What is Trichomoniasis and Why Haven’t I Heard Of It?

Since middle school, we have been warned about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and their dangers. We all know about HIV and herpes. We know to be tested for these diseases and to protect ourselves from them.

Yet, there is another STD that few people have ever heard about. Trichomoniasis is a parasite that can be transferred to both both men and women, although it is more commonly found in women who are older. It isn’t a long-term health concern for people, but it can cause itching, discomfort and odor, so it’s unpleasant and an STD that you want to avoid!

Trichomoniasis is typically passed along through sex, but it can also live outside of the body for more than 45 minutes. This means that it can be contracted through other means, such as sharing swimsuits or towels, too.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms

One reason why trichomoniasis is not more commonly known is that only 30 percent of people who carry the parasite experience symptoms.

In women, these symptoms include:

  • Vaginal itching
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Pain during sex

Men may experience the following symptoms:

  • Irritation in the penis or discomfort
  • Urethral discharge
  • Painful or swollen testicles

Trichomoniasis and STD Screenings

Sexual health lab tests do not regularly screen for trichomoniasis because there aren’t as many serious health issues that result from it. What this means is that we need to be even more careful to protect ourselves from trichomoniasis since even those who have received STD screenings in the past may carry the parasite and be unaware of it.

Fortunately, if you start to feel any of the trichomoniasis symptoms, there are urine tests for both men and women. The tests don’t require any preparation and will let you know if you caught the STD so that you can quickly cure it.

Dangers of Trichomoniasis

While easy to treat, there are dangers associated with the infection if it goes undetected. Pregnant women should be tested because trichomoniasis can lead to low birth weight, premature birth and passage of the parasite along to one’s baby. Additionally, because the vaginal area can become inflamed and irritated, it may become easier to contract HIV when you have trichomoniasis.

Trichomoniasis Treatment and Ongoing Protection

While the transfer of trichomoniasis is easy, the treatment is too. Your doctor may recommend a course of Metronidazole, which can help with the symptoms and has a cure rate of 84-98 percent. Make sure you don’t drink any alcohol while taking the medicine and avoid sex. Also, ask your partner to get tested too, so that you aren’t passing the bug back and forth.

There are also some general tips that will help you avoid the STD altogether, like:

  • Reducing the number of sexual partners you have to reduce your exposure to the parasite
  • Using a condom
  • Showering after using public pools
  • Showering before and after sex
  • Avoiding sharing towels or swimsuits

It can often take up to 28 days after exposure for you to begin experiencing symptoms of trichomoniasis, so you may not know that you caught it right away. If you begin to feel itchy or uncomfortable, the Trichomonas Vaginalis Urine Test for women or the Trichomonas Vaginalis Urine Test for men for men and a regimen of medicine may be all you need to experience relief and avoid passing the parasite along to your partner.

Hepatitis: Understanding the Risks and Prevention Steps

First established in 2001 by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis Awareness Month continues to serve as a month-long campaign in May centered to raising awareness of Hepatitis. Defined as inflammation of the liver, Hepatitis can occur due to heavy alcohol use, intake of certain drugs or toxins, a bacterial infection and/or viral infection. There are three major forms of Hepatitis: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.  In the United States today, up to 5.3 million Americans have chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection and about 75% of the infected population are unaware that they are infected.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). In these cases, the liver swells and is unable to work properly. The HAV virus is most commonly spread in situations where a person has not washed their hands before preparing or eating food, has not washed their hands after using the restroom, or has eaten raw or undercooked shellfish that came from waters polluted by sewage.

Out of the three types of Hepatitis, Hepatitis A is the least serious and can be prevented through vaccination. Other ways to prevent spreading include washing of the hands before preparing and eating food, and after use of the restroom.

What is Hepatitis B?

Similar to Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus which also causes the liver to swell and not work properly. Those at risk include anyone who has come in direct contact with HBV-infected bodily fluids (through blood, semen and/or vaginal secretions).

