Possible Complications from Trichomoniasis
If you are exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), [2] having untreated trich increases your risk of contracting the infection. HIV can cause AIDS if left untreated. HIV-positive women and other AFAB individuals are more prone to transmit both illnesses to their partners. Because of this, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [3] advise women and people who identify as AFAB who are HIV positive to get tested for trich at least once a year.
Diagnosis and Tests for Trichomoniasis
To diagnose trich, your healthcare professional could run the following tests:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will check your genitalia and talk with you about any symptoms you may be experiencing. It could involve a pelvic exam for those who are AFAB. During this check, your clinician will frequently use a cotton swab to collect a sample of your discharge. Your cervix may appear strawberry-shaped to your healthcare practitioner. An indicator of trich is a “strawberry cervix”.
- Lab test: To look for indications of infection, your doctor looks under a microscope at a sample of your vaginal or penile discharge. If they do not see trichomonads under the microscope, they may send the swab to the lab for additional testing.
If you have Trichomoniasis, your doctor may want to test you for other ATIs as well.
In some cases, your provider may prescribe antibiotics without an exam. This is typically only the case if your sexual partner has the infection and you engage in sexual contact with them while they have it.