Should I get tested for trichomoniasis?

In This Section

• Trichomoniasis (Trich)
• What are the symptoms of trich?
• Should I get tested for trich?

• How do I get treated for trich?
• How to prevent trich

How do I know if I have trichomoniasis?

The only way to know is to get tested. If you’re having irritation, weird discharge, painful peeing, or showing any other signs of trich, get checked out by a nurse or doctor. Testing is also a good idea if someone you’ve had sex with gets trich (even if you don’t have symptoms).

Your nurse or doctor can help you figure out if you should be tested for trichomoniasis or any other STDs. The best part about getting tested for STDs? Once you get it over with, it can really put your mind at ease. And if you do have trich, it’s best to know right away so you can take medication and get better as soon as possible.

What happens during a trichomoniasis test?

Your nurse or doctor will use a cotton swab to gently take samples from your penis or vagina and look at them under a microscope. Trich testing can be as simple as peeing in a cup. Sometimes the test is done by gently rubbing your genitals with a cotton swab, to take cell samples from your penis or vagina.

Trichomoniasis can look and act like other common infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or bacterial vaginosis, so your nurse or doctor might test you for different things.

The idea of getting tested may seem scary, but try to relax. STD testing is a regular part of being a responsible adult and taking care of your health. The good news is trich is totally curable with medication — so the sooner you know you have it, the faster you can get rid of it.

What should I do before I get my trichomoniasis test?

• Don't have sex before you’re tested — it’s always a good idea to avoid having sex when you have symptoms of an STD or think you may have one.

• Don't use deodorant sprays, powders, or washes on your genitals. They can cover signs that help the doctor know if you have an infection. They can also make irritation worse.

• Don’t douche for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Douching washes away the vaginal fluids that may need to be tested. (And you really shouldn’t douche at all.)

• Try to make your appointment for when you don’t have your period. (But don’t put off going to the doctor if you’re having bleeding that’s not normal — it could be a serious infection.)

Where can I get a trichomoniasis test?

You can get tested for trich and other STDs at your doctor’s office, a community health clinic, the health department, or your local Planned Parenthood health center.

STD testing isn’t usually part of your regular checkup or gynecologist exam — you have to ask for it directly. Be open and honest with your nurse or doctor so they can help you figure out which tests are best for you. Don’t be embarrassed: your doctor is there to help you, not to judge you.

More questions from patients:

Can a man have trichomoniasis and test negative?

Trichomoniasis (AKA trich) tests are extremely accurate, so it’s not likely to get a false negative — no matter what your gender is. 

If you think you might have trich, a doctor or nurse will examine you and test for the parasite that causes trichomoniasis. If you have a penis, your nurse or doctor will use a cotton swab to gently take samples from your penis and look at them under a microscope.

Is there a home test for trichomoniasis?

Depending on what state you live in, there are tests you can buy online to take at home for trichomoniasis (AKA trich). Most at-home tests require you to take your own samples, like urine or genital swabs, and send them to a certified laboratory. 
 
At-home tests can be a convenient and discreet way to test for trich. However, they don’t give you instant results, aren’t usually covered by insurance, and they can be expensive. You’ll also need to get a prescription from a doctor or nurse to get treatment if your test comes back positive. 
 
Trichomoniasis symptoms can be hard to notice, and can look and act like other common infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or bacterial vaginosis, so you may need to test for other STDs if your test comes back negative.