How Does a Trichomoniasis Test Work?

Also known as ‘trich’, Trichomonas is a very common sexually transmitted infection to affect people, worldwide. The causative organism is a protozoan, named Trichomonas vaginalis. Although it can be cured, Trichomonas falls under the notorious group of ‘silent’ STIs. In most cases, it does not exhibit symptoms, leading to delayed treatment and potential health complications in the future. Here lies the need to obtain diagnostic tests for early detection!

In the following blog, we will walk you through the essentials of Trichomoniasis testing. This will specifically highlight all the types of tests available, how samples are collected, and what results mean for your health. Read on below for details.

Trichomoniasis: A Brief Overview

Before we discuss about the testing process, it is essential for you to understand what trichomoniasis is and how does it affect the body. Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. It mainly infects the urogenital tract, comprising the vagina, urethra, and prostate gland (in males). The germ is transmitted through genital contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

What Are The Common Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

For Women

Persistent irritation in the vagina and external genitals
A burning sensation while peeing, often associated with redness
Unusual vaginal discharge (often greenish-yellow and frothy in colour and texture, respectively)
Pain while having sex

For Men

Itching or irritation inside the penis
Pain while emptying the urinary bladder and ejaculating
Abnormal penile discharge.

(Note: Whether it is a male or female, Trichomoniasis symptoms do not appear easily. This makes regular STI screening especially vital)

Why Trichomoniasis Testing is Important?

Without testing, trichomoniasis can go unnoticed, leading to potential health complications down the line. Some of them are as follows:

Increased risk of HIV contraction
Pregnancy complication, such as, preterm childbirth and low birth weight.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (in women).
Prostatitis or urethritis (in men).

The good news is that trichomoniasis is treatable with a single course of antibiotics . For example, metronidazole, tinidazole, etc. However, accurate diagnosis is crucial in ensuring prompt treatment.

Types of Trichomoniasis Tests

There are several types of Trichomoniasis tests available, with each one having different levels of precision, speed and cost.

1. Wet Mount Microscopy

How does it work?
A small sample of vaginal fluid (for women) or urethral discharge (for men) is put over the slide and is examined under the microscope. This process helps view the motility of the Trichomonas germ.

Pros:

Extremely quick (results typically offered within minutes)
Low price

Cons:

Not a very sensitive test (is only capable of detecting about 50-60% of infections)
Requires immediate analysis before the organism dies

2. Culture Test

How does it work?
The sample is grown in a special culture medium in this test. If the organism multiplies, the test is rendered positive and vice versa.

Pros:

More sensitive than the previous wet mount test
Is able to detect asymptomatic infections

Cons:

Takes around two to seven days for result delivery
Requires sophisticated lab facilities

3. Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)

How does it work?

NAATs detect the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of Trichomonas vaginalis using methods like PCR (polymerase chain reaction). These tests are highly sensitive and specific.

Pros:

High rate of precision (up to 95-100%)
Is able to detect low levels of the organism
Suitable for asymptomatic individuals

Cons:

Requires advanced laboratory equipment for precise analysis
More expensive than microscopy or culture

4. Rapid Antigen Tests

How does it work?
Rapid antigen test is a special type of test that detects proteins (antigens) in response to the parasite’s presence. In this procedure, the collected sample is placed in a test device, similar to a pregnancy test. The tests results can be obtained within about 10 to 30 minutes.

Pros:

Extremely fast in producing results
Can be used anywhere irrespective of clinics or at the point-of-care

Cons:

Sensitivity is slightly lower than NAATs

What Sample Collection Methods Are Used?

Depending on what type of test has been recommended by the doctor and your gender, sample collection methods may differ.

For Women:

Vaginal swab: The procedure includes insertion of a sterile swab into the vagina. This helps collect infected cells and discharge material for lab analysis.
Self-collected swabs: Certain tests allow females to collect their own samples at the comfort of their home.
Urine sample: This especially holds true for NAATs. In this procedure, the initial urine stream is used.

For Men:

Urethral swab: The procedure involves insertion of a small, sterile swab within the urethral space to collect secretions.
Urine sample: The first part of the urine stream is used for NAATs.

The choice of sample depends on the test being conducted and patient preference.

Result Interpretation

Positive Result:

Denotes an active Trichomonas vaginalis infection.
Requires prompt treatment with antibiotics.
Sexual partners must get tested at the earliest. This helps prevent chances of reinfection and transmission to healthy individuals.

Negative Result:

Indicates absence of infection in the body. However, if the symptoms persist, a more sensitive test might be needed.
A false negative is also possible, especially when less sensitive tests like the wet mount are being used.

When to Take Prompt Medical Action?

You must consider getting a Trichomoniasis test if:

Your sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI.
You have multiple sexual partners.
You are pregnant (trichomoniasis germ can pass on to the foetus through the placental membrane).
You are undergoing routine STI screening.

Routine testing is particularly important for women, as the CDC recommends annual trichomoniasis screening for women at high risk (e.g., those with HIV or multiple partners).

Conclusion

Trichomoniasis is a curable STI, however, most of the time, it gets ignored due to its asymptomatic nature. No doubt, this ‘silent’ nature poses a specific threat to public health. Here, lies the importance of understanding the working process of trichomoniasis. This can empower individuals to make well-informed decisions about their sexual health and take active control of overall long-term wellbeing. Whether you’re in the U.S. or seeking international options like a Trichomoniasis test in London, it’s essential to get tested. If you suspect you might have an STI or are simply being proactive about your health, consult your healthcare provider about testing options. Early detection not only protects your well-being but also helps prevent the spread of infection to others. Always remember – testing is quick, often painless, and the first step to peace of mind and good health. Book a consultation today!