All about health
Evidence-based articles on health, testing and wellbeing, written by experts and reviewed by doctors.
Gonorrhea: symptoms, tests, and treatment
Gonorrhoea is a common STI caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. It can spread through unprotected sex and often causes no symptoms. Learn how to recognise, test for, and treat it effectively.
Lauren Dobischok
Can chlamydia cause female infertility?
Chlamydia is a common STI that often causes no symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women. Learn more about the risks and how to protect your reproductive health.
Lauren Dobischok
What is oral HPV?
Oral HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the mouth and throat. While many cases clear up on their own, high-risk types can cause oropharyngeal cancer. Learn how HPV is spread, what the symptoms are, and how to reduce your risk.
Lauren Dobischok
How to lower your triglycerides: everything you need to know
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Learn how to lower them effectively.
Lauren Dobischok
Iodine – daily requirement, iodine deficiency and iodine excess
Iodine is an essential trace element that supports thyroid hormone production and overall health. This article explores how much iodine you need, which foods contain it, and what deficiency or excess can mean for your body. Learn more about iodine's role in conditions like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease.
Lauren Dobischok
What is inflammation and how does it affect my health?
Inflammation is a natural immune response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can go unnoticed and harm your health over time. Learn how to test and reduce it at home.
Lauren Dobischok
Bleeding as a warning sign: could it indicate an STI?
Genital bleeding outside of menstruation may signal a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea. This article explains common STI-related causes, other medical explanations, and what steps to take if you experience bleeding. Find out how prevention and regular testing can protect your health.
Anna Röll
Gut dysbiosis: when the gut falls out of balance
Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in the gut microbiome that can affect digestion, immunity, and mental health. It may cause symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or skin issues. Learn about common causes, diagnosis, and how to naturally restore balance through lifestyle changes.
Anna Röll
Men who have sex with men (MSM)
MSM, or men who have sex with men, are at increased risk for STIs including HIV. Understanding risk factors and prevention methods like PrEP and condoms is essential. Regular STI testing is vital for staying healthy.
Lauren Dobischok
Oxidative stress: how free radicals lead to disease
Oxidative stress happens when free radicals outweigh your body’s defenses. This can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases. Learn how to reduce oxidative stress and support your health with practical tips and testing options.
Anna Röll
How do I receive my test results?
STI test kits arrive within three working days if ordered before 6 p.m. Results are available in your account within 48 hours of lab arrival. If positive, you receive clear instructions and treatment options.
Lauren Dobischok
Can you have chlamydia with a negative test result?
Chlamydia may be present even with a negative test result. Reasons include early testing, poor sample collection, or low bacterial load. Learn when to retest and how to prevent transmission.
Anna Röll
About PrEP
PrEP is a pill that you can take daily or just around sex to protect against HIV. It works very well if you use it properly. Find out who can use PrEP, how it works and where to get it.
Lauren Dobischok
What is a fecal immunochemical test (FIT)?
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a home stool test used to detect hidden blood, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer. It's a non-invasive, easy-to-use screening tool. A positive result may lead to further testing, such as a colonoscopy.
Lauren Dobischok
What is estrogen?
Estrogen is a key hormone involved in reproduction, bone health, and more. This blog explains its types, symptoms of imbalance, and ways to test your levels. Learn how to maintain healthy estrogen levels naturally.
Lauren Dobischok
Understanding HPV and Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Some high-risk types can lead to cancer if left untreated. Learn how HPV spreads and how you can protect your health through vaccination and screening.
Lauren Dobischok
Metabolism: how the metabolic process works
Metabolism powers everything from breathing to cell repair. Understanding how it works can help you manage your energy levels and prevent diseases. Discover what affects metabolism and how to keep it in balance through lifestyle and testing.
