Trichomoniasis (Trich) testing and treatment NYC, New York
Accurate and Confidential

Female vaginal swab

A doctor will insert a cotton swab to collect fluid from vaginal and/or cervix (the procedure is illustrated below). Self-swabbing is also possible. The procedure might cause mild discomfort. Minor spotting afterwards is possible, but uncommon.

Remember: You should not practice douching or use vaginal creams for 24 hours prior to testing.

Image source:
Chlamydia / N. Gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA - Unisex Collection | Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma. https://www.dlolab.com/chlamydia-n-gonorrhoeae-rna-tma-unisex-collection.

Male urethral swab

A doctor will insert a cotton swab into the tip of the penis and three-fourths of an inch into the urethra to collect urethral fluid. The test might cause mild discomfort, but is quick (15-30 seconds).

Image source:
Chlamydia / N. Gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA - Unisex Collection | Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma. https://www.dlolab.com/chlamydia-n-gonorrhoeae-rna-tma-unisex-collection.

Urine test

You will collect a first-catch urine sample (the initial portion of the urine stream) in a cup to be analyzed.

Remember: You should not urinate for at least 2 hours prior.

Oral and rectal Trich tests are not recommended

Results from a rapid Trich test, which are 82-95% accurate, are available within 10 minutes.

• Urine test: 3 business days
• Swab test: 4 business days

There are three different scenarios for Trichomoniasis test (swab or urine) results:

1. Positive Trichomoniasis test

You have a Trichomoniasis infection that needs to be treated and your sex partner needs to be notified.

2. Negative Trichomoniasis test

This generally means you do not have Trichomonas.

However, consider the following:

• The timing of the test. Has enough time passed after a sexual encounter for the Trich test to be most accurate? The ideal time for testing is 4 weeks after exposure
• The overall accuracy of the particular test performed. The accuracy is 96% for the swab test versus 64-75% for the urine test

3. Inconclusive or equivocal Trichomoniasis test

Testing needs to be repeated:

• The ideal test needs to be performed (swab)
• The test needs to be performed after the ideal incubation period (4 weeks)
• Both an alternative test and the test that had inconclusive results should be performed

Yes. This is called empiric treatment, which is initiated without a final diagnosis based on assumptions and clinical experience. There is consensus within medicine that empiric treatment can be provided to people:

• Who experience signs and symptoms of Trichomoniasis (e.g., penile or vaginal discharge, soreness and redness of the genitals, painful and frequent urination, burning sensation during urination or ejaculation, or bleeding from the genitals after sexual intercourse or between menstrual periods)
• Who had a sexual encounter with an infected person (even if there are no symptoms)
• Who have a sexual partner who is positive for Trichomoniasis
• Who are very anxious about this specific sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is best to not use antibiotics without an objective reason. However, if you are extremely worried about your STD status, you can get the needed medication from a health care provider

Three different treatment options are available:

• One dose of Metronidazole (2 gm)
• One dose of Tinidazole (2 gm)
• Twice a day for seven days of Metronidazole (500 mg)

Testing can be performed in primary care offices, urgent care clinics, OB/GYN clinics, Planned Parenthood clinics, free STI testing clinics and our specialized STD center.

For you to transmit Trich to your partner, your infected fluids have to come into contact with your partner’s mucosa. Do the following to prevent this from happening:

• Avoid contact between your infected area and your partner’s skin while you have symptoms and for seven days after treatment
• Don’t let your partner touch your infected area
• Don’t share sex toys
• Wash your hands with soap after touching your infected area

It is recommended that you notify all sexual partners within the last 60 days about your Trichomoniasis status and suggest they undergo a proper medical examination and laboratory testing. This will prevent further infection and possible health complications.

If you are not comfortable with notifying your sexual partners, we can anonymously notify them on your behalf by calling, sending a text message or emailing.

Yes, you can get reinfected with Trichomoniasis. This is another reason for notifying your partner(s) to be tested and treated.

The chance for Trichomoniasis reinfection is very high (17% get reinfected within 3 months) and retesting is recommended for women within 3 months of the initial treatment. Retesting can be performed as early as 2 weeks post-treatment.

Yes. Typically, health insurance covers the doctor’s office visit, testing and treatment.

If you are not comfortable with notifying your sexual partners about your sexually transmitted infection, we can anonymously notify them on your behalf by calling, sending a text message or emailing.

The cost of the office visit is $84 cash (or $90 credit) plus $60 for the testing that is performed in certified labs.

Our walk-in clinic for STD testing and treatment is conveniently located on the east side of Midtown Manhattan near the Grand Central Terminal and the Main branch of the New York City public library.
Despite it being our only STD testing center, we offer health services to New Yorkers from all zip codes across all 5 NYC boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Our certified STD center offers testing services for Trichomoniasis and other common STDs (including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV (genital warts), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C), along with quality treatment and follow-up care.