Hepatitis B is, in general, more serious than Hepatitis A and if left untreated, can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and liver failure. Again, vaccination is the best way to prevent this infection. Other ways to stop the spread of HBV include practicing safe sex, not sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes or other personal items, and talking with your doctor, dentist and other healthcare providers.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus which infects the liver. This disease is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Compared to Hepatitis A and B, Hepatitis C is the most life-threatening disease among the three forms and is the only form yet to have a vaccine available for prevention.

Those most at risk include people who have shared needles to inject drugs, had unsterile equipment used on them when receiving a tattoo, were born to a mother with HCV, or  have had unprotected sex with multiple partners.

If you think you may be at risk of Hepatitis, we at Any Lab Test Now® are here to help. Our Hepatitis Panel tests for the three common variations of Hepatitis discussed above: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.  Upon receiving your lab test results, you and your doctor will have the information you’ll need to have a clear understanding of your current health and how to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and let us help you begin to Take Control of Your Health®.

December 1 is World AIDS Day: Know your facts!

With more than 1.1 million people in the United States living with HIV today and almost 1 in 6 people currently unaware of their diagnosis, it is imperative that people take time to educate themselves on the virus and determine if they are at risk. This is why, today, Any Lab Test Now ® stands together to recognize December 1 as World AIDS Day. First held in 1988, this day marks an opportunity where people across the globe can unite in the fight against HIV, support friends and family who are living with this disease, and/or honor loved ones who have passed from AIDS.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is passed via infected bodily fluids and attacks the body’s immune system, making it extremely difficult for those infected to fight off viruses and other illnesses. Ultimately, this virus can progress into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the final stage of the HIV infection.

The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the individual and what stage of the disease the patient is in. Often times, those infected notice flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after HIV exposure. Symptoms can include:

  • Fever (the most common symptom)

  • Swollen glands

  • Sore throat

  • Rash

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle and joint aches, pains

  • Headache

Although these symptoms are helpful detectors, the only way to truly determine if you are infected is to get tested. Any Lab Test Now® is proud to take part in the fight against HIV and AIDS by providing quick, easy and affordable testing. If you think you may be at risk, call us to schedule an appointment where one of our trained professionals can provide you with quality testing in a confidential and friendly environment.

Spring Breakers, Read This Before You Celebrate

Class is done for a week, it’s time for spring break! The “beer-soaked blur” as it is commonly referred to, is an exciting time for young adults to get away and have a good time with friends. It’s become the greatest week in college student’s lives.

But, did you know that ½ of sexual encounters are unplanned and unprotected on spring break trips? Young adults are one of the highest-risk age groups when it comes to getting an STD. When the drinks start flowing, your ability to make rational decisions declines. The risks and diseases that can result from unprotected sex should scare you. Be prepared and use protection to decrease your chance of bringing home an unexpected souvenir that affects your long-term health.

It’s better to know exactly what’s going on in your body rather than taking a chance and potentially spreading a STD. Getting a lab test is the only way to know. ANY LAB TEST NOW® offers affordable STD testing that is discreet and confidential with quick, reliable results.

Have you checked out Hula? It’s a mobile app that makes it easy and convenient to find an STD test center, get your results online and share your verified STD status if you choose to. Download the app here and be prepared this spring break!

Creating Awareness During World Hepatitis Day

Hepatitis is a viral disease that suffers from the misconception that it only attacks individuals with specific lifestyles and certain age groups. Turns out that things like heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications and even certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. This disease affects hundreds of millions worldwide, causing no symptoms until the liver damage is irreversible. They don’t call it the silent killer for nothing!

There are different hepatitis viruses, though they all affect your liver the transmission process of Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, as well as their effects vary slightly. Hepatitis A can cause mild to severe illness and it’s transmitted through contaminated food or water. The Hepatitis B virus can cause both acute and chronic disease; it can be contracted through sharing contaminated needles, having unprotected sex, or being exposed to infected blood from another person. Hepatitis C ranges in severity from mild illness that lasts a few weeks to a serious lifelong condition that can result in cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer and it can be spread by blood from contaminated needles during drug use or tattooing as well as by having unprotected sex. According to the World Health Organization, 1.4 million cases of Hepatitis A are reported each year worldwide, as well as 240 million cases of Hepatitis B and 150 million cases of Hepatitis C. This is why proper immunizations and screenings are performed on a regular basis in order to catch the virus with enough time to seek the necessary treatment.

