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Getting tested for trichomoniasis is the only way to know if you have the infection. See if these tests can help you.
- Best for comprehensive testing: LetsGetChecked
- Most affordable: Everlywell
- Best for quick turnaround: myLAB Box
- Best for online results: iDNA
- Best for insurance coverage: Nurx
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). According to the
The CDC estimated in a
Though millions of people have trichomoniasis each year, the
Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a parasite. It’s transmitted through sexual contact without a condom or other barrier method. In people with a vulva, the infection can occur in the vagina, urethra, or both. In people with a penis, it occurs only in the urethra.
Though it’s common, most people with an infection don’t experience symptoms. Only about
“Trichomoniasis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection worldwide, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis,” says Christine Vo, MD, FACOG, a doctor in Nebraska who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. “Women are affected more often than men.”
People with a vulva aren’t just more often affected. According to the advocacy group Planned Parenthood, they’re also more likely to experience symptoms.
The majority of people who have trichomoniasis exhibit no symptoms. Some people with a vulva, however, may experience symptoms, such as:
- irritation in the genitals
- burning or discomfort when urinating
- pain during sex
- vaginal bleeding after sex
- unusual discharge that’s yellow-green with a strong odor
- genital inflammation
- lower abdominal pain
“Men typically are asymptomatic in the majority of cases,” Vo says. “Although once it progresses, men may develop symptoms of discharge from the urethra, burning with urination, or a burning sensation in the penis after sexual intercourse.”
Trichomoniasis is fairly common and its symptoms are usually mild. The two forms of treatment, metronidazole and tinidazole, are highly effective. There’s also the latest drug, secnidazole, that’s a single dose treatment for trichomoniasis, approved recently by the FDA.
However, prevention of trichomoniasis is especially important in people with a vulva, since transmission can increase the risk of HIV and other STIs.
Untreated trichomoniasis can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in this group, which can have complications related to fertility or chronic pain.
Our vetting team only chooses products or brands that are medically credible, of good reputation, and meet standard practices.
For this review, we interviewed doctors specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and analyzed research papers, other medically authoritative sources, and product reviews.
Pricing guide
- $: under $100
- $$: $100–$150
- $$$: over $150
All prices are current at the time of publish.
Best for comprehensive testing
LetsGetChecked Trichomoniasis Testing
- Price: starting at $119
- Tests for: trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea
- Results turnaround time: 2 to 5 days
- Insurance accepted: No, LetsGetChecked doesn’t accept health insurance.
- Certification: FDA-approved laboratory tests, CLIA certified and CAP accredited labs
- Physician support included: Yes, a nurse will call you to go over your results and discuss treatment options if needed.
LetsGetChecked offers an at-home trichomoniasis test that allows you to screen yourself for trichomoniasis 7 days from the day you might have been exposed to it. You can get this test by buying any of its STD test kits that test for trichomoniasis, including Basic 3, Standard 5, and Complete 8.
- Basic 3 ($119): This kit tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis using urine samples.
- Standard 5 ($149): This kit is LetsGetChecked’s most popular STI test. It screens for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV (I, II, P24 antigen) using finger prick and urine sample collection.
- Complete 8 ($249): This kit is LetsGetChecked’s most comprehensive STI test. It screens for eight STIs, including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, ureaplasma, trichomoniasis, HIV (I, II, P24 antigen), and Gardnerella with a finger prick and urine sample.
Place your order for any of these kits online on its website. You’ll get your kit in a plain envelope. After collecting your sample, following its instructions or video tutorial, send your sample back to the lab for free with the prepaid shipping label with the package.
After any of its CLIA certified and ISO accredited labs analyzes your sample, your results will appear on your online account 2 to 5 days from the day your sample got to the lab.
You can consult a healthcare professional within LetsGetChecked’s network for questions about your results and what to do next. If your results show positive for trichomoniasis, or other STIs, you can learn about your treatment options and get prescriptions through an online consultation that costs $39.
Most affordable
Everlywell Trichomoniasis Test
- Price: $69
- Tests for: trichomoniasis
- Results turnaround time: 5 business days
- Insurance accepted: No, Everlywell doesn’t accept health insurance, but some health insurance companies will reimburse you for health testing.
- Certification: FDA-approved laboratory tests and CLIA certified labs
- Physician support included: Yes, if a positive result is detected, a healthcare professional will go over the results and prescribe medication when eligible.
This kit tests for trichomoniasis using a urine sample. All you have to do is order the test online via its website. Register your kit when it arrives so you can get your results online on Everlywell’s HIPAA compliant platform.
Then take your sample by urinating in the cup in the kit. Mail back your sample using the prepaid shipping label. A CLIA certified lab working with Everlywell will analyze your sample.
You’ll get an email notification to check your result on its platform when it’s ready. But if your results show positive, a doctor within Everlywell’s network will reach you by phone to talk with you about it and prescribe medications as needed before you get your results on your account.
Best for quick turnaround
myLAB Box At Home Trichomoniasis Test
- Price: $89
- Tests for: trichomoniasis
- Results turnaround time: 2 to 5 days
- Insurance accepted: No, myLAB Box doesn’t take payment from health insurance providers.
- Certification: FDA-approved laboratory tests and CLIA certified labs
- Physician support included: Yes, you can get a free physician consultation for positive results.
Results arrive within 2 to 5 days of returning your samples to myLAB Box’s CAP and CLIA certified lab with the At Home Trichomoniasis Test kit.
You can order this kit online on the myLAB Box website. Your order comes with instructions for collecting your genital swab and urine sample, which takes about 5 minutes. If your results show positive, you can get a free virtual consultation with a doctor in your state who may prescribe treatment accordingly.
Best for online results
iDNA
- Price: $78
- Tests for: trichomoniasis
- Results turnaround time: 2 to 7 days
- Insurance accepted: No, iDNA doesn’t accept health insurance, but you may be able to file a claim for reimbursement from your insurance provider.
- Certification: FDA-approved laboratory tests and CLIA certified labs
- Physician support included: Consultation with a healthcare professional isn’t available, but iDNA offers a free retest after a positive result.
iDNA trichomoniasis test kit allows you to test yourself for trichomoniasis with a urine sample that takes about 5 minutes to collect.
Your order will arrive in a plain package with instructions for taking your sample. But you first have to register your kit online on its website for your sample to be processed and to receive your test results.
Mail back your sample to the lab with the prepaid shipping box. iDNA labs are HIPAA compliant, CLIA certified, and CAP accredited. It takes about 2 to 7 days to get your results. You’ll get an email notification when the results are ready, which you can view on your iDNA online account.
If your results come back positive for trichomoniasis, the company advises you to show your results to a doctor as it only offers testing services.
According to the company, it doesn’t accept insurance to protect your privacy. But you may be able to be reimbursed by submitting a claim to your insurance provider.
Best for insurance coverage
Nurx Healthy V Kit
- Price: $190
- Tests for: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis
- Results turnaround time: within 7 days
- Insurance accepted: Yes, Nurx accepts some health insurance plans, though out-of-pocket expenses may apply.
- Certification: CAP and CLIA certified labs
- Physician support included: Yes, the Nurx medical team will consult with you to determine next steps and treatment options if results are positive.
Specifically for people with vaginas, Nurx Healthy V Kit tests for five STIs, including trichomoniasis, with a vaginal swab, throat swab, and finger prick blood sample.
To use its STI at-home test service, you’ll create an account with Nurx and order your kit. Your delivery will come in discreet packaging. After collecting your sample, you’ll mail it back to its lab for free.
Your results will come with consultation with Nurx’s medical team, who may prescribe treatment if needed or refer you for in-person treatment.
| Price | Tests for | Results in | Insurance accepted? | Certification | Physician support included? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked Trichomoniasis Testing | $$ | trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea | 2 to 5 days | no | FDA-approved laboratory tests, CLIA certified and CAP accredited labs | yes |
| Everlywell Trichomoniasis test | $ | trichomoniasis | 5 business days | no | FDA-approved laboratory tests and CLIA certified labs | yes |
| myLAB Box At Home Trichomoniasis Kit | $ | trichomoniasis | 2 to 5 days | no | FDA-approved laboratory tests and CLIA certified labs | yes |
| iDNA | $ | trichomoniasis | 2 to 7 days | no | FDA-approved laboratory tests and CLIA certified labs | no |
| Nurx Healthy V Kit | $$$ | HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis | within 7 days | yes | CAP and CLIA certified labs | yes |
Many doctors don’t test patients annually for STIs. If you’re concerned, tell your doctor about your symptoms and request STI testing.
“The CDC recommends screening for trichomoniasis in women at increased risk for infection, including those with new or multiple sexual partners or a history of sexually transmitted infections,” Vo says.
If you’re pregnant, the
Also, get tested again if you’ve had trichomoniasis recently and your symptoms have returned. According to the CDC, about
Testing is the only way to accurately diagnose trichomoniasis. There are several testing options. You can seek in-office testing or order at-home STI tests.
“In the office, testing is completed by taking a swab of the vaginal discharge or urine testing,” Vo says. “Newer tests using DNA have been more readily available, and are also used in the clinical setting.”
At-home testing is also an option for those who want a discreet and cost-effective way to screen for trichomoniasis. This may also appeal to people who don’t want STI testing on their medical record.
How to get the test
Getting your at-home trichomoniasis test starts with placing an order online. Several companies, such as Everlywell and LetsGetChecked, offer affordable and convenient at-home tests.
Most at-home testing companies offer discreet packaging since the test will be delivered to your mailing address.
Preparing for the test at home
- Avoid having sex before taking the test. If you have symptoms or think you might have an STI, it’s best to stay abstinent until after getting your results.
- Don’t use any washes, deodorant sprays, or other powders on your genitals. They could irritate the area.
- Try to take your test when you don’t have your period. If you’re having any unusual bleeding, make an appointment with your doctor right away.
- Don’t douche for at least 24 hours prior to taking your test. Douching washes away the vaginal fluids that are needed for the test. It’s best not to douche at all, actually.
