Testing for trichomoniasis in males typically involves a urine sample or a urethral swab, with the most accurate option being a DNA-based lab test called a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Unlike in women, where several testing methods work reliably, diagnosing trichomoniasis in men has historically been more difficult because the parasite is harder to detect in male specimens. Only a few tests are FDA-cleared specifically for use in men.
Why Testing in Men Is Different
Trichomoniasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that, in men, tends to live in the urethra in relatively low numbers. That low parasite load makes older detection methods unreliable. Wet mount microscopy, where a clinician looks at a sample under a microscope, works reasonably well for vaginal specimens but is generally too insensitive to catch the infection in male urine or urethral samples. Culture testing (growing the parasite in a lab) has been the traditional validated method for men, but it’s slower and still misses some cases.
The practical result: if you’re a man concerned about trichomoniasis, you need to specifically request a test that’s designed to detect it. Standard STI panels often screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea but skip trichomoniasis entirely, especially in male patients.
The Most Accurate Tests for Men
NAATs work by amplifying tiny amounts of the parasite’s genetic material, making them far more sensitive than microscopy or culture. Two NAAT-based tests are currently FDA-cleared for male urine samples:
- GeneXpert TV: A rapid test that delivers results in under one hour. In male urine samples, it has a sensitivity of 97.2% to 100% and a specificity of 99.4% to 99.9%. Because it’s fast, some clinics can run it on-site as a point-of-care test.
- BD Max CT/GC/TV: A lab-based panel that screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis simultaneously from a single urine sample. Its sensitivity and specificity for trichomoniasis range from 96.2% to 100% and 99.1% to 100%, depending on specimen type.
The CDC also notes that the APTIMA assay, while not formally FDA-cleared for male specimens, can be used with male urine or urethral swabs when validated by the testing laboratory. In practice, many large labs use APTIMA for this purpose.
What the Test Involves
For most men, testing means providing a urine sample. There’s no blood draw or invasive procedure. You’ll collect a small amount of urine in a cup at the clinic or lab, and it’s sent for analysis.
One important detail: you should avoid urinating for at least one hour before providing your sample. Urinating too recently can flush away parasite material from the urethra and reduce the test’s accuracy. One study found that first-void urine specimens (collected first thing in the morning or after a long hold) performed better than samples collected after recent urination.
In some cases, a clinician may collect a urethral swab instead of or alongside a urine sample. This involves inserting a thin swab a short distance into the opening of the penis. It’s briefly uncomfortable but takes only a few seconds.
Turnaround Time for Results
If your clinic uses the GeneXpert rapid test, you could have results within an hour during your visit. Most lab-based NAATs take one to three business days, depending on the facility. Culture, when used, can take up to a week because the parasite needs time to grow.
Why Most Men Don’t Know They Have It
Only about 10% of men with trichomoniasis develop noticeable symptoms like urethral discharge or irritation at the tip of the penis. The vast majority carry the infection without any signs at all. Without treatment, the infection can persist for months to years, and you can pass it to sexual partners throughout that time.
That silent nature is exactly why testing matters. Left untreated, trichomoniasis in men is linked to inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), swelling of the epididymis (the structure behind each testicle that stores sperm), bladder inflammation, and an increased risk of prostate cancer. It also raises the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV.
When to Retest After Treatment
Treatment for trichomoniasis is a short course of oral antibiotics, and the cure rate is high. The CDC recommends retesting three months after treatment to check for repeat infection, since reinfection from an untreated partner is common. Retesting too soon after finishing antibiotics can produce a false positive because dead parasite DNA may still be detectable. The three-month window gives enough time for any residual genetic material to clear while also catching new infections early.
How to Get Tested
You can request a trichomoniasis test through your primary care provider, a sexual health clinic, or a urologist. Be specific: ask for a NAAT test for Trichomonas vaginalis on a urine sample. Some at-home STI test kits now include trichomoniasis panels for men, though availability varies. If you’re being screened for other STIs, it’s worth asking whether trichomoniasis is included, because it often isn’t part of routine male screening unless you specifically request it or report symptoms.