Barbara Cooke Trichomoniasis Globally, an estimated 170 million people acquired Trichomonas vaginalis, a sexually transmitted parasite, in 1997. Mens' symptoms can include unusual penile discharge, painful urination, and tingling inside the penis, but many men have no symptoms for years. The healthcare provider will collect a sample of secretions from the penis or vagina and send it to a lab to see if trichomonas is present. It may take up to 2 weeks to get the result.
Some providers can do a quick office examination of vaginal secretions.
Trichomoniasis is spread through sexual contact. Trichomonas can also survive on infected sheets and towels, and could possibly be transmitted by sharing them.