and vaginal fluids. As a result,  sexually active people should test for trichomoniasis.

As with all infections, safe sex should be your first line of defense. Unprotected sex makes it easy to spread trich. Using condoms or dental dams can minimize the risk, but these methods are not foolproof. After all, condoms can break or slip off. This leaves both partners open to infection. If you know or believe you have been exposed to trichomoniasis infection, you should get tested right away.

Another source of infection, which is often ignored, involves sharing sex toys. For maximum protection, it’s also important to thoroughly wash them before and after use and cover your toys as well. This is especially important if you share sex toys. If you don’t wash your sex toys, you should get screened as a precaution.

While common among men and women, trich is actually more likely to affect women. Additionally, it is yet another potentially difficult to notice STI. Often, an infected person may not display any detectable symptoms. For a reliable diagnosis, you’ll need a trichomoniasis test.

How Can you get Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that can live in bodily fluids. When the parasite is exchanged through semen, pre-cum and vaginal fluids, you could get infected.

Partners are most likely to spread the disease to one another by having unprotected vaginal, oral, or sex. It can also be spread by sharing sex toys and even genital touching when bodily fluids are involved.

Trich seems to be more common in women; affecting more than 2 million women ages 14 to 49 in the U.S. Women who have sex with other women can also get trich and should order a trichomoniasis test to find out if they have this.

Even if you don’t show any symptoms, you could spread this disease to a partner if you have trich. 

While anyone can get trich, certain factors increase your risk of getting the disease: having multiple partners, a history of STIs, and having trich before. Until you get a trichomoniasis test, you’ll only be guessing as to whether you have it.

In the cases that do show signs and symptoms, here’s what to look for:

Trichomoniasis symptoms in men

• Painful urination
• Discharge from the penis
• Discomfort inside the penis

Trichomoniasis symptoms in women

• Redness, burning or itching of genitals
• Painful Urination
• Painful sex
• Foul smell  from vaginal discharge
• Vaginal irritation 

How to Use an At Home Test for Trichomoniasis

For maximum protection and convenience, we recommend that you test for trichomoniasis at home. After all, if trich does not show symptoms, it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. You may still have the infection, and can still spread trich to a partner. As we mentioned, the only way to be absolutely sure of your status is to take a trichomoniasis test.

When you test for trichomoniasis at home, you can complete your screening in just five minutes. Once you have your home test kit, all you need to do is swab your genitals and send the sample to our specialty labs. Shipping is completely free and absolutely discreet.

At myLAB Box, we make testing as easy and convenient as possible. You’re not forced into a single test. To the contrary, you have plenty of options. Focusing on trichomoniasis, you can choose whichever of the following tests is most appropriate for you. In addition, there are many other single-infection test options available as well.

• Trichomoniasis home test is a kit that screens for this specific infection.
• Safe Box (5-panel test kit) screens for HIV (I & II), Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomoniasis.
• V-Box (Women’s Health test kit) screens for causes of abnormal vaginal discharge, including Yeast, Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
• Uber Box (8-panel test kit) screens for HIV (I & II), Hepatitis C, HSV-2, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis.
• Love Box (the Uber Box x2!) includes two Uber Box test kits so partners can test together.
• Total Box (14-panel test kit) screens for HIV (I & II), Hepatitis C, HSV-2, Syphilis, Chlamydia (genital, throat and rectal), Gonorrhea (genital, throat and rectal), Trichomoniasis and Mycoplasma genitalium. HPV is an optional add-on for women who are 30 years of age and older.

Understanding the True Value of a Home Trichomoniasis Test

Testing from home is convenient. You can take a trich test at any time and from any place. No need for doctor’s waiting rooms, awkward conversations or follow-up appointments. Instead, follow this easy process to get your secure, lab-certified results. Here’s how it works:

• Order your STD panel kit online. Don’t worry, we even include free shipping!
• Test yourself at any time and from any place using the easy-to-follow instructions. Send your samples back to the lab with the pre-paid return envelope that comes with your kit.
• Get results online in a matter of days. You’ll receive an email, after which you can log into a secure portal for your private lab-certified results.

Ignorance Does Not Equal Bliss

Don’t wait for the infection to present itself before you decide to get tested. After all, a whopping 70 percent of the people who have this infection don’t experience any symptoms. Therefore, if you don’t get tested, you won’t even know that the infection is present. This means that you will continue to spread the infection and the infection can still affect your own body.

A Note About Trich Testing

No matter how you choose to screen, trich testing tends to be more accurate for women than for men. In fact, men’s results tend to have a slightly higher chance of returning false positives and false negatives. By scheduling testing at set intervals throughout the year, you’ll be able to better gauge your overall health. When it comes to trich, we recommend periodic screening. This will provide you with peace of mind in the bedroom.

Easy Treatment

If your test results come back positive, you will be connected with a local physician for a free phone consultation.  If you are in a state that allows telemedicine (which is most!), this physician can prescribe your treatment.  Luckily, trichomoniasis is quite easy to treat. But remember, it needs to be diagnosed first!

It’s like we always say: Don’t stress, just test!

Sources:

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm

ASHA study: http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/trichomoniasis/