What is Trichomonas?
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that is very common in the United States. It is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Despite being very common among women, men can also get infected. The CDC explains that 3.7 million Americans have bene infected with Trichomoniasis.
While the majority of men do not experience any symptom when infected, the remaining 30% do. Signs start appearing about 5 to 28 days post exposure. The most common ones include having an irritation inside the penis, having a burning sensation after ejaculation and urination as well as feeling an itchy sensation inside the penis. An abnormal penis discharge is also common as well as having the urge to urinate. Very rarely, infected men can witness a pain in the lower abdomen.
Trichomoniasis is a sexual disease, meaning that it is transmitted through the urethra of men who are engaged in a sexual activity with an infected partner. Once the infection enters the body, it spreads to the genital area. This parasite is only spread through genital contact. So, hugging, kissing, and sharing dishes with an infected person will not spread the infection to you. Men who have sex with men are not at risk of contracting trichomoniasis, as the parasite does not live in the rectum, mouth or hands.
Why take the at-home Trichomonas – Male test?
This is a forgotten parasitic infection that will show symptoms in only 30% of infected individuals. This makes it a dangerous infection since it has a high chance of being undiagnosed and untreated. The STD at-home test for Trichomonas can help screen for and diagnose the parasite; as well as assess and monitor the effectiveness of the chosen treatment.
If you feel that might be infected, you have to get tested. An untreated Trichomoniasis infection increases the risk of contracting HIV; and, can lead to many other chronic illnesses. if you have been infected with this parasite previously or have a history of sexually transmitted infections; then, you are at high risk of contracting Trichomoniasis. In that case, including it in your regular health exams in recommended.
Getting tested can lower the risk of having complications caused by an undetected trichomoniasis infection. Since the parasite is found in the urethra, leaving there untreated can cause infections and complications to both the male reproductive system as well as the urinary tract. As a result, an infected and undiagnosed man can develop urethritis, chronic urinary tract infections, chronic bladder infections, prostatitis, epididymitis, orchitis, prostate cancer and infertility. Epididymitis is the inflammation and swelling of the epididymis, which is the tube that transports the semen. Having an at-home test can provide the privacy and convenience needed to get tested for this intimate infection.
What can cause false results?
Medications and other natural supplements will not affect your test results. However, getting tested too early can lead to a false negative. Every infection has an incubation period during which it replicates. For the trichomonas parasite, it is between 5 and 28 days.
What your at-home Trichomonas – Male test results mean?
The Urine test can show a positive result, which means that you have an active infection of Trichomoniasis. If the results are negative; then, you do not have the parasite in your system. If you have symptoms and believe that the results are not reliable, you may want to wait some time (incubation time) and get tested again. Other types of tests are also available.
Treating Trichomoniasis is normally done with a course of antibiotics, normally metronidazole or tinidazole. It is essential to continue the medications even after symptoms disappear. Do not engage in any sexual activity during your treatment. Also, alcohol should be avoided during this period, as it can cause nausea and vomiting when taken with antibiotics. It will take about one week for the infection to be cured. If you were tested positive for this parasite, you have to discuss it openly with your partner who is advised to get tested and treated if needed.
The most effective way to prevent Trichomoniasis is by avoiding sex: anal, oral and vaginal. If you are sexually active; then, you need to try some preventive measures such as: using latex condoms every time you have sex, staying in a monogamous relationship with someone who does not have any sexually transmitted illness, and avoiding to have sex with someone who is infected. If you believe you are infected, you have to get tested.
Where can I get an at-home Trichomonas – Male test?
This test kit will be mailed to you via USPS. You will receive a urine collection container, as well as other test kit materials. Please review all instructions prior to performing this test. Specimens should be shipped via USPS back to the laboratory. Results take 3 to 5 days upon receipt of the specimen by the laboratory.
URINE TEST COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS PDF
Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: May 31, 2019
1. Purchase tests
2. Visit a Lab
3. Get Results
