Testing for Trichomoniasis

When Should You Get Tested for Trichomoniasis?

You should schedule testing for trichomoniasis if you suspect you’ve had sexual contact with someone who carries the parasite. However, many carriers are asymptomatic, which means they may have no idea they’re infected unless they order a rapid STD test. Notably, people who are asymptomatic can still pass on the parasite to others.

If you do get symptoms, they usually develop between 5 and 28 days post-infection and may come and go. 

• Both men and women may experience itching, burning, soreness, and redness in and around the genitals, and pain when urinating.
• Females may have vaginal inflammation or discharge with a fishy smell, which mimics bacterial vaginosis. If you notice this symptom, it’s best to order a 10-panel STD test so you can be sure which infection you have.
• Symptoms specific to men include unusual discharge from the penis and pain when ejaculating.

If you spot any of the above symptoms, play it safe and test. You may not have the parasite, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Don’t Wait To See a Doctor About Trichomoniasis if You’re in a High-Risk Category

Trich doesn’t go away without treatment. Untreated infections of trichomoniasis can cause the following issues:

• An increased chance of contracting other STDs
• Premature birth (women giving birth too early)
• Low birth weight for babies
• Prostate infections in men

As you can see, it's particularly important to schedule testing for trichomoniasis and other STDs if you’re pregnant. If you have trich and don’t know it, you could put your child at risk by giving birth too early or affecting the baby’s growth milestones. Preterm babies are at risk for infections, liver problems, an underdeveloped brain and lungs, and neurological problems, such as cerebral palsy.

If you fall into one of the following high-risk categories or are pregnant, the experts recommend that you undergo testing for trich once a year:

• People who are non-monogamous and do not use condoms, especially if they are part of a group that shares partners
• Men who have sex with men
• People who use mood-altering drugs, which can increase risky sexual behaviors
• Commercial sex workers

Trichomoniasis Treatment Will Require Post-Treatment Monitoring

If you test positive for trich, your doctor will likely want you to start treatment immediately. However, the treatment will differ depending on whether you are male or female. 

• Men will usually take a single large dose (two grams) of metronidazole, an antibiotic.
• For women, doctors usually prescribe 500 milligrams of metronidazole, which they should take twice daily for seven days. 
• Some doctors may also prescribe a single two-gram dose of tinidazole for both men and women, depending on the situation. Tinidazole stops the growth of some bacteria and parasites.

Both treatment and monitoring are important to ensure your body has cleared the trich infection. After you finish treatment, your primary care provider may perform a genital examination to verify that your symptoms have gone away. They will also likely ask you to take another trichomoniasis test to check that your body has completely eliminated the parasite.

If you continue to test positive for trich, you may have to take another course of medication. You may also test positive if you were re-exposed to the parasite or you didn’t finish taking all your medication.