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 the most common curable sexually transmitted infection, according to the CDC. It is caused by a single-celled parasite, and many people who carry it never notice a thing.

This guide covers how the organism works, what trichomoniasis symptoms can look like in different bodies, how testing works, and what trichomoniasis treatment involves. It also covers where people in Miami can get tested.

What causes trichomoniasis

The cause is a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is not a virus and not a bacterium. That difference matters, because it determines which medicines work and which tests can find it.

In the language of the CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021), it is a flagellated protozoan. It moves with whip-like tails and lives on the surfaces of the genital tract. In people with a vagina, it is found in the vagina and sometimes the urethra. In people with a penis, it is found mainly in the urethra.

It spreads through genital contact, including vaginal sex and genital-to-genital rubbing. It can pass between partners of any gender. It is not typically found in the throat or rectum, and the CDC does not list those as common sites.

Because it is a parasite and not a bacterium, treatment uses a different drug class than the one used for chlamydia. If you also want to read about that infection, see our guide to chlamydia symptoms, testing and treatment in Miami.

Trichomoniasis symptoms, by sex

The CDC says most people with trichomoniasis do not have signs or symptoms. That is the main reason it spreads quietly. It also means symptoms alone are a poor guide to whether a test is worth getting.

In people with a vagina

When symptoms appear, the CDC and the 2021 guidelines describe:

Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals
Discomfort when urinating
A change in vaginal discharge, which can be thin or more frothy and may look clear, white, yellow or green
Sometimes an odor
Lower abdominal discomfort, which is less common

In people with a penis

The CDC notes that symptoms are less common in men. When they occur, they can include:

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

Timing

Symptoms, when they happen, can begin within weeks of exposure or much later. The CDC also notes that an infection can be present for a long time without signs. That makes it hard to guess when it started or who passed it on.

These signs overlap with many other conditions, including yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and non-infectious irritation. Only a test can separate them. A clinician can sort out the possibilities.

What the research suggests

Researchers have looked at trichomoniasis from several angles. These are observations from the literature that the CDC summarizes, not guarantees about any one person.

Prevalence and silent infection

The CDC estimates that millions of people in the United States have trichomoniasis at any given time. It says infection is more common in women than in men. It also says prevalence rises with age, which sets it apart from chlamydia and gonorrhea. Research suggests this pattern is part of why testing is easy to overlook in older adults.

Links with HIV

The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) note that trichomoniasis is associated with a higher risk of acquiring HIV. The guidelines also note that women with HIV who have trichomoniasis may be more likely to have genital inflammation. For that reason, the CDC recommends that women with HIV be screened for trichomoniasis when they enter care and at least once a year.

Pregnancy

The guidelines describe an association between trichomoniasis in pregnancy and outcomes such as preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes and low birth weight. The CDC says treatment is recommended for pregnant people with symptoms. A prenatal clinician is the right person to talk with about testing during pregnancy.

Persistence and reinfection

Studies summarized by the CDC suggest that repeat infection is common in the months after treatment, usually from an untreated partner or a new exposure rather than from treatment failure. That finding shapes the retesting and partner advice below.

How trichomoniasis is tested

The 2021 CDC guidelines recommend a nucleic acid amplification test, or NAAT, as a highly sensitive way to find trichomoniasis. A NAAT looks for the parasite's genetic material. It can be run on a vaginal swab, an endocervical swab or a urine sample. In men, the guidelines describe urine as an option, along with urethral swabs.

Older approaches exist. A microscope exam of a vaginal sample (a wet mount) is quick, but the CDC notes it misses a good share of infections. Rapid antigen tests and DNA probe tests are also used in some settings. A clinician decides which one fits the setting.

Window periods

The CDC does not publish a single standard window period for trichomoniasis in the way it does for HIV. If a recent exposure is worrying you, ask a clinician when a test would be most informative for you. Do not rely on a number from an unsourced website.

Who may want to ask about testing

The CDC guidelines recommend considering testing for people with symptoms and for women with HIV. They also describe testing for women at higher risk, such as those with multiple partners, a history of STIs or a history of exchanging sex for payment. Many people are comfortable asking for a full panel at a visit. Whether trichomoniasis is part of that panel varies by clinic, so ask directly.

Trichomoniasis treatment

Trichomoniasis is curable. The CDC guidelines state that it is treated with a prescription antimicrobial from the nitroimidazole class. Only a clinician can prescribe it, and the clinician chooses the specific medicine and how it is taken, based on the person's situation. This article does not give doses or schedules.

Over-the-counter products and home remedies are not substitutes. Because symptoms overlap with yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis, treating the wrong condition can delay the right care.

Safety profile and contraindications

Research and CDC guidance point to several things a clinician reviews before prescribing:

Allergies. A history of reaction to a nitroimidazole medicine is a reason to tell the clinician right away. The CDC describes alternatives and desensitization approaches for people with true allergy, managed by a clinician.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The CDC guidelines discuss treatment in both situations. They say the benefits and risks are weighed with the clinician, and that some options apply during breastfeeding with timing guidance. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are nursing.
Alcohol. Alcohol advice has varied by medicine and over time in CDC guidance. Ask the prescriber what applies to the specific medicine you are given.
Other medicines and conditions. Liver disease and certain other medicines can matter. Share a full list with the clinician or pharmacist.
Common side effects. Nausea, an unpleasant taste or stomach upset are the kinds of effects clinicians commonly mention. Ask what to do if side effects are bothersome, and do not stop early without checking.