Anna Röll
Blood Sugar Levels: Ranges, Symptoms, Testing & Control
Blood sugar levels change throughout the day and play an important role in supplying the body with energy. Values that are too high or too low can affect health and may sometimes indicate problems with glucose regulation. Learn about healthy ranges, symptoms, testing methods, diabetes thresholds, and ways to manage your blood sugar.
Lauren Dobischok
Insulin resistance: the silent precursor of diabetes
Insulin resistance often develops silently but can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Learn to recognize early symptoms and improve your insulin sensitivity through diet, exercise, and stress reduction. Discover helpful prevention strategies and test options.
Anna Röll
What is the difference between an HPV test and a Pap smear?
Pap smears and HPV tests are essential tools in cervical cancer screening. Learn how each test works, how often to get tested, and what to do if results are abnormal. At-home HPV testing offers a private, convenient option.
Lauren Dobischok
The best time to take multivitamins
Multivitamins can support your health, but timing matters. Fat-soluble vitamins should be taken with meals, while water-soluble ones are best on an empty stomach. Discover how to take supplements properly and who should consider them.
Lauren Dobischok
Progesterone and progesterone deficiency – everything you need to know about the female sex hormone
Progesterone is a key hormone in female reproductive health. A deficiency can cause symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, or irregular periods. Learn how it's diagnosed and treated.
Anna Röll
What are leukocytes?
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, defend your body from infections. Abnormal levels may signal infections, autoimmune diseases, or bone marrow issues. Discover the functions of leukocytes, what test results can indicate, and how to boost immune health naturally.
Anna Röll
What is meant by thyroid inflammation and what symptoms can occur?
Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can cause both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms. This blog explains the different types of thyroiditis, their symptoms, and how it develops. Learn how to get tested easily from home.
Lauren Dobischok
Poor concentration: how to prevent it
Concentration is essential for success, but stress, sleep, or nutrition can interfere. Learn to recognize signs of poor focus and explore simple ways to improve it. From lifestyle changes to health checks, we explain how to sharpen your mind.
Anna Röll
Testing for diabetes – home test or at the doctor’s?
What diabetes tests are available and how do they differ? Learn about at-home HbA1c tests, blood glucose tests performed by a doctor, and the oral glucose tolerance test, including when each test is commonly used.
Lauren Dobischok
Anal STI tests: simple, fast and discreet
Did you know that sexually transmitted infections can also affect the anus? If you’ve had unprotected anal sex or symptoms like irritation or bleeding, consider testing. Homed-IQ offers discreet, reliable testing options from home.
Lauren Dobischok
Autoimmune diseases: Causes, symptoms, treatment
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. They can cause various symptoms, from fatigue to organ inflammation. Learn how to recognize signs, get diagnosed, and manage symptoms through medication and lifestyle.
Anna Röll
What are the first signs of HIV?
An early HIV infection can cause flu-like symptoms or none at all. Knowing how HIV is transmitted helps prevent infection. Testing regularly is key to early detection and care.
Lauren Dobischok
Chlamydia in the throat: transmission through oral sex
Throat chlamydia is often symptomless but infectious. It's commonly spread through unprotected oral sex. Learn how it’s diagnosed, treated, and how to reduce your risk with 3 simple protection tips.
Anna Röll
Does diabetes mellitus lead to weight gain?
Diabetes mellitus can cause both weight gain and weight loss. Insulin therapy often leads to weight gain, making diet and exercise essential. This article explores the connection between diabetes types and body weight, offering practical tips for healthy living.
Anna Röll
How much vitamin D do you get from the sun?
Vitamin D is essential for bone, muscle, and immune health. Our body produces it from sunlight, but many don’t get enough. Learn how to maintain healthy levels.
Lauren Dobischok
Neuropathy: causes, symptoms and treatment
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage that causes pain, numbness, or muscle weakness. It can have many causes, including diabetes or injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing symptoms and preventing progression.
Anna Röll
Trichomoniasis vs. bacterial vaginosis
Trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis are two common vaginal infections with similar symptoms, but different causes and treatments. This article explains how to tell them apart, what complications may arise, and how to get tested and treated. Home testing options are also available.
