Key takeaways
- Trichomoniasis is a common and treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- The only way to know if you have the infection is to do a test, either at home or in a clinic.
- For comprehensive at-home testing, we recommend LetsGetChecked Trichomoniasis Tests.
Trichomoniasis is an STI. According to the
The CDC estimates that trichomoniasis affects approximately
Though millions of people have trichomoniasis each year, the
We selected these at-home trichomoniasis tests based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- a product’s composition and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
For this review, we also interviewed doctors specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and analyzed research papers, other medically authoritative sources, and product reviews.
Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a parasite. It’s transmitted through sexual contact without a condom or other barrier method. In people with a vulva, the infection can occur in the vagina, urethra, or both. In people with a penis, it occurs only in the urethra.
Though it’s common, most people with an infection don’t experience symptoms. Only about
“Trichomoniasis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection worldwide, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis,” says Christine Vo, MD, FACOG, a doctor in Nebraska who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. “Women are affected more often than men.”
People with a vulva aren’t just more often affected. According to the advocacy group Planned Parenthood, they’re also more likely to experience symptoms.
The majority of people who have trichomoniasis exhibit no symptoms. Some people with a vulva, however, may experience symptoms, such as:
- irritation in the genitals
- burning or discomfort when urinating
- pain during sex
- vaginal bleeding after sex
- unusual discharge that’s yellow-green with a strong odor
- genital inflammation
- lower abdominal pain
“Men typically are asymptomatic in the majority of cases,” Vo says. “Although once it progresses, men may develop symptoms of discharge from the urethra, burning with urination, or a burning sensation in the penis after sexual intercourse.”
Trichomoniasis is fairly common, and its symptoms are usually mild. The two forms of treatment, metronidazole and tinidazole, are highly effective. As of 2021, secnidazole is also FDA-approved as a single-dose treatment for trichomoniasis.
However, prevention of trichomoniasis is especially important in people with a vulva, since transmission can increase the risk of HIV and other STIs.
Untreated trichomoniasis can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in this group, which can have complications related to fertility or chronic pain.
Many doctors don’t test patients annually for STIs. If you’re concerned, tell your doctor about your symptoms and request STI testing.
“The CDC recommends screening for trichomoniasis in women at increased risk for infection, including those with new or multiple sexual partners or a history of sexually transmitted infections,” Vo says.
If you’re pregnant, the
Also, get tested again if you’ve had trichomoniasis recently and your symptoms have returned. According to the CDC, about
Testing is the only way to accurately diagnose trichomoniasis. There are several testing options. You can seek in-office testing or order at-home STI tests.
“In the office, testing is completed by taking a swab of the vaginal discharge or urine testing,” Vo says. “Newer tests using DNA have been more readily available, and are also used in the clinical setting.”
At-home testing is also an option for those who want a discreet and cost-effective way to screen for trichomoniasis. This may also appeal to people who don’t want STI testing on their medical records.
What to do if you test positive
Contact your doctor as soon as possible so that they can prescribe you antibiotics. Trichomoniasis doesn’t go away on its own, so you will need to be treated.
A round of antibiotics can typically cure trichomoniasis in about 7 days. But it’s very important that you connect with your doctor to get the most up-to-date information on the next steps.
It’s also important to inform your partner or partners that you tested positive so they can also get tested and treated. Don’t have sex again until you and your partner have completed treatment and are asymptomatic. You should repeat the testing
At-home testing is more private, convenient, and accessible than in-office testing. It may also be less expensive than a doctor’s visit. Still, you may wonder whether at-home tests are accurate.
According to Vo, “at-home STI screening is a valid alternative for women since detection rates are comparable to samples obtained in a clinic and very well accepted among women.”
There are disadvantages to taking at-home tests, however. Trichomoniasis tests are most accurate when taken 3 weeks after sexual intercourse. Taking an at-home test too soon may skew the results.
Not following the instructions may also lead to inaccurate results.
Generally, visiting your doctor or another healthcare professional is the most reliable method of STI testing.
You’ve decided you might benefit from taking an at-home trichomoniasis test. But it’s hard to determine the best product for you. Here’s a checklist that can help you choose the right one:
- Ensure the test kit is FDA approved.
- Ensure the testing provider’s labs have certifications that speak to their trustworthiness. You can check if they’re CLIA certified, ISO accredited, or CAP accredited.
- Check if the testing provider’s online platform is HIPAA compliant to safeguard your health information privacy and security.
- If you want your test kit to arrive in discreet packaging, choose those that promise to deliver it in plain packaging.
- If you want your test results to arrive earlier than usual, consider at-home test kits that deliver results within a week.
- If you want medical advice with your results, go for testing services that provide doctor consultations too.
- If you’d like to test for other STIs, consider packages that screen for other STIs.
See a doctor if your partner tests positive for trichomoniasis or other STIs, or if you are experiencing
Most insurance plans cover the cost of in-office STI tests, though coverage depends on many factors. The coverage of at-home tests, however, varies greatly. Some people will have to pay out of pocket for at-home tests. While there are affordable tests, other options include free or low cost STI testing.
People who are sexually active with more than one sexual partner should get tested for STIs regularly. The CDC has screening recommendations for adults and adolescents.
Though there are no recommendations for trichomoniasis, people who are at high risk of having STIs can discuss getting tested regularly with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Trichomoniasis shouldn’t be left untreated. It doesn’t go away on its own. Without treatment, trichomoniasis can lead to severe health problems, especially in people with a vulva. It can also contribute to the transmission of STIs to other partners. Usually, trichomoniasis is treatable with a single round of antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis can look and act like chlamydia and gonorrhea, which is why many of the at-home STI tests check for all three. It won’t show up on a chlamydia test, however, so it’s best to be tested for all STIs in order to be sure you don’t have trichomoniasis.
A woman can’t get trichomoniasis on her own. It’s an STI passed on though vaginal sex or sharing sex toys. The infection isn’t transmitted through casual contact like toilet seats or towels. Some people have no symptoms, so it can go unnoticed for a while.
Testing for STIs like trichomoniasis has some stigma surrounding it, but sexual health is nothing to be shy about. Since most doctors don’t routinely check for STIs, ask your doctor about testing or explore other options.
Getting tested in a clinical setting is generally the most reliable method of STI testing. If you’re sexually active and want to get tested for trichomoniasis, at-home tests are also an option.