How Do You Test for Trichomoniasis? At-Home vs. In-Lab Testing

Written by: Sandra Yang, PharmD, MBA

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a global impact, affecting millions of people around the world, including in the United States (US). [1,2] STIs are also known as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. There are various STIs, with the most common ones being chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, syphilis, and Trichomoniasis. [2] Getting tested for STIs and having a conversation with a trusted healthcare provider is essential to maintaining health if you are sexually active. [3] Read on to find out more about the STI Trichomoniasis, along with the testing methods and options available for the infection.

What Is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, also called "trich," is a very common STI. [4,5] The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2018, there were over 2 million Trichomoniasis infections in the US. [4] Trichomoniasis infects more women than men. In the US, the frequency rate is 2.1% in females, compared to 0.5% in males. [5]

Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is caused by a microscopic organism called trichomonas vaginalis, which is a protozoan parasite. [4,5] The STI can be spread by a person having sex with a partner who is already infected with the trich organism. A person can still pass the infection to their partner even if they display no symptoms. Around 70% to 85% of people who have Trichomoniasis exhibit little to no genital symptoms. [5] Cases of untreated trich infections may last months and even years. [4,5]

When symptoms are present, they can range from mild irritation to more severe inflammation. [4] Men who have symptoms may notice itching and irritation of their genitals, burning after peeing, or discharge from their genitals. Women displaying symptoms may notice discomfort when peeing, itching or soreness of their genitals, or a vaginal discharge that can have a fishy odor. [4,5]

Why Testing is Important

Getting tested for Trichomoniasis is important to maintaining health in sexually active people. [3] The infection can spread from one person to another even if the infected partner shows no symptoms. Due to the high rate of people with Trichomoniasis having little to no symptoms, many people may be infected with trich and not know it. [4,5]

The only way to tell if a person is infected with the STI is to get tested. [6] If the infection is left untreated, it can last many years and cause serious health issues. [3-5] Fortunately, trich is curable with proper diagnosis and treatment. [5,6] The only way to confirm and get diagnosed with Trichomoniasis is to get tested. [4]

How Do You Test for Trichomoniasis?

Testing for trich and other STIs can be done at a healthcare provider's office, a community health clinic, the health department, or even with an at-home testing kit. [3,6,7] With your healthcare providers, you can discuss your sexual history and STI testing or consider other testing options. . [3] Many of these clinics provide a confidential alternative and may be more cost-effective than others.

Depending on whether you go into a clinic or health department or complete at-home testing, you may have to pee in a cup, or you or your healthcare provider may gently rub your genitals with a cotton swab. [6] The type of Trichomoniasis test being conducted will determine the type of sample or specimen needed to complete the test. Types of samples may include urine samples, vaginal swabs, or other swabs like endocervical swabs for analysis. [5] Various lab tests and at-home testing options are available to test for trich; however, each has its limitations.

Lab Tests

The most traditional and common test for Trichomoniasis is called a 'wet-mount microscopy," which can be done at a clinic or lab. [5,7,8] The 'wet mount' is essentially performed with a slide and wet preparation with the collected sample. The slide is then viewed under the microscope by a healthcare provider to look for the trichomonas vaginalis organisms. This test method, while relatively inexpensive, can have lower detection rates than other newer testing methods. [5]

More scientifically advanced tests or assays known as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are being used to test for the trichomonas vaginalis parasite or parts of the organism's DNA or RNA with much higher detection rates. [5,7,8] However, NAATs are usually more complex and may require lab personnel trained in completing the assays. [5] Rapid tests that look for the trichomonas vaginalis organism DNA or antigens in samples are also available at the clinics and labs to help diagnose Trichomoniasis, and they can be conducted quickly. [5] The most prolonged method of testing for trich is culture. [5,8] A culture test can take up to seven days, where the organism is grown in the lab on culture media for identification.

At-Home Tests

Another option for Trichomoniasis testing is at-home testing kits. [5,9] These test kits could be a more convenient and discreet way to test for Trichomoniasis. At-home testing kits are also an alternative for people who do not have medical insurance or ease of access to healthcare provider care. These testing kits can be ordered online or purchased at local pharmacies, giving people more autonomy over their healthcare. At-home testing kits usually require collecting a urine sample or genital swab. Most at-home testing kits require mailing the sample in the kits back to a certified lab for testing. Once the sample is tested, the results can be provided through mail, phone, or online.

Limitations of Home Testing Kits

While at-home testing kits are an excellent option for some people, several factors limit the test. [9] Appropriate collection of the sample (urine or swab) and proper storage are critical in ensuring accurate results for at-home tests. [9] Incorrectly collecting the urine or vaginal swab may limit the ability of the test to detect the trich organism. In addition, if the specimen is inadequately stored for mailing back to the lab, the test may yield an inaccurate result. False positive or false negative results may occur with at-home testing kits for Trichomoniasis. False positives mean that the result came back positive, but the person does not have the infection or STI. False negatives mean that the result was negative, but in actuality, the person has the infection. Speaking with a healthcare provider about your results is essential because you may need additional testing to confirm a trich diagnosis. [7]

When to Seek Medical Help for Diagnosis and Treatment

You should consider seeking medical help and getting tested if you have symptoms that could be Trichomoniasis or another STI. [7] Many times, trich does not cause symptoms, but when they occur, it can show up within days of getting the infection or develop years later. Symptoms can range in severity and can come and go.

Additionally, you should consider getting tested if you are a woman with a high risk, even if you do not have symptoms. A woman with a high risk is someone who has sex without using a condom, has multiple sexual partners, or has had other trich infections or STDs in the past.

Even if you've completed treatment for a trich infection, you may need to be checked to see if there is reinfection. It's important to speak with a healthcare provider about your medical needs and testing. Once confirmed to be infected with Trichomoniasis through testing, treatment can be started. [7] The recommended CDC treatment among men and women is an oral medication called metronidazole. [5] Your healthcare provider will also follow up with you and consider additional STI testing for the other STDs.

At-Home Lab Testing and Telehealth With Everlywell

Understanding Trichomoniasis and knowing the various testing options and methods are essential. At Everlywell, testing for trich is available with our at-home Trichomoniasis Test kit. This at-home lab test checks if there is a trichomoniasis infection present. If the result is positive or abnormal, you will be connected to an independent healthcare provider at no additional cost. The kit contains everything you'll need to collect your sample and send it back to get tested, including detailed instructions and an instructional video. If you are concerned about your sexual health, you can also schedule a virtual visit for an online STD consult with one of our certified healthcare providers.

About the Writer: Sendra Yang received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees from Wingate University School of Pharmacy. She is a skilled medical information professional with experience in the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy education, and clinical practice. She has also been a medical writer and editor for consumer health and medical content. Sendra is passionate about translating complex medical concepts into simple and easy-to-understand information.

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3. Getting tested for STIs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed February 5, 2025.https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html
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