How To Test For Parasitic Infection
Let’s be real, no one wants to think about having parasites. Just hearing the word gives most people the ick. But the truth is, parasitic infections are more common than you’d think, and they can sneak up on anyone, whether you’ve traveled recently or just ate something that didn’t sit right. The good news? There are ways to figure out what’s going on and get your health back on track. The good news? Almost all of them can be treated, sometimes with simple meds like ivermectin 12 mg, which is often used for things like scabies and certain intestinal worms.
What Exactly Is a Parasitic Infection?
A parasitic infection happens when an organism (usually tiny) lives in or on your body and starts to mess with your normal functions. We’re talking things like:
- Giardia
- Pinworms
- Tapeworms
- Hookworms
- Amoebas
Some people get them from contaminated food or water, others from poor hygiene or close contact with someone infected. It can happen here in the U.S., not just abroad.
Symptoms of Parasitic Infection
Parasites can be tricky — some people don’t have any symptoms at all, while others feel like something’s definitely wrong. Here’s what to watch for:
- Constant fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bloating, gas, or ongoing stomach issues
- Diarrhea or constipation (yep, both can happen)
- Itchy butt (especially at night — pinworms, anyone?)
- Skin rashes or hives
- Brain fog or irritability
- Seeing weird things in your stool (don’t be shy, it happens)
If you’re checking off a few of these symptoms and nothing else is adding up, a parasite could be the culprit.
How To Test for a Parasitic Infection
Now to the real question: how do you find out for sure?
1. Stool Test (The Classic)
This is the go-to test and usually the first step. Your doctor will have you collect a small sample of your poop (don’t worry, they give you everything you need to do it hygienically at home). The lab looks at it under a microscope for eggs, larvae, or the parasites themselves.
2. Blood Tests
Some parasites don’t live in your gut — they hang out in your blood. If your symptoms line up with something like toxoplasmosis or malaria (rare but possible), your doctor may order a blood test to look for antibodies or the parasite’s DNA.
3. Endoscopy or Colonoscopy
If your GI issues are severe and nothing’s showing in stool tests, a doc might use a tiny camera to look inside your digestive tract and take tissue samples. This isn’t common unless other things have been ruled out.
4. At-Home Parasite Tests (With a Grain of Salt)
There are mail-in stool test kits you can order online, and some are legit — just make sure it’s a CLIA-certified lab (basically, that it meets proper medical standards). Still, nothing beats getting guidance from a doctor who knows how to interpret the results properly.
Final Thoughts
If something feels off in your body and you suspect a parasite, trust your gut (literally). You’re not being weird or paranoid — this stuff happens. The key is not to guess or self-diagnose for too long. Get tested, find out what’s going on, and take the right steps to heal.
Your body always tries to tell you when something’s wrong — and when it comes to parasites, it’s better to listen sooner than later.