Reaching someone quickly is the safest course if a rash, swelling, trouble breathing or severe symptoms follow a dose. Urgent care or 911 is appropriate for severe reactions.

Retesting and partner care

Retesting

The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) recommend retesting for all sexually active women within three months after treatment, because reinfection is common. The guidelines say testing in men may also be considered. A clinician can tell you when a retest makes sense after your treatment.

Partners

The CDC says sex partners should be evaluated and treated, even if they have no symptoms. Passing the infection back and forth between partners is a common reason for repeat infection. The CDC advises that people avoid sex until they and their partners have completed treatment and any symptoms have gone away. A clinician can tell you how that applies to your situation.

Florida has a specific route for this. The CDC's summary of Florida law says that under Fla. Stat. § 384.27, a clinician may provide expedited partner therapy, meaning a prescription for a partner who is unlikely to come in. The conditions are a diagnosis (lab-confirmed or a suspected clinical diagnosis), sexual contact with that partner reported by the patient, and a partner who is unable or unlikely to seek care in a timely way. Pharmacists may fill these prescriptions. Ask your clinician whether it fits your case, and whether it covers trichomoniasis specifically.

Privacy and minors

Under Fla. Stat. § 384.30, as published by the Florida Legislature, any minor may consent to examination and treatment for sexually transmissible diseases. The statute says a minor's consultation, exam and treatment are confidential and may not be disclosed directly or indirectly, such as by billing a parent or guardian. The law applies to the Department of Health, licensed physicians and certain other licensed professionals, and qualified health facilities.

Quality indicators: what to look for in testing and care

Since this guide is about science and not a product, "quality" here means the traits of a good testing visit. These are based on the CDC guidance above.

The method is stated. A NAAT is the CDC-recommended approach. A clinic can tell you which test it runs.
Trichomoniasis is actually on the menu. Some panels cover chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV, but not trichomoniasis. Ask.
Treatment is connected. A clinician can prescribe the medicine and explain partner and retesting steps.
Results come with a person. You should be able to discuss results and next steps with someone licensed to advise you.
Costs are clear. A clinic that publishes a fee schedule or sliding scale lets you plan. If one is not posted, ask before the visit.

Where to get tested in Miami

Miami has several public and community options. The local testing list at our Miami clinics list is a good place to compare them, and our guide to STD testing in Miami, where to get tested and what it costs goes deeper on cost.

One caution applies to every option. The pages we reviewed do not all state whether trichomoniasis testing is included. Call first and ask.

Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County

The health department's STI clinics are at the Health District Center, 1350 NW 14th St., Suite 350, Miami, FL 33125, and at the West Perrine Health Center, 18255 Homestead Ave., Miami, FL 33157. Appointments are scheduled at 305-575-3800.

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County says on its STI page that it offers "low or no-cost testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV." The page does not list trichomoniasis testing or a fee schedule. The published hours for the Health District Center are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., closing at noon on the first and third Fridays. West Perrine lists Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., closing at noon on third Fridays. Confirm hours before you go. For general questions, the department's disease control line is 305-470-5660.

Community health centers

Care Resource, Midtown Miami (3510 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137; 305-576-1234). CDC GetTested lists free STI and HIV testing with no appointment required. Care Resource says it offers a sliding fee scale for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Testing hours are listed as Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Borinquen Medical Centers (3601 Federal Hwy, Miami, FL 33137; 305-576-6611). CDC GetTested lists HIV and STI tests as free with no appointment required, and says the center accepts insurance, Medicaid and Medicare and offers a sliding scale.
Jessie Trice Community Health System (5361 NW 22nd Ave, Miami, FL 33147; 305-637-6400). CDC GetTested lists HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea tests, a sliding scale and no appointment required. Syphilis is not listed for this site, and no free services are listed.
University of Miami Rapid Access Wellness Clinic (1120 NW 14th St, Miami, FL 33136; 305-243-2584). CDC GetTested lists free STI and HIV tests and says an appointment is required.

Pridelines runs free HIV testing and mobile outreach from Miami Beach (1130 Washington Ave, First Floor, Miami Beach, FL 33139; 305-571-9601). That site is in Miami Beach, not the City of Miami.

Searching the national directory

The CDC's GetTested directory lets you look up sites by ZIP code and filter by service. Hours there can change, so confirm with the clinic.

A note on local numbers

Florida's reportable disease list for practitioners, published by the Florida Department of Health, names chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV. For context, FLHealthCHARTS reports a 2025 chlamydia rate of 471.5 per 100,000 in Miami-Dade County, compared with 410.8 per 100,000 statewide. The sources we reviewed did not publish a Miami-Dade trichomoniasis rate, so we do not offer one.

Questions people ask

Can trichomoniasis come back after treatment?

Yes, reinfection is possible, mostly through an untreated partner or a new exposure. That is why the CDC recommends retesting and partner treatment.

Is trichomoniasis the same as a yeast infection?

No. They have different causes and different treatments, and symptoms can look alike. A test is how a clinician tells them apart.

Is it curable?

Yes. The CDC says trichomoniasis is curable with prescription treatment from a clinician. This differs from HIV, herpes and HPV, which are treatable or manageable but not curable.

The takeaway

Trichomoniasis is common, curable and often silent. A NAAT is the CDC-recommended test, a clinician prescribes treatment, and retesting and partner care help prevent a repeat infection.

In Miami, free and low-cost options exist, including the county health department and several community health centers. Call ahead and ask whether trichomoniasis is part of the testing they offer.

Trichomoniasis: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment in Miami