When to Test for Trichomoniasis At Home

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Reviewed by Luis Ferdinand M. Papa, MD, MHA