All of our home tests require only vaginal fluid as a sample, with the exception of the urinalysis, which requires a urine sample.

We can assure you that it will not hurt! And if you follow the instructions, it is very safe. To take your sample you will use a soft flexible swab, which you insert 5cm (which is about half the size of your index finger) into the vaginal opening. You gently rub the swab against the walls of your vagina by turning it around for about 30 seconds and you’re done!

Lots of people are not quite sure what a pap or smear test is, so let’s give you a clear explanation. A pap smear or pap test is a process where a gynecologist uses a speculum to open up the vagina, and scrape the cervix to retrieve cells to check for signs of cervical cancer. This test is recommended to be done every three years. During that procedure, the gynecologist usually takes a swab of vaginal fluid for a vaginal smear culture as well. These are two different procedures for different goals. The pap test is to check for cancer, and the vaginal smear test is to check for all kinds of infections and some STI’s (and should be done more regularly especially in sexually active people). In order to make sure that you are not at risk of cervical cancer, it is best to take the HPV test which detects exactly the types of HPV you might have, as it is the most common cause of cervical cancer. HPV tests are more effective in early detection and are recommended to be done every 3-5 years between the ages of 25 and 65.

• A person can take a home test for a general check up (especially if they are sexually active and have not been to the gynecologist for over a year), to ensure a healthy body and to feel safe and well.
• They may take a home test if they feel certain symptoms in the genital area like itching, swelling, redness, dryness, unusual smells or discharge, pain in the abdominal area, pain during sexual intercourse, pain when urinating, or bleeding between periods.
• A person may also take the HPV home test to ensure they have no high risk strains of HPV which lead to cervical cancer.

No, you do not need the doctor’s prescription to take a home test. This service is here to support people on their journey to self-care.

We partner with ISO certified diagnostics labs in each country where our home test services are available; just like any doctor you would visit who would also send your sample to a similar lab for analysis. In Greece, our partner is Helix Biolab, run by Dr Anna Lyberopoulou. In Lebanon, our partner is St Marc Medical and Diagnostic Center, run by Dr Eddie Racoubian.

• When you order your test it should arrive to your door within 48 hours.
• To take your samples, it can take a few minutes.
• Once you’re done, you book your sample pickup, and the courier should arrive within 48 hours, and delivers your sample immediately to the lab.
• You will receive your results by email within 5 working days.

Often vaginas experience vaginitis, which is a general medical term used to describe various disorders that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina and vulva. Usually this discomfort or pain is caused by an infection. The vaginal smear culture home test isolates and identifies the responsible germ (bacteria, fungi, virus, STI) that can cause vaginitis.

Τhe Vaginal Smear Culture test includes:

1. Microscopic observation for diagnosis of: Pyocytes, Fungus ,Trichomonas, Neisser, Clue Cells.
2. Aerobic culture for diagnosis of: Candida Albicans, E. coli, Proteus Mirabilis, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp.
3. Anaerobic culture for diagnosis: Gardnerella Vaginalis
4. Special examinations for the diagnosis of: Mycoplasma Hominis, Ureoplasma Urealyticum, Chlamydia Trachomatis.

Urinalysis: One of the most common reasons to seek a urinalysis test is because of the discomfort caused by urinary tract infections. This type of infection can be anywhere in the urinary tract and is often caused by bacteria, which enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. The urinalysis home test identifies the type of bacteria and the type of antibiotics that will work on your body.

Vaginal smear culture: Often vaginas experience vaginitis (irritation and inflammation of the vagina), usually this discomfort or pain is caused by an infection. The vaginal smear culture home test isolates and identifies the responsible germ (bacteria, fungi, virus, STI, or microorganism) that can cause vaginitis.

Τhe Vaginal Smear Culture test includes:

1. Microscopic observation for diagnosis of: Pyocytes, Fungus ,Trichomonas, Neisser, Clue Cells.
2. Aerobic culture for diagnosis of: Candida Albicans, E. coli, Proteus Mirabilis, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp.
3. Anaerobic culture for diagnosis: Gardnerella Vaginalis
4. Special examinations for the diagnosis of: Mycoplasma Hominis, Ureoplasma Urealyticum, Chlamydia Trachomatis.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is the most common sexually transmitted virus and the cause of almost all cervical cancer. There are over 100 strains of HPV, of which 14 are high-risk type and cancer-causing. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. The virus is common in both males and females. Therefore, it is recommended to do this test once every three years for females after they become sexually active. Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly. It is important to note that this virus is not only transmittable through penetrative sex, but also from skin-to-skin genital contact.

It is best to take the home test at least 2 days after you finish your period.

Yes, you can take a home test while you are pregnant.

First of all, let’s be clear that virginity is a social construct, and yes, you can definitely do the vaginal smear culture and the urinalysis home tests to check for any irregularities. However, as you have not been sexually active yet, the STI 13 test and the HPV test are not recommended.

There are many infections that do not have obvious symptoms, therefore it is important to keep a precautionary attitude. To view the symptoms associated with each home test, check the links for each service below.

The most common sexually transmitted infection is HPV, and you can do the home test that is specifically made to check for the high risk strains of this virus. The vaginal smear culture can detect a variety of common STIs such as chlamydia that are treatable via medication.

At omgyno we take all the measures to ensure full privacy. Your personal medical data will never be shared with any 3rd parties.