This Sunday, July 28th, the world celebrates World Hepatitis Day. This is a day to take the time to educate ourselves about the various types of hepatitis, how to screen for them and most importantly how to confront them. We understand that making the decision to get tested can be scary, but your health is the most important factor in this equation. ANY LAB TEST NOW® can be the helping hand you need during this time, by providing fast and discreet lab testing for your peace of mind. Our Hepatitis Panel screens for all three common variations of hepatitis. Remember that symptom free doesn’t mean disease free!

For more information about our Hepatitis lab testing options visit an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you or visit www.anylabtestnow.com

National HIV Testing Day, Raise Awareness and Get Tested!

National HIV Testing Day is one of the many opportunities we have throughout the year to raise awareness and educate ourselves about this illness. HIV is an illness that can be prevented by using effective protective measures and getting tested regularly for peace of mind.

Though much has been discovered about HIV throughout the years there are still misconceptions about the disease, how you get it, signs and symptoms, as well as risk factors. According to About.com, some of the many myths surrounding HIV include: “Women can’t give men HIV.” “HIV is a contagious disease.” “People over 50 don’t get HIV.” The facts however tell another story. According to the CDC, 18% of new HIV infections are attributed to females. In terms of the disease’s contagiousness the only possible ways of getting infected are through blood on blood contact, breast milk and all types of sexual encounters. Just because someone has HIV and they sneezed near you or a drop of their sweat fell on you it does not mean that you will get infected. As for the people over 50 group; they account for 17% of new infections (CDC).

We understand that some times the thought of getting tested can be a scary thing and you might feel like you’re sending a message about yourself to others. The fact is that by getting tested you are indeed sending a message, you’re sending the message that you are responsible and that you Take Control of Your Health® making sure you are as healthy as a horse! That being said, it never hurts to have a supporting partner to provide you with a safe and confidential environment and make you feel like the process of getting tested was a cakewalk. ANY LAB TEST NOW® empowers you to take control of your sexual health with our anonymous and confidential comprehensive STD testing services.

This Thursday, June 27th is National HIV Testing Day take this opportunity to take control of your sexual health, know your status and get tested! Remember that symptom free doesn’t mean disease free. To find out more about our fast, anonymous and discreet STD testing options contact an ANY LAB TEST NOW® near you or visit www.anylabtestnow.com

Encouraging the LGBT Community to Take Control of Their Health®!

We all know everyone is amazing in his or her own way; we’re all one of a kind. But what happens when we get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to pay attention to our health? Surprises happen and not always the good kind especially when there are increased risk factors for various health concerns.

Health risks affect everyone. For example, it has been statistically proven that African-Americans are at higher risk of Heart Disease and Latinos are a higher risk of developing Diabetes. In the GLBT Community, the risks and concerns aren’t as easily determined. Each individual has their own experiences and factors that determine their particular health risks. These factors may include race, age, geographical location, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle amongst others.

Understanding what health concerns you are at risk for can help you take the right steps towards leading a healthier lifestyle to reduce those risks. So how do you start? Lab testing can help you identify your current health condition.  At that point the key is really in PREVENTION. You can develop a plan to get healthy and ensure that you are staying that way. This includes getting tested for STD’s. According to the CDC, the GLBT community accounted for nearly half of the 1.1 million people currently living with HIV in the country and 61% of those reporting new infections each year as well as 63% of the syphilis and gonorrhea cases in the country.

When you combine factors such as the statistics and society’s pressure, it can be scary. There are concerns based on your particular risk factors, the concerns of not becoming part of a statistic and last but not least, the fear of being judged.  You need to find out more about your health in an environment that supports you and cares about your well-being.

ANY LAB TEST NOW® helps you Take Control of Your Health® with discreet, confidential and anonymous STD screens as well as a variety of Wellness testing that will get you on your way to a healthier, worry-free lifestyle. What better time to start Taking Control of Your Health® than during STD Awareness Month? Come in this month and get tested! Remember that Symptom Free Doesn’t Mean Disease Free. For more information on our confidential, anonymous STD screens and available Wellness testing visit your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®.