Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential; many common STIs show no symptoms and can still cause serious long term health issues. Scary, we know! We recommend testing at least once a year if you are sexually active. But we know finding the time for appointments isn’t always easy. That’s where at-home STI testing comes in; bringing privacy, convenience and control to your healthcare.
At Home STI Testing: What You Should Know
Some at-home tests only check for a limited range of STIs. And it’s not a replacement for a Pap test or a visit with your clinician. But high-quality tests, like MyPathAdvantage, deliver accuracy on par with a clinical setting. The benefits of at-home STI testing include:
- Private, stress-free collection
- Accurate results from home
- Easier, more frequent testing
- Earlier detection of asymptomatic infections
How At-Home STI Testing Works
It’s simple! With MyPathAdvantage, collect your vaginal swab at home and mail it to our CAP-certified lab. Once we receive your sample, you’ll have results by the end of the next business day.
What We Test For
MyPathAdvantage tests the bacteria and microorganisms of your vaginal microbiome, and with our add-on test, screens for STIs and conditions that may cause ulcers.
STI Panel
Here are the STIs we test for, many of which may exhibit no symptoms:
- Chlamydia. A very common bacterial STI that often exhibits no symptoms.
- Gonorrhea. A common bacterial STI that often exhibits no symptoms.
- Trichomoniasis. A type of STI caused by a parasite.
- Mycoplasma genitalium. A sexually transmitted bacteria that is becoming more common.
- Mycoplasma hominis. A sexually transmitted bacteria that is becoming more common, similar but slightly different from Mycoplasma genitalium.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum. A sexually transmitted bacteria that can grow out of control if protective Lactobacilli are unable to keep it in check.
Ulcer Panel
The MyPathAdvantage ‘ulcer panel’ tests for underlying STIs and conditions that can sometimes cause ulcers, which is why it is separated into its own testing category. However, these conditions don’t always result in ulcers or present with the ‘classic symptoms’ that we usually think of with these infections, which makes testing more important. The ulcer panel detects:
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 and 2
- HSV-1: Traditionally associated with oral infections, HSV-1 can still be transmitted to the genital area. Genital infections of HSV-1 have been increasing, particularly among young people. People with HSV-1 can sometimes not show symptoms and can still spread the virus to others.
- HSV-2: Associated with genital infections and genital ulcers, HSV-2 can be spread through an open herpes sore or through the skin of someone who is infected, even if they present no symptoms. HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes.
- Treponema pallidum (syphilis). This bacterium is responsible for syphilis infections which are becoming more common, especially in newborns (i.e. transmitted from mother to infant) and can go unnoticed for years.
- Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid). Chancroid is rare, and more common in areas of Africa and the Caribbean. It is important to exclude this infection, however, before considering other causes of genital ulcers.
What if I Get a Positive STI Result?
If something in your STI Panel or Ulcer Panel tested positive, don’t panic! Many STIs are treatable. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your results and treatment options. Be sure to let them know that your test was done by a CAP (College of American Pathologists) certified health pathology laboratory so they can create a treatment plan that works for you.
What if I Get a Negative STI Result?
Great news! Keep your results for your records, but remember: STIs can appear later. Annual at-home STI testing is still recommended.
Why Frequent At-Home STI Testing Matters
Untreated STIs can cause pregnancy complications, pelvic pain, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), infertility, heart disease, cervical and rectal cancers, arthritis, eye infections and more. Early detection through regular at-home STI testing is the best way to avoid these outcomes! MyPathAdvantage is expertly designed to give you a comprehensive overview of your vaginal and reproductive health quickly and accurately. Order our test today.
Sources
Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1. PMID: 34292926; PMCID: PMC8344968. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34292926/
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm
