Why should I test for H. pylori? A hidden cause of ulcers and pain

Stomach pain can be easy to dismiss. Maybe you chalk it up to stress, skipped meals, or that takeaway last night you knew might be a risk. But if you’re dealing with persistent bloating, nausea, or discomfort after eating, it really might be more than just indigestion.

A common culprit is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that can infect your stomach lining. It’s surprisingly common in the UK, where it affects around 40% of adults.

For most carriers, it causes no issues at all. For some others, though it can lead to persistent digestive symptoms, stomach ulcers, and even increase the risk of gastric cancer.

That’s why testing for H. pylori matters so much. If you catch it early, it’s easily treatable. If you ignore it, it can quietly cause long-term damage.

What is Helicobacter pylori?

H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach once it infects you.

It’s clever: it produces an enzyme called urease, which neutralises stomach acid, creating a safer environment for it to survive. Over time, it can irritate and damage the protective lining of your stomach and upper small intestine.

The result? Ongoing inflammation (gastritis), open sores (ulcers), and, in long-term cases, a greater risk of developing stomach cancer.

The NHS estimates that 1 in 10 people infected with H. pylori will develop an ulcer. In many of these cases, the infection goes undiagnosed for years.

What symptoms of H. pylori infection should I look out for?

H. pylori infections often develop slowly, which means you might overlook the signs or confuse them with ordinary digestive discomfort. Many people live with the bacteria for years before recognising something isn’t quite right.

If you’ve been experiencing ongoing stomach issues, even mild ones, it’s worth asking whether H. pylori could be playing a role.

You should consider testing if you notice:

• Frequent upper abdominal pain or discomfort. This is often a dull, gnawing pain in the upper part of your stomach, sometimes described as burning or hunger-like discomfort that isn’t eased by eating.

• Bloating, especially after meals. Feeling uncomfortably full or distended, even after small portions, is a common early sign that something is irritating your digestive system.

• Nausea or unexpected burping. While occasional burping is normal, frequent episodes, especially after eating, can indicate inflammation of the stomach lining.

• Persistent indigestion or heartburn. If you rely on antacids more than occasionally or regularly feel acid rising in your throat, it could signal that H. pylori is affecting your stomach’s acid balance.

• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss. Long-standing infection can reduce hunger signals or make eating uncomfortable, which in turn affects nutritional intake and overall wellbeing.

If you’ve previously had a stomach ulcer, have a family history of gastric cancer, or take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen regularly, your risk is higher. In these cases, testing isn’t just advisable, it’s proactive care.

Remember: even if symptoms seem manageable, H. pylori can quietly cause damage over time. Early detection is the best way to prevent long-term complications.

Why test now, even if symptoms are mild?

Waiting and seeing can be risky. H. pylori can quietly cause damage over time. Testing helps you:

• Confirm or rule out the infection as the cause of symptoms

• Treat it early before ulcers or more serious problems develop

• Avoid repeated GP visits for unexplained digestive issues

• Feel reassured, especially if you're in a higher-risk group

Early action is far better than waiting until symptoms become severe or life-disrupting.

What’s the best way to test for H. pylori in the UK?

The NHS typically uses one of three testing methods:

Stool antigen testing is widely considered one of the most accurate ways to detect active H. pylori infection, especially for first-time diagnosis. NICE guidelines recommend stool antigen testing as a first-line diagnostic method, as does the British Society of Gastroenterology.

A convenient option: the Rezure H. pylori home test

At Rezure, we offer a Stomach Health H. Pylori Rapid Test that checks for H. pylori antigens in stool. It’s the same type of test used by GPs to detect active infection.

Here’s how it works:

1. Collect your sample
   Start by washing your hands thoroughly. Use the stool collection paper provided in the kit — it helps keep the process clean and simple. Avoid touching other surfaces or contaminating the sample.
   

2. Prepare the sample
   Uncap the blue lid on the sample tube. Using the applicator stick, poke into the sample at least three times from different areas (don’t scoop). Then re-seal the tube and shake well to mix the stool with the extraction buffer.
   

3. Get the test ready
   Let the sample sit for a few minutes to reach room temperature. While you wait, open the foil pouch and get the test cassette ready.
   

4. Transfer the sample
   Open the white cap on the sample tube and snap off the tip. Hold the tube vertically and add two drops of the liquid into the sample well on the test cassette. Try to avoid air bubbles.
   

5. Wait 10 minutes
   Set a timer and wait. After 10 minutes, your result will be ready to read.
   

6. Check your results
   

• Two lines (C and T) = Positive for H. pylori
  

• One line (C only) = Negative
  

• One line at T or no lines = Invalid (you’ll need to retest)

This isn’t a guess or a screening for past exposure. It’s a reliable method for detecting active infection right now.

This test is also available as part of our Digestive Health Test Bundle.

What happens if I test positive?

A positive result indicates an active H. pylori infection. You should contact your GP, who may recommend a confirmatory test or move straight to treatment.

The most common treatment is a short course of antibiotics (triple therapy), often combined with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce stomach acid. In most cases, this clears the infection, and symptoms improve within days.

If you're diagnosed early, complications like ulcers can often be avoided entirely.

FAQs: H. pylori and home testing

Can H. pylori go away on its own?

No. Once H. pylori infects the stomach lining, it tends to persist unless treated with antibiotics.

While symptoms might improve temporarily, especially with changes in diet or over-the-counter antacids, the bacteria remain unless you actively eradicate them.

Over time, this ongoing inflammation can lead to ulcers or other complications. That’s why testing and, if needed, appropriate treatment are important.

How reliable is the Rezure test?

Our test is a CE-marked lateral flow test that detects H. pylori antigens in stool. It’s the same type of test commonly used in clinical settings to indicate active infection.

The test is designed for home use with clear, step-by-step instructions to help you collect and process the sample hygienically. While it provides a strong indication of infection, it is not a standalone diagnostic tool.

If your result is positive, or if your symptoms continue, it’s important to speak to your GP for further evaluation and treatment. Likewise, a negative result does not rule out other digestive conditions.

What happens if I get a positive result?

A positive result suggests the presence of H. pylori antigens in your stool, which means the bacteria are likely active in your system. You should book an appointment with your GP, who may confirm the result with another test or begin treatment.

NHS treatment usually involves a combination of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor to reduce stomach acid. This is known as triple therapy.

Treatment is generally effective and well-tolerated, and clearing the infection typically leads to noticeable symptom improvement.

Is collecting a stool sample difficult or messy?

Not at all. The test kit is designed with hygiene in mind. It includes everything you need, including collection paper that sits over your toilet to catch your sample cleanly.

You’ll use the included applicator to take a small sample and place it into the sealed tube.

There’s no need to send anything off, and full instructions guide you through the process. Most people find the process quick, discreet, and far easier than they expected.

Key takeaways

• H. pylori affects around 40% of UK adults, but many go undiagnosed

• It’s a leading cause of stomach ulcers and long-term digestive symptoms

• Testing early helps avoid serious complications later

• Rezure’s home test uses stool antigen detection for active infection

• Results are fast, private, and accurate — no GP appointment needed to get started