Diagnosis of trichomoniasis: modern methods of detecting infection
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is sexually transmitted disease, caused by the simplest microorganism Trichomonas vaginalis. It is transmitted mainly sexually and affects the genitourinary system. Trichomoniasis is one of the most common urogenital infections in the world, with more than 200 million cases reported each year, according to the WHO.
The peculiarity of the infection is often asymptomatic, especially in men. That's why timely diagnosis is critical for both treatment and prevention of further spread.
When to get diagnosed
Diagnosis of trichomoniasis is recommended:
if available symptoms (burning, itching, discharge)
at casual sexual contact without protection
at detection of other STIs (often combined with chlamydia, gonorrhea)
in case of pregnancy planning
at history of miscarriages or pregnancy complications
by referral from a gynecologist, urologist or venereologist
What symptoms does trichomoniasis cause?
In women:
copious, foamy, or yellowish-green vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
itching and burning in the vagina
pain when urinating
discomfort during sexual intercourse
sometimes - inflammation of the cervix
In men:
burning sensation when urinating
urethral discharge (often unnoticeable)
pain or discomfort in the perineum
in most cases — asymptomatic course
Methods for diagnosing trichomoniasis
| Method | Precision | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Smear microscopy | ~60–70% | Fast and cheap method, effective at high concentrations of the pathogen |
| Cultural method (sowing) | ~80–95% | Accurate, but takes time (up to 7 days) |
| PCR (polymerase chain reaction) | over 95% | High sensitivity and accuracy, detects pathogen DNA |
| ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) | 80–90% | Detects antibodies or antigens to Trichomonas |
| Rapid tests | up to 85% | Convenient, but less accurate than PCR or culture methods |
How is the examination carried out?
In women take vaginal swab or cervix
In men — urethral scraping or the first portion of urine
Recommended to abstain from sexual contact 48 hours before delivery
Do not use vaginal suppositories or antiseptics on the eve of the analysis
The material is being collected in the morning, before urination (for men)
Advantages of the PCR method
PCR is the most accurate method diagnosis of trichomoniasis, because:
allows you to detect even single copies of the pathogen's DNA
can be held at any stage of the disease
does not depend on the presence of symptoms
suitable for simultaneous testing for multiple STIs
What to do after confirming the diagnosis
Start treatment at the same time as your partner
Most often prescribed metronidazole or tinidazole
Abstain from sexual activity during treatment
Re-examine through 2–3 weeks
Follow hygiene rules, avoid self-medication
Why it is important to treat even asymptomatic trichomoniasis
Increases risk HIV transmission
May cause pelvic inflammatory disease
In men, it causes prostatitis, urethritis, infertility
In pregnant women - premature birth, infection of the newborn
Often causes repeated STIs or complicates their course
Trichomoniasis is not just an unpleasant infection, but a risk factor for serious complications. Timely testing, proper treatment, and shared responsibility of partners are the key to effective prevention and preservation of reproductive health.
Director of Medi Lab Plus LLC, a doctor of the highest category. Has over 45 years of practical experience in medicine and laboratory diagnostics. Founder and head of the laboratory since 2007. More details…