Tests you can do on your own

The world of gynaecology is full of self-testing kits for many conditions. Self-tests can be done in the comfort of your home or office.

Among the many reasons cited for self-testing include confidentiality, convenience and privacy. Self-testing also provides a sense of self-assurance if the results are negative.

In addition, some gynaecological tests involve uncomfortable pelvic examinations, which some women wish to avoid by taking their own test samples.

You will find tests that give instant results, while others require the samples to be sent to a lab with pre-paid and self-addressed packaging. Instant results are easy to interpret, and often do not require complex decision-making.

Such tests include confirmation of ovulation and home pregnancy tests. They are mostly informative tests that allow you to make appropriate personal decisions.

Diagnostic tests, which check for diseases, require more consideration and subsequent plans for follow-up if they are positive. You can do home tests for urine infections, sexually transmitted infections and viral infections such as hepatitis and HIV.

It is all good if the results turn negative. But what if you turn out positive? You must then make a conscious effort to consult your gynaecologist. In such cases, you will need both counselling and specific treatment. The potential for transmission to sexual contacts may require you to bring your sexual partner along for testing as well.

Self-taken samples for gynaecological tests can also be done in your doctor’s consulting office. If you find gynaecological exams very uncomfortable, please alert your gynaecologist the next time a test such as a vaginal swab is required. All you need are instructions on how to provide a self-taken vaginal swab, thus avoiding unnecessary discomfort or a feeling of intrusion on your privacy. Studies have shown that self-taken swabs are no worse than swabs taken by doctors in making the right diagnosis.

CONTROL

There are several advantages of self-taken gynaecological tests. A sense of complete control over your health issues is comforting. You can test yourself whenever and wherever you want. And you can decide what to do with your results, whether positive or negative.

However, you must know where to draw the line on self-testing, and what to do with the results. Only self-test if you are willing to take things further if required. Simply doing a home pregnancy test if you have missed a period can be pretty informative, and may just end there. But a home test for HIV or sexual infections is a completely different ball game. Positive results demand consequent specific actions.

Do not do any home tests as a fad if you do not intend to follow up on positive results. Instead, visit your regular healthcare provider.