Testing for Trichomonas Vaginalis

Trichomonas Vaginalis is not a particularly well known sexually transmitted illness, but it is one which can be contracted through unprotected sexual intercourse. This article provides a brief introduction to Trichomonas Vaginalis and its symptoms, and then goes on to describe how you can test for the condition and seek testing if you suffer from any of the signs of the disease.

What is Trichomonas Vaginalis?

Trichomonas Vaginalis is not as serious as other STIs, but it is one with unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms. Unlike some other STIs like Herpes and Chlamydia which, if left untreated, penetrate deep into the reproductive tract and can cause serious fertility problems, Trichomonas Vaginalis doesn’t go any deeper than the urethra.

The symptoms of Trichomonas Vaginalis are a discharge which will often be a green/yellow color, accompanied by a burning or painful sensation during urination and an increase in the frequency of urination. Women will often experience pain if they have sex whilst suffering from Trichomonas Vaginalis. That being said, about half of these infections present with no symptoms.

How do I test for Trichomonas Vaginalis?

You can receive STD tests from either your GP or a sexual health clinic on the NHS. The former will suggest an STI test if you are suffering from symptoms that suggest an STI, and the latter will be at a facility designed and dedicated to discretion and sensitivity. At a sexual health clinic you can receive advice about how STIs and the best way to go about testing and treating for them.

You can also test for Trichomonas Vaginalis through private testing providers. These include both private healthcare providers and dedicated STI testing services. Many people now opt for the option of internet based mail order testing agencies because of the confidentiality these can offer.

The test for Trichomonas Vaginalis is based on a technology which amplifies DNA found in either a urine sample of a genital swab. DNA is the genetic blueprint individual to each organism, and by testing for it a Trichomonas Vaginalis screen can yield a very accurate diagnosis.

How is Trichomonas Vaginalis treated?

Trichomonas is relatively easy to treat with a 7 day course of Metronidazole. Trichomonas Vaginalis is not a bacterial, viral, or fungal illness, it is caused by a separate kind of microorganism that not many people have heard of called a protozoan.

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