This webpage is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosing Trichomoniasis
Females
Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to look for swelling and abnormal discharge and take a swab sample from your vagina. The sample will be sent to a lab, where a test will show if trichomonas vaginalis is causing the problem. Occasionally trichomoniasis will appear on a routine Pap test.
Males
Your doctor will take a swab sample from your penis. The sample will be sent to a lab, where a test will show if trichomoniasis is causing the problem. If your partner is diagnosed with trichomoniasis you’ll be treated regardless of your test results.
Treatment
Flagyl® (metronidazole) is the most effective treatment for trichomoniasis. Your doctor will prescribe pills.
You might feel sick to your stomach or have diarrhea while taking Flagyl®. Other side effects include a persistent, dry metallic taste in the mouth and less vaginal lubrication.
Combining alcohol and Flagyl® will cause you to vomit. Don’t drink wine, liquor, beer or any other alcohol while taking Flagyl® and for 48 hours after finishing treatment.
Don’t have intercourse while you’re being treated. All of your sexual partners must also be treated so you don’t get re-infected.
If you finish your Flagyl® medication and still have symptoms, return to your doctor for more testing and treatment.
Left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can cause infertility.
Types of Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STIs)