How to take the test
When you receive the at-home testing kit, it will contain everything you need inside to take the test and ship it back. You may need to register your kit online to make viewing the results easy.
Most at-home trichomoniasis tests require a urine sample. Some tests may require you to use a cotton swab to take a sample from inside the genitals.
Kits that test for several STIs at one time may require various testing methods, including finger pricks for a blood sample.
Each company has its own testing materials and processes, so read the instructions carefully.
How to submit the test
To return the test, pack your samples and ship the kit according to the instructions. Most at-home testing companies provide a prepaid shipping label, so returning the test is as easy as dropping it in the nearest mailbox.
How to get the results
The results of the test should be viewable online within a few days.
What to do if you test positive
Contact your doctor as soon as possible so that they can prescribe you antibiotics. Trichomoniasis doesn’t go away on its own, so you will need to be treated.
A round of antibiotics can typically cure trichomoniasis in about 7 to 10 days. But it’s very important that you connect with your doctor to get the most up-to-date information from them on next steps.
It’s also important to inform your partner or partners that you tested positive so they can also get tested and treated. Don’t have sex again until you and/or your partner have completed treatment and are asymptomatic. You should repeat testing
At-home testing is more private, convenient, and accessible than in-office testing. It may also be less expensive than a doctor’s visit. Still, you may wonder whether at-home tests are accurate.
According to Vo, “at-home STD screening is a valid alternative for women since detection rates are comparable to samples obtained in a clinic and very well accepted among women.”
There are disadvantages of taking at-home tests, however. Trichomoniasis tests are most accurate when taken 3 weeks after sexual intercourse. Taking an at-home test too soon may skew the results.
Not following the instructions may also lead to inaccurate results.
Generally, visiting your doctor or another healthcare professional is the most reliable method of STI testing.
You’ve decided you might benefit from taking an at-home STD test. But it’s hard to determine the best product for you. Here’s a checklist that can help you choose the right one:
- Ensure the test kit is FDA approved.
- Ensure the testing provider’s labs have certifications that speak to their trustworthiness. You can check if they’re CLIA certified, ISO accredited, or CAP accredited.
- Check if the testing provider’s online platform is HIPAA compliant to safeguard your health information privacy and security.
- If you want your test kit to arrive in discreet packaging, go for those that promise to deliver the kit in plain packaging.
- If you want your test results to arrive earlier than usual, consider at-home test kits that deliver results within a week.
- If you want medical advice with your results, go for testing services that provide doctor consultation too.
- If you’d like to test for other STIs, consider packages that screen other STIs.
Your results may come with an interpretation of what they mean. Regardless, it’s best to meet with a healthcare professional to explain your results and what to do next to improve your sexual health.
Don’t make any decisions based on your results without the guidance of a doctor. If you’re already on any prescribed medications, don’t discontinue them. Also, don’t start any medicines unless a doctor advises you to do so.
See a doctor if your partner(s) tests positive for trichomoniasis or other STIs. You should also talk with a doctor when you get your results for advice on the next steps with your sexual health. If your results show positive, they may prescribe treatment for you.
Most people with trichomoniasis show no symptoms. But when
- itching in the penis
- burning feeling after peeing or ejaculating
- discharge from the penis
People with vulvas may show symptoms like:
- itching
- burning or soreness
- discomfort when peeing
- unusual vaginal discharge color with a fishy smell
Get tested and see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Does health insurance cover at-home trichomoniasis tests?
Most insurance plans cover the cost of in-office STI tests, though coverage depends on many factors.
The coverage of at-home tests, however, varies greatly. Some people will have to pay out of pocket for at-home tests.
While there are affordable tests, other options include free or low cost STI testing.
How often should I get tested?
People who are sexually active with more than one sexual partner should get tested for STIs regularly. The
Though there are no recommendations for trichomoniasis, people who are at high risk of having STIs can discuss getting tested regularly with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Can trichomoniasis go away on its own?
Trichomoniasis shouldn’t be left untreated. It doesn’t go away on its own.
Without treatment, trichomoniasis can lead to severe health problems, especially in people with a vulva. It can also contribute to the transmission of STIs to other partners.
Usually, trichomoniasis is treatable with a single round of antibiotics.
Does trichomoniasis show up on a chlamydia test?
Trichomoniasis can look and act like chlamydia and gonorrhea, which is why many of the at-home STI tests check for all three. It won’t show up on a chlamydia test, however, so it’s best to be tested for all STIs in order to be sure you don’t have trichomoniasis.
Testing for STIs like trichomoniasis has some stigma surrounding it, but sexual health is nothing to be shy about. Since most doctors don’t routinely check for STIs, ask your doctor about testing or explore other options.
Getting tested in a clinical setting is generally the most reliable method of STI testing. If you’re sexually active and want to get tested for trichomoniasis, at-home tests are also an option.
Lacey Bourassa is a health, wellness, and beauty writer based in Southern California. She holds a BA in English. Her work has appeared in digital publications like Livestrong, Verywell, Business Insider, Eat This Not That, and others. When she’s not writing, Lacey is likely pursuing her other interests: skin care, plant-based cooking, Pilates, and traveling. You can keep up with her by visiting her website or her blog.