Trichomoniasis Testing — The Most Common Curable STD Nobody Talks About
Content last reviewed 2026-09-12 · Educational information — not medical advice
Quick answer
Trichomoniasis infects ~2 million Americans annually, causes vaginitis and urethritis, raises HIV acquisition risk, and diagnoses via NAAT on urine or swabs with 1–3 day turnaround. Single-dose antibiotics cure it — partners treat simultaneously.
What is trichomoniasis?
A parasitic protozoan (Trichomonas vaginalis) infection — technically the most common CURABLE STI in the United States. Women experience frothy yellow-green discharge, odor, itching; men carry it largely silently while transmitting. It also inflames tissue enough to facilitate HIV transmission — a public-health reason screening extends beyond symptom response.
How do I get tested?
NAAT platforms detect it from urine, vaginal swabs, or endocervical samples — often bundled into women's health panels. Point-of-care rapid tests exist in clinics. Direct-access ordering covers it like other STIs; results in days, no exam needed for screening purposes.
Who should screen?
CDC recommends annual trichomoniasis screening for HIV-positive women and women under 25 in high-prevalence settings; symptom-driven testing applies universally (discharge/irritation). Male partners of diagnoses warrant empiric treatment — male NAAT sensitivity runs lower, so treatment logic sometimes bypasses testing.
Treatment and reinfection
Single 2-gram metronidazole or tinidazole dose cures it — alcohol avoidance during/after dosing matters (genuine disulfiram-like reaction). Partner co-treatment prevents ping-pong reinfection; retesting 2 weeks–3 months post-treatment catches failures and recurrences.
Order this test online
Direct-access laboratory testing — no appointment or doctor visit required. Results delivered as secure PDFs.
We may earn a commission when you order through partner links. Educational content only — never a substitute for professional medical advice.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is trichomoniasis an STD or a yeast infection?
Different organism entirely — yeast is fungal, trich is parasitic, and they're confused constantly because symptoms overlap. Microscopy/NAAT distinguishes them.
Can men get treated without testing?
Often yes — expedited partner therapy covers trich in many states since male test sensitivity lags female testing.