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.