What is the Syphilis Test?

The Syphilis Test is Homed-IQ’s most in-depth home sexual health test, checking for the presence of syphilis. This test consists of a blood test for men and women.

How does the Syphilis Test work?

You will receive detailed instructions with your test so that you can easily take your sample from home. After your sample is collected, mail the test kit to our certified laboratory with the enclosed prepaid shipping materials. You will receive the test results within a few days.

When can you test for each STI?

The window period is the time between when you were infected with an STI and when it is detectable with a test. Every STI has its own window period. If you test for an STI before the window period has passed, you may test negative even if you are infected. See below for more information about the window period for syphilis and determine when you can reliably administer this test.

What is the window period of each STI?

Syphilis: 3 weeks – If result negative, repeat test 3 months after sexual contact

What is an STI?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact. You can be infected with or pass on a virus or bacteria to someone else during sex. This can be through the penis, vagina, anus, and sometimes also with your mouth or fingers. Many STIs cause little or no symptoms. However, an STI is not harmless, and it can cause uncomfortable symptoms at the location of infection. While most STIs are treatable, if some infections are not treated in time they can cause longer-term damage to the body. It is therefore important that you get tested if you have been at risk to treat the infection and to prevent it from spreading to others.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact and is caused by the bacteria Treponema Pallidum. Syphilis can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or oral sex, infecting the penis, vagina, anus, or throat. Syphilis often produces no symptoms, although in the early stages of the infection it may cause a lesion (ulcer or chancre) where the syphilis entered the body. The bacteria infects the mucous membranes of the penis, vagina, anus or mouth and can cause inflammation and rashes. Syphilis can also, without treatment, suddenly make you sick after a period of years without complaints. Serious damage to the brain or heart can then occur. Syphilis can be detected with a blood test. It is easily treated with antibiotics if caught early.

What does the test result mean?

All Homed-IQ tests come complete with a detailed explanation of the test results and a downloadable laboratory report that can be brought to your GP if needed.

What does a negative test result mean?

A negative test result means that no syphilis was found in the test material you supplied and that no STI treatment is required.

What does a positive test result mean?

A positive test result means that syphilis has been found and that treatment is needed. For your own health and to prevent the spread of STIs, it is important that you receive treatment if you test positive.

In the case of a positive test result, you can take the test results to your own doctor for treatment. You should also warn all your sexual partners to further prevent the spread of STIs. They can then have themselves tested and, if necessary, be treated.

How soon will I receive my test result?

Mail your test to the laboratory immediately after collecting your sample. Once the test has reached the lab, you will receive an email notification. In a few working days your test results will be available.

How are my results shared?

We understand that test results can be confusing. That’s why at Homed-IQ, we make it easy for you to interpret your results and understand what’s going on with your health. In your personal online dashboard, you can view your test results and access clear and simple explanations about the markers that were tested. All test results are verified by a Homed-IQ’s medical team before being sent to you. The results of the syphilis Test is indicated with a negative or positive result.

Below you will find a list of the most common symptoms for Syphilis:

• Skin ulcers
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Issues with vision
• Hair loss