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With any sexual activity, there is always a risk of being infected by an STI. In some circumstances, you are more likely to receive an STI and knowing about these situations can help you and your health care professional decide if you need to get tested. You will probably need to be tested if:  You have had unprotected sex with a new partner. You or your partner has had unprotected sex with others. Your partner tells you they have a sexually transmitted disease. You are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Your doctor or nurse notices abnormal vaginal discharge or your cervix is red and inflamed. Your doctor or health care provider will ask to collect vaginal cell tissue or discharge from your vagina by using a cotton swab. Sometimes the swab may look like a plastic loop rather than a cotton tip. The tool is wiped over parts of the body that could be infected such as inside your vagina or around it. This is often painless with only a bit of discomfort.  Your doctor might be able to immediately examine the sample under a microscope and let you know your results right away. Or you may have to wait 7-10 days for your results. During this waiting period, be sure to avoid any sexual activity so you don't spread an infection if you have one. Blood tests and cervical screening tests don't test for trichomoniasis. Be sure to ask specifically for a trichomoniasis or STI test. If your test comes back positive, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat trichomoniasis. At times, your doctor might even prescribe medication to you before your tests come in just in case. Your doctor will most likely prescribe you an oral antibiotic called metronidazole (Flagyl) which stops the growth of bacteria and protozoa (trichomoniasis