What are Bacterial Vaginosis, Candida and Trichomonas?
The STD at-home test is a comprehensive vaginal swab examination that tests for Bacterial Vaginosis, Candida and Trichomonas. All three infections can have similar symptoms, which is the reason why they are all combined in one test.
Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition when the vagina becomes inflamed due to an overgrowth of bacteria. These bacteria are normally found in the vagina. So, having an overgrowth can upset the natural balance of the vaginal milieu. Under normal circumstances, the good bacteria the vagina overcomes and outnumbers the bad bacteria. So, from the bad bacteria outgrow the good bacteria, bacterial vaginosis happens. This infection doesn’t normally lead to severe complications; however, it could cause preterm birth, sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, herpes, gonorrhea or chlamydia. Sometimes, bacterial vaginosis could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease that can increase the risk of being infertile.
Candida is a kind of fungus living in our body. It is normally found in small amounts in our mouth, belly and skin. When the environment is out of balance, candida can multiply and lead to an infection called candidiasis. This test can help identify genital yeast infection, otherwise known as vaginal candidiasis. Vaginal candidiasis can have many signs, such as having vaginal itching, pain during sexual intercourse, as well as having an abnormal vaginal discharge. Most infections are mild; but, sometimes, they can lead to redness, swelling, and cracks in the vagina.
Trichomonas is a parasite leading to a sexually transmitted disease called Trichomoniasis. This infection can equally infect men and women. While most subjects do not have any symptom; some report having discomfort during sex or urinating, having a thin and frothy discharge that is smelly, as well as having some irritation and itching in the genital area. The swab test, collecting samples of the vaginal discharge, can detect the presence of this protozoan.
The test is made simple as it is a home test. When ordered, a vaginal swab with be mailed to your address. You will have to follow the instructions found in the kit; and, the sample will have to be sent, by USPS, to the laboratory for analysis. The swab test collects a sample from your vaginal secretions to check for any overgrowth of the bad bacteria, candida or Trichomonas.
Why take the at-home Vaginal Discharge Panel?
This test can help screen and diagnose any of the three most common sexually transmitted infections that are bacterial vaginalis, Candida and Trichomonas. It can help identify the specific cause of your symptoms. Also, it is efficient in checking the effectiveness of the adopted treatment; and, whether the vaginal milieu is in balance again.
If you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, you need to be tested. Signs include having thin, gray, white or even green discharges that are foul smelling. Some women experience vaginal itching as well as a burning sensation when urinating. Also, if you are at high risk of having bacterial vaginosis; you need to be tested. Risk factors include having many sex partners or a new sex partner. This infection is more prevalent among women who have sex with women. Regular douching can help upset the natural balance of your vagina, and lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Finally, if your vagina is not producing enough lactobacillus bacteria, you are more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis. Pregnant women need to be tested for bacterial vaginosis to prevent the risk of delivering a low birth pre-term baby.
Those who are at high risk of getting vaginal candidiasis need to take the at-home swan test. Risk factors include women who are pregnant, those who are taking hormonal contraceptives, women who are taking antibiotics, as well as those who have diabetes. If you are at high risk of contracting the trichomonas vaginalis; then, you need to be tested. An early detection can prevent the progression of this parasitic infection into a more severe form of illnesses. Those who have an untreated trichomoniasis are at high risk of contracting HIV.
What can cause false results?
It is recommended to stop using any vaginal cream or ointment product, has douched, or used any spermicides or vaginal lubricants within the past 72 hours. These can lead to a false negative result. The trichomonas test, on the other hand, may lead to a false negative result, if it was done too early. The incubation period of Trichomonas is anywhere between 5 and 28 days.
What your at-home Vaginal Discharge test results mean?
A positive result for vaginosis means that you have an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your vagina. A negative result means that there is no abnormal discharge. Bacterial vaginosis is treated by taking oral medications like metronidazole or Tinidazole. Also, a vaginal cream, like the Clindamycin, can be given. The treatment has to be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Stopping medications when symptoms disappear will lead to a recurrence of the infection. Women and women who have sex with women need to be treated for this infection. However, it is not necessary to treat male partners.
A positive test result for candida means that you have an active infection, while negative results mean that you do not have an active infection. Candidiasis is normally treated with an antifungal medicine like suppositories.
A positive test result for Trichomonas indicates the presence of the parasite in the vagina, while a negative test result indicates its absence. Treating Trichomonas normally needs antibiotics. If you were positive for this protozoan infection; your partner will need to get tested and treated as well.
Where can I get an at-home Vaginal Discharge Panel?
Ordering this vaginal swab test means that you will receive a kit to your door via USPS. The kit will include a vaginal swab as well as other test kit materials. You need to 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.
VAGINAL TEST COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS PDF
Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Sep 10, 2019
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