About the Trichomoniasis Test

What can I expect from the test?

This test requires the submission of a small urine sample. Because of this, you should refrain from urinating for about an hour before your appointment.

When you enter our clinic, you will be asked for your name and date of birth, to verify your appointment. You will then be handed a collection cup and directed to a private room to provide a sample of your urine. When you're done providing the sample, you can leave. The process is completely private and takes just a few minutes.

What does the test screen for?

This test screens for the presence of the following infections:

• Trichomonas vaginalis, commonly known as trich
• Gardnerella vaginalis, a related bacterial infection found in females only

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis (or "trich") is a very common STI. It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected.

About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go. Women with trichomoniasis may notice itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals; discomfort with urination; or a change in their vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with an unusual fishy smell.

What are the symptoms of gardnerella?

Gardnerella vaginalis, sometimes known as gardneralla, is a bacterium that can sometimes cause a condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. BV often occurs when there is too much of a certain bacteria in the vagina. This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, allowing gardnerella to multiply in large numbers. Once the populations of normal vaginal bacteria have been overtaken, symptoms of BV often occur.

People who have gardnerella often experience no symptoms. Women can experience a vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation, and a fish-like odor from the vagina. It is unlikely for men to become infected, although they can help spread gardnerella from one female partner to another.

How do you contract a trich or gardneralla infection?

You can get trich or gardnerella by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has that STI. These STIs can also be spread from an infected woman to her baby during childbirth.

How long does it take to get my results?

If you test at one of our Twin Cities locations, you will receive your test results within one business day. If you test at our Bemidji or Rochester clinics, test results are available within two business days.

What does a positive test result mean?

If your test returns a positive result that means that you have an active infection and need treatment. If your test returns a negative result that means the bacteria were not found in your urine and you do not currently have an active infection.

What treatment is available?

If you test positive for trich or gardnerella, you can schedule a convenient telemedicine visit with one of our providers to discuss treatment options and next steps. Our provider will prescribe the appropriate oral antibiotic, such as metronidazole or tinidazole, to stop the infection.