Three reasons to have a Trichomonas test with Better2Know:

  • Trichomonas is a common infection but it is not tested for on a regular basis
  • Trichomonas can lead to complications with the prostate if left untreated
  • Better2Know will report your results as soon as they are ready via our secure patient login area

What is Trichomonas?

Trichomonas is a protozoa which can be transmitted sexually. It can infect the vagina and urethra in a woman, and the urethra, and occasionally the prostate gland, in a man.

Transmission

You can catch Trichomonas by having unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal) with an infected person. You can also pass the infection on when you do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms

Around 50% of people infected with Trichomonas will not have any symptoms at first. However, the longer the infection goes untreated, the more likely you are to experience symptoms, which can include:

  • Soreness when passing urine
  • Urinating more often
  • Vaginal or penile discharge. This is typically grey or greeny-yellow, and may be "frothy" with an unpleasant smell
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Genital itching and discomfort
Did You Know

A Trichomonas infection is usually spread through sex, but can also be spread by washers or sharing wet towels. Read more.

Testing

A urine sample is needed for this test. Results are available up to five working days from your sample’s arrival at our laboratory. Results are reported to our website's secure online portal as they become available.

Treatment

Trichomonas is treated with a short course of antibiotics. It is important to complete the course of antibiotics and abstain from sex until after the infection has cleared.

Potential Consequences

An untreated Trichomonas infection can lead to an increase in the symptoms of the infection, and make it more likely that you could contract another STI, such as HIV.

In women, an untreated infection during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of early labour, and a baby with a low birth weight. Please contact your midwife as soon as possible if this applies to you. In men, an infection can, rarely, cause Prostatitis (an unpleasant infection of the prostate gland).  

Booking your Trichcomonas test

To arrange your Trichomonas test with Better2Know today, please call our friendly Patient Services team on the telephone number above. Alternatively, you can book your test online today by selecting the Book Now button at the top of the page.