Trichomonas
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, trichomoniasis is the most common, curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) in young, sexually active women. In this country, an estimated 7.4 million new cases occur each year in women and men, with the highest number of cases seen in women between the age of 16 and 35 years.
Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most common causes of vaginitis in women. Symptoms include:
- Vaginal swelling
- Itching, irritation, soreness
- Burning sensation
- Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge
- Foul-smell
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Possible blood-spotting
These symptoms may take several days to several weeks to develop; however, treatment is easy with prescription antibiotics. All current sexual activity should cease during treatment, and any partners should be treated at the same time to avoid re-infection.
A long-term, non-treated infection may cause tissue changes in the cervix of women, which can be detected during a Pap smear. Having trichomoniasis during pregnancy can cause complications and may contribute to premature birth or having a baby with low birth weight.
How is the sample collected for testing?
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
