This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a single-celled parasite. The CDC calls it the most common curable STI. It is also one of the least talked about, partly because many people who have it feel nothing at all.

This guide takes a science-first look at the organism, what research suggests about how it behaves, how testing works, and how clinicians approach treatment. It also covers where to get tested in New York City. It is written for every gender and orientation.

What trichomoniasis is: the organism behind it

Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite. It is not a bacterium or a virus. That matters because it responds to a different group of medicines than most other STIs.

The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) describe the organism as one that lives in the genital tract. In people with a vagina it is found in the vagina and urethra. In people with a penis it is found mainly in the urethra.

Basic parasite biology, as described in the research literature, includes a few points:

The parasite is a flagellated cell, which means it moves using whip-like tails.
It can change shape and cling to the lining of the genital tract. Research suggests this attachment is part of how it causes irritation.
It does not form a protective shell outside the body the way some parasites do. It depends on moist, warm tissue.

Because it survives poorly outside the body, the CDC says it is passed through sexual contact, including vulva-to-vulva contact and genital contact between partners. It is not spread by hugging, sharing food or sitting on a toilet seat.

Trichomoniasis symptoms: what people notice, and what they often do not

The CDC says that most people with trichomoniasis have no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do appear, the CDC says they usually start within about 5 to 28 days after exposure. For some people they appear much later, and for others they come and go.

In people with a vagina

According to the CDC, trichomoniasis symptoms can include:

Vaginal discharge that may be thin or frothy, may change in color, and may have an unusual odor
Itching, burning, redness or soreness in the genital area
Burning when urinating
Discomfort during sex

In people with a penis

The CDC lists these possible symptoms:

Itching or irritation inside the penis
Burning after urinating or after ejaculation
Discharge from the penis

These symptoms are not specific to trichomoniasis. Other infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, can look similar, and so can non-infectious irritation. Only a test can tell the difference, and only a clinician can interpret the result. Our guide to chlamydia symptoms, testing and treatment in New York City covers a related infection that often shares the same visit.

What research suggests about why it matters

Researchers study trichomoniasis because of what it can do beyond the genital tract. These findings are observations from the literature, summarized by the CDC, and not guarantees about any one person.

HIV. The CDC says trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation, and research suggests this may make it easier to acquire HIV. For people who already have HIV, the CDC notes it may increase the chance of passing HIV to a partner.
Pregnancy. The CDC says trichomoniasis in pregnancy has been associated with preterm delivery and lower birth weight. A clinician can discuss testing and treatment during pregnancy.
Other infections. The CDC notes that people with trichomoniasis may be more likely to have other STIs at the same time. This is one reason a clinician may suggest a broader panel.

Why a person may have no symptoms is still an active area of research. Studies suggest the immune response, the strain of the parasite and the site of infection may all play a role. Because symptoms are an unreliable guide, testing is the only way to find out.

How trichomoniasis testing works

The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) recommend nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAATs, for detecting trichomoniasis. A NAAT looks for the genetic material of the parasite. The CDC describes NAATs as more sensitive than older methods such as looking at a sample under a microscope.

Depending on the clinic, the sample may be:

A vaginal swab, which can be collected by a clinician or, in many settings, by the patient
A urine sample, which the CDC lists as an option for people with a penis
A swab from the urethra in some cases

The CDC does not publish a single window period for trichomoniasis the way it does for HIV. If you are unsure whether it is too soon to test after a recent exposure, ask the clinician when testing makes the most sense for your situation.

The CDC does not recommend routine screening for trichomoniasis in all people without symptoms. It does recommend screening for women with HIV at entry to care and at least once a year. A clinician can tell you whether testing is appropriate for you, based on symptoms, partners and health history.

Trichomoniasis treatment: what a clinician prescribes

Trichomoniasis is curable. The CDC says treatment is a prescription antimicrobial medicine, taken by mouth, from a clinician. Which medicine and how long it is taken is a clinician's decision, and the CDC guidelines note that the approach can differ by sex and circumstances. Do not use leftover medicine or medicine from a friend.

A few points on safety and contraindications, in general terms:

Tell the clinician about allergies and other medicines. Some medicines used for trichomoniasis can interact with other drugs. Clinicians also give guidance about alcohol, and that guidance depends on which medicine is prescribed.
Tell the clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The CDC guidelines include specific guidance for both situations, and the choice of medicine may change.
Tell the clinician about liver disease or a history of neurological problems. These can affect which medicine is safest.
Side effects exist. Nausea or a metallic taste are among the effects people sometimes report. Ask the clinician or pharmacist what to watch for and when to call.

Finish the full course the clinician prescribes, even if symptoms fade. The CDC advises avoiding sex until treatment is complete and any symptoms have gone, and until partners have been treated as well.

Retesting and partner treatment

Reinfection is common, so the CDC recommends retesting for sexually active women about three months after treatment. A clinician can advise whether retesting makes sense for people of other genders and anatomy.

Partners matter too. If a partner is not treated, the parasite can pass back and forth. The CDC recommends that recent sex partners be evaluated and treated.

New York has a law that can help. The NY Senate text of Public Health Law § 2312 covers expedited partner therapy, which in some situations lets a clinician provide treatment for a patient's partner without a separate visit first. NYC Health says the infections for which CDC recommends this approach are chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Ask your clinician whether it applies to you.

Quality indicators: how to judge a test and a clinic

A deep dive on a product would end with sourcing advice. Here, the useful version is how to tell whether testing and care are sound. These are things to look for, not brands to buy.

The test type is named. You can ask whether the lab uses a NAAT, since that is the method the CDC recommends.
A licensed clinician reviews the result. A result with no follow-up path is not much use if it is positive.
The clinic covers more than one infection. Trichomoniasis often comes up alongside chlamydia and gonorrhea, so a full panel visit is a good fit. See our overview of where to get STD testing in New York City.
Treatment and retesting are part of the plan. Good care includes a prescription from a clinician, advice on partners and a plan for retesting.
Costs and privacy are stated plainly. If a page does not list a price, ask before the visit.

Be wary of anything that promises certainty. No test is perfect, and a negative result reflects the moment of testing.

Where to get tested in New York City

NYC Health runs Sexual Health Clinics that offer STD testing, HIV testing, treatment, PrEP, PEP, doxy-PEP and HPV vaccine for patients getting other sexual health services. NYC Health says the clinics are low- to no-cost. Adults 19 and older are asked for insurance or a sliding-scale fee. No proof of income is required, no payment is collected at the clinic, and no one is turned away for inability to pay.

Most services are walk-in only, and clinics may close early once they reach capacity. The clinic hotline is 347-396-7959, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. NYC Health does not list a separate number for each clinic. You can also see the local testing list on this site.

Clinic	Address	Hours listed by NYC Health
Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic (and Chelsea Express Clinic)	303 9th Avenue, First Floor, Manhattan, NY 10001	Mon to Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Express: Mon and Wed to Fri 8:30 to 3:30, Tue 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic	2238 Fifth Avenue, First Floor, Manhattan, NY 10037	Mon to Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Fort Greene Sexual Health Clinic (and Express Clinic)	295 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn, NY 11201	Mon to Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Express: Mon and Wed to Fri 8:30 to 3:30, Tue 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Morrisania Sexual Health Clinic	1309 Fulton Avenue, Second Floor, Bronx, NY 10456	Mon to Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jamaica Sexual Health Clinic	90-37 Parsons Boulevard, First Floor, Queens, NY 11432	Mon to Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Corona Sexual Health Clinic	34-33 Junction Boulevard, First Floor, Queens, NY 11372	Mon to Wed and Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thu, 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

NYC Health says the Chelsea main clinic does not offer rapid results and that results usually take about seven days. The Chelsea and Fort Greene Express clinics have a Quickie Lab with rapid chlamydia and gonorrhea results. The pages we reviewed do not say that rapid results include trichomoniasis, so ask the clinic. Crown Heights and Riverside clinics are closed until further notice. NYC Health does not list an open sexual health clinic on Staten Island, so Staten Island residents may choose a clinic in another borough or call the hotline.

Community and youth options

Callen-Lorde Chelsea, 356 W 18th St, Manhattan, 212-271-7200. This LGBTQ+ community health center offers STD testing and treatment. Callen-Lorde says services are provided regardless of ability to pay, with a sliding fee for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Sexual health visits are mainly by appointment, with limited walk-in. Saturday walk-in runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., first come, first served. Callen-Lorde also lists sites in the Bronx (718-215-1800) and Brooklyn (718-215-1818).
Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, 312-320 East 94th Street, Manhattan, 212-423-3000. It serves young people ages 10 to 26 and says its services are completely free. Walk-in hours are Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For other options, the CDC's national locator at gettested.cdc.gov lets you look up testing sites by ZIP code.

Privacy for young people

NY Public Health Law § 2305 lets a licensed physician diagnose and treat a person under 21 for an STD without parental consent or knowledge, according to the NY Senate. NYC Health says its Sexual Health Clinics serve anyone 12 or older without parental consent, regardless of immigration status.

Taking the next step

Trichomoniasis is common, curable and often silent. A NAAT, a conversation with a clinician and a plan for partners are the main steps. If you have symptoms, or a partner has been diagnosed, a clinic visit is a practical place to start. If you are unsure about timing, the clinic can help you decide.

Trichomoniasis: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment in New York City