InstalabChlamydia, Gonorrhoeae & Trichomonas Vaginalis
Should you take a Chlamydia, Gonorrhoeae & Trichomonas Vaginalis test?
This test is most useful if any of these apply to you.
About Chlamydia, Gonorrhoeae & Trichomonas Vaginalis
Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world, yet it is one of the least tested for. The CDC estimates that roughly 3.7 million people in the United States are infected at any given time. About 70% of them have no symptoms at all. Unlike chlamydia and gonorrhea, trichomoniasis is not a reportable infection in most states, which means it receives far less public health attention and is routinely left out of standard STI panels.
This test detects the RNA (genetic material) of Trichomonas vaginalis, the single-celled parasite that causes trichomoniasis, using a technology called nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). NAAT is the most sensitive method available for detecting this parasite and catches infections that older laboratory methods miss roughly half the time.
Why Trichomoniasis Matters
Trichomoniasis causes inflammation of the genital tract that creates real health consequences beyond the infection itself. The most significant is its effect on HIV risk: studies have found that trichomoniasis increases the risk of acquiring HIV by roughly 1.5-fold. The parasite disrupts the protective lining of the genital tract, making it easier for HIV and other infections to enter the body.
In pregnant women, trichomoniasis is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. In men, it can cause painful inflammation of the urinary tract and may contribute to prostate problems. For everyone, an active trichomoniasis infection increases vulnerability to other sexually transmitted infections and makes transmission of those infections to partners more likely.
The Gap in Standard STI Screening
Most routine STI screening covers chlamydia and gonorrhea but does not include trichomoniasis. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for sexually active women under 25, but trichomoniasis is not part of that recommendation. The CDC recommends trichomoniasis screening for women living with HIV, but for the general population, testing is typically only done when symptoms are present, which misses the majority of cases.
This gap means that a person can complete a standard STI panel, receive all-clear results for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and still be carrying an undetected trichomoniasis infection. This test closes that gap.
How to Read Your Results
The result is reported as either detected (positive) or not detected (negative). There are no borderline values or gray zones. A positive result means the genetic material of Trichomonas vaginalis was found in your sample, confirming active infection.
| Result | What It Means | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Not detected | No evidence of Trichomonas vaginalis at the time of collection | Retest based on risk factors; consider pairing with chlamydia and gonorrhea screening |
| Detected | Active trichomoniasis infection confirmed | Treat with prescribed antiparasitic medication, notify recent sexual partners, retest in 3 months, and screen for HIV and other STIs |
| Not detected after recent exposure (under 2 weeks) | May be too early to detect; the parasite may not have reached detectable levels | Retest in 2 to 4 weeks if exposure was recent |
Pairing with Other STI Tests
Because trichomoniasis shares risk factors with chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, a positive result should prompt testing for those infections if it has not been done recently. Co-infection is common: trichomoniasis frequently coexists with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Testing for trichomoniasis alongside a standard chlamydia and gonorrhea panel gives a more complete picture of sexual health than either test alone.
A positive trichomoniasis result in particular warrants HIV testing, given the established link between trichomoniasis and increased HIV acquisition risk. Syphilis screening is also recommended as part of any thorough STI workup.
When to Retest
If your result is positive and you complete treatment, retest in 3 months. Reinfection is common, particularly if sexual partners are not treated at the same time. For ongoing risk, consider annual screening or more frequent testing if you have new or multiple sexual partners. Pregnant women should be screened early in pregnancy, especially those with HIV or other risk factors.