A sexually transmitted disease, trichomoniasis commonly occurs in women ages 16 to 35, according to MedlinePlus. Caused by the bacterium Trichomonas vaginalis, trichomoniasis can survive in the penis or vagina, but not in the rectum or mouth. In women, trichomoniasis can cause vaginal discharge, odor and itching. Men with trichomoniasis can have burning after urination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that since trichomoniasis is harder to diagnose in men, doctors rely on the female partner's diagnosis to determine treatment. The doctor may perform one or more of the tests when diagnosing trichomoniasis.
Wet Mount
The vaginal wet mount test allows the doctor to examine the presence of the parasite in vaginal discharge. Using a speculum, a plastic or metal tool, the doctor opens up the woman's vagina. After opening the vagina, the doctor inserts a sterile and moistened swab to get a sample of the vaginal discharge, MedlinePlus says. A laboratory technician examines the sample under a microscope, looking for signs of the parasite. When collecting the sample of the vaginal discharge, the doctor may notice changes. For example, the discharge can appear greenish-yellow or foamy.
Pelvic Examination
When testing for trichomoniasis, the doctor will perform a pelvic examination. To perform a pelvic examination, the doctor also uses a speculum to open up the vagina, according to MayoClinic.com. The doctor can then visually examine the woman's vagina and cervix. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that trichomoniasis causes small, red sores to form on the cervix or the vaginal wall.
Pap Smear
A doctor may also do a Pap smear, or Pap test, as part of the diagnostics for trichomoniasis. The MayoClinic.com points out that the doctor can do the Pap smear as part of the pelvic examination. With the speculum still in place, the doctor uses a plastic or wooden spatula to collect a sample of the tissue. MedlinePlus notes that the doctor collects cells from around the opening of the cervix and in the cervical canal, which is the opening of the cervix. When gathering a sample from the cervical canal, the doctor may also use a small brush. Once the doctor collects the cervical sample, he sends it to a laboratory, where the technician will look for abnormalities in the cells.
