How to Find Out If I Have Intestinal Worms

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (See Reference 1), humans can become infected with two primary categories of intestinal parasites. These are called protozoa and helminths. Protozoa are invisible to the naked eye, whereas helminths in an adult stage (such as tapeworms and roundworms) are generally large enough to be seen. You may have intestinal worms and not even realize it; they do not always cause symptoms. Parasites can be treated with medication, as well as with nutrition (like fiber) and supplements (like garlic and goldenseal).

Things You'll Need

• Stool sample

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Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate your symptoms. Intestinal parasites may cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, dysentery, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and a rash around the vulva or rectum. You may also notice a worm in your stool.

• 2

  Assess whether possible larvae have migrated out of the intestines and developed cysts elsewhere. The resulting tissue damage from this may cause fever, cystic lumps, bacterial infections and allergic reactions. If the larvae have formed cysts in your brain, you may also experience seizures.

• 3

  See your doctor if you suspect that you have intestinal parasites. Be prepared to list all of your symptoms and discuss any risk factors you may have. Risk factors for parasites include international travel, poor hygiene and sanitation, having HIV/AIDS or having an otherwise compromised immune system.

• 4

  Expect your doctor to request a fecal test. You may need to provide up to five stool samples to properly identify any parasites. You'll need to have this examination done before taking any antibiotics or drugs that combat diarrhea.

• 5

  Undergo the "Scotch tape test" and the "string test." The Scotch tape test is used to check for pinworms. Your doctor will apply tape to your rectum and then check the tape for eggs. Doctors do not use the string test as often, but be prepared for the possibility. In this test, you will need to swallow a string. Once the string is pulled up, your doctor tests the samples on the string for parasites.