Trichomoniasis Test

Trichomoniasis, often called trich, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's caused by infection with a parasite. The parasite that causes this STI is a tiny single-celled life form.

A trichomoniasis infection mostly involves the genital area. Trichomoniasis testing usually looks for the parasite in a sample of body fluid that's swabbed from the infected area. In women, the infection is usually in the vagina.

In men, the infection is usually in the urethra, a tube in the penis that carries urine (pee) out of the body. You can get trichomoniasis by having sex without a condom with a partner who has the infection. Women can get the infection from men or women who are infected.

Men usually get it only from women who are infected. Trichomoniasis is more common in women. Most people who have trichomoniasis infections don't have any symptoms.

That means you can have trichomoniasis and pass it to a sex partner without knowing it. The infections are rarely serious, and they can be cured with antibiotics. But if trichomoniasis isn't treated, it can: Increase your risk of getting or spreading other STIs, including HIV; Cause infections in the prostate gland (a gland in the male reproduction system); Increase the chance of problems in pregnancy, including: Giving birth too early (premature birth); Having a baby with a low birth weight (less than five and a half pounds); ; If you think you could have an infection, it's important to get tested so you can get treatment if you need it.

Why this test is done

You may need to get tested for trichomoniasis:

• If you have symptoms that could be an STI. Usually, trichomoniasis doesn't cause symptoms, But when they happen, they usually show up within 5 to 28 days after getting the infection. Some people may develop symptoms much later. The symptoms can come and go. They may range from mild to severe and can include:
• In women:
• Itching, burning, redness or soreness around the genitals
• Discomfort when urinating (peeing) or having sex
• A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell
• In men:
• Itching or irritation inside the penis
• Burning after urinating or ejaculating (releasing semen)
• Abnormal discharge from the penis
• If you're a woman with a high risk for getting an STI. Even if you don't have symptoms, your health care provider may recommend testing if you have:
• Sex without using a condom
• Multiple sex partners
• Had trichomoniasis in the past or other STIs
• If you've completed treatment for trichomoniasis. You may need to be checked to see if you've been infected again.

Talk with your provider about your need for testing.

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for a trichomoniasis test.

Sample type

Swab