Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Trichomonas infection testing

Who should get tested for trichomonas infection?

If you or your partner are worried that you may have a trichomonas infection, see a doctor straight away.

You can visit your local GP surgery, or a sexual health service (for example a family planning or GUM clinic). These are specialist clinics that deal with sexually transmitted infections, are completely confidential, and you and your partner can ‘self-refer’ (that means you can go along without having to see your GP first).

Find your nearest sexual health service

back to top

What's involved in testing for trichomonas infection?

Getting tested is painless, simple and straightforward.

You may be asked to provide a urine sample, or the nurse or doctor may use a swab to collect a sample of discharge from the vagina or penis.

A swab looks a bit like a cotton bud, and collecting a sample only takes a few seconds and is not painful, although it may be a little uncomfortable for a moment.

back to top

How can I tell my partner if I test positive for trichomonas infection?

Some people can feel upset, angry, frightened or embarrassed about discussing sexually transmitted infections with their current or former partner(s).

If you do test positive for TV, you may need to tell your current and previous partner(s), so that they can also be tested. Sexual health staff can help you by giving advice about who should be contacted and the best way to contact them.

Your clinic can arrange, with your permission, a ‘contact slip’ to be given to your partner(s). This is called ‘partner notification’ or ‘contact tracing’. The slip explains to the person that they may have been exposed to an STI and that they should go for a check-up. The slip does not give your name, and your details will remain totally confidential.

Nobody can force you to tell your partner(s) about having an STI, but it is strongly recommended. Left untested and untreated, people with trichomonas infection can pass it on to others.

Read more about breaking bad news of sexually transmitted infections

back to top