Blood-tests Explained


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This website is intended to assist with patient education and should not be used as a diagnostic, treatment or prescription service, forum or platform. Always consult your own healthcare practitioner for a more personalised and detailed opinion

Trichomonas


At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To diagnose an infection with the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes the sexually transmitted disease trichomoniasis

When to Get Tested?

When a woman has symptoms of infection, such as a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching, and/or pain during urination, or when a man has genital itching or irritation, burning after urination or ejaculation, and/or a discharge from the urethra

Sample Required?

In women, a swab of vaginal or cervical secretions; in men, a urethral swab. In some cases, urine may be tested.

Test Preparation Needed?

None

The Test Sample

What is being tested?

Testing can detect an infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, a microscopic, single cell (protozoan) parasite that is usually transmitted sexually, causing vaginal infections in women and urethral infections (urethritis) and prostatitis in men.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), trichomoniasis, which is caused by the infection, is the most common, curable sexually transmitted disease (STD). In the U.S., an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection, but only about 30% develop any symptoms. Symptoms are more common in women than in men.

Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most common causes of vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) in women. When they occur, symptoms include:

  • Vaginal swelling
  • Itching, irritation, soreness
  • Burning sensation
  • Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Possible blood-spotting

In men, symptoms may include:

  • Burning after urinating or ejaculating
  • Itching or irritation of the urethra
  • Discharge from the urethra

These symptoms may take 5 to 28 days after exposure to an infected person or longer to develop; however, once diagnosed, trichomoniasis is easily treated with prescription antibiotics. During treatment, an infected person should cease sexual activity and inform partners so that they can also be treated and prevent re-infection.

How is the sample collected for testing?

In women, a swab of secretions is collected from the vagina. The sample may be obtained from the same thin-layer collection vial used for a Pap smear. In men, a swab is inserted into the urethra. Urine samples may also be used.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

No test preparation is needed.

The Test