Written by Hannah Kingston on September 2, 2021
Trichomoniasis (also called trich) is a common, curable STI caused by a parasitic protozoa called Trichomonas vaginalis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in the United States is 2.1% among women ages 14-59, and 0.5% among men.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about how long trichomoniasis can remain dormant, how long it takes for symptoms to show up and some more frequently asked questions when it comes to trichomoniasis.
How long can trichomoniasis remain dormant?
Without treatment, trichomoniasis may remain dormant for months or even years, according to the American Sexual Health Association.
It is common not to experience any symptoms of trichomoniasis, so it can go undiagnosed for many weeks, months and even years.
30% of people that have trichomoniasis develop any symptoms. When trich does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation.
It is more common for women to experience symptoms as opposed to men. Trichomoniasis is easily transmitted via penetrative sex and genital to genital contact. The best prevention against trichomoniasis is to correctly wear a condom.
How long does it take to experience the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
On average, it takes 5 to 28 days to experience the symptoms of trichomoniasis following sexual contact with an infected person.
For others, it can take an extended period of time to experience any symptoms, in fact some people won’t experience the symptoms of trichomoniasis for years.
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
The symptoms of trichomoniasis in women may include:
- Itching in and around the genitals
- Redness or soreness in and around the genitals
- Discomfort while urinating
- A change in discharge (greenish colour)
- A fishy-smelling discharge
The symptoms of trichomoniasis in men may include:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- Burning after urination or ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis
Read: How does a trichomoniasis test work?
When should you get tested for trichomoniasis?
You should get tested for trichomoniasis when you begin to experience the symptoms.
A trichomoniasis test may require a urine, blood or swab collection sample.
Trichomoniasis can be diagnosed by looking at a sample of vaginal fluid for women or urine for men under a microscope.
If the parasite can be seen under the microscope, no further tests are needed. If this test isn’t conclusive, tests called rapid antigen tests and nucleic acid amplification may be used, or in simpler terms, a blood test may be necessary to confirm whether or not you have trichomoniasis.
You can quickly and easily order an at home trichomoniasis test from the following providers:
- LetsGetChecked ($119 including chlamydia and gonorrhea which often present similar symptoms to trichomoniasis)
- MyLAB Box ($79)
- Health Testing Centers (Starting from $89)
- Priority STD Testing (Starting from $99)
- Nurx ($190 including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis testing)
- Everlywell ($49)
What samples do each at home provider require?
- LetsGetChecked (Urine)
- MyLAB Box (Urine and swab collection)
- Health Testing Centers (Urine)
- Priority STD Testing (Urine)
- Nurx (Swab collection)
- Everlywell (Urine)
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is very easy to treat. This infection can be treated with a single dose of an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication called metronidazole. Although most cases are treated with a single dose, your doctor could recommend a lower dose that should be taken twice a day for seven straight days.
You will need to abstain from sex until you complete your trichomoniasis treatment, and your partner should also be treated.
**Read: How does a trichomoniasis test work? **
References
- Trichomoniasis - American Sexual Health Association - asasexualhealth.org
- Trichomoniasis - Everything you need to know - stdwatch.com
- How can you get trichomoniasis if no one cheats - stdwatch.com
- Bacterial vaginosis vs. yeast infection similarities and differences - stdwatch.com
- How does a trichomoniasis test work? - stdwatch.com
- Is a UTI an STI?- stdwatch.com
- How long do STD tests take? - stdwatch.com