Cornelia Grabmeier
Herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2
Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 are among the most common infections worldwide. While HSV-1 typically causes cold sores, HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes. Both types are lifelong infections that can be diagnosed through a clinic or home test.
Lauren Dobischok
How can you get an STI? Everything you need to know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be passed on in many ways—not just through penetration. This blog explains how STIs are transmitted, including through oral sex, skin contact, and shared sex toys.
Lauren Dobischok
Bloating: what to do when your stomach feels uncomfortably tight?
Bloating can be caused by diet, stress, or underlying conditions. This article explains the most common triggers and how to relieve the discomfort. Learn when bloating signals something more serious.
Anna Röll
Sexually transmitted diseases: these 4 are incurable
Some STIs stay with you for life. This article covers herpes, HIV, hepatitis B, and HPV—how they're transmitted, treated, and how you can reduce your risk. With the right knowledge and testing, protection is possible.
Anna Röll
Vitamin B6 deficiency: symptoms, information and treatment
Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in your immune system, brain, and metabolism. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, irritability, and more. This article explains what causes low B6 and how to fix it.
Anna Röll
Increased appetite: 8 possible causes
Appetite can increase due to many factors, such as dehydration, stress, or medical conditions like hyperthyroidism. This article explores 8 possible causes. Learn how to recognize changes in your appetite and what steps you can take to address them.
Anna Röll
Syphilis or herpes?
Syphilis and herpes are two common STIs caused by different pathogens. Syphilis is bacterial and curable; herpes is viral and chronic. This article outlines their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Cornelia Grabmeier
Anal itching: 6 common causes that may be behind it
Anal itching is a common but often overlooked symptom that can be caused by infections, skin conditions, or poor hygiene. This guide explains its causes and associated symptoms and offers effective treatments and prevention strategies. Learn when to seek medical help and how to manage it at home.
Anna Röll
Which STIs cause dry skin?
Dry skin can be caused by various sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, syphilis, or HIV. This article explains which STIs lead to skin problems, how to recognize symptoms, and how to treat and prevent them. Learn how home STI tests can help you monitor your sexual health.
Cornelia Grabmeier
Throat ulcers: cause, symptoms and treatment
Throat ulcers are painful open sores in the back of the throat. They may be caused by infections, injuries, or vitamin deficiencies. This article explains symptoms, causes, treatments, and when to seek medical advice.
Anna Röll
What is T3?
T3 is an essential thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism, mood, and body temperature. Most T3 is produced by converting T4 into its active form. Learn what normal and abnormal T3 and FT3 levels mean and how they impact your health.
Lauren Dobischok
Which foods promote inflammation in the body?
Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Diet plays a crucial role in managing inflammation. Learn which foods support your health.
Lauren Dobischok
How to improve your liver and kidney health
Your liver and kidneys perform essential functions every day. Learn how to keep them healthy by making smart choices about alcohol, diet, hydration, and medication. This guide offers practical tips to prevent long-term damage and support your overall wellbeing.
Lauren Dobischok
Myalgia – what’s behind muscle pain
Myalgia, or muscle pain, is a common condition with many potential causes, from minor strain to chronic illness. This article explains which muscles are affected, typical symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. Learn how magnesium, rest, or physiotherapy can help relieve your symptoms.
Lauren Dobischok
Can you get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from a toilet seat?
Worried about catching an STI from a public toilet? This article explains why the risk is extremely low and clears up common myths. Discover how STIs are really transmitted and how you can protect yourself effectively.
Anna Röll
What is a wheat allergy? Learn more here
Wheat allergies can trigger a range of symptoms, from skin reactions to anaphylaxis. This article explains the different types of wheat allergies and their causes. We also explore the difference between wheat allergy and coeliac disease, and list safe alternatives for those affected.
Lauren Dobischok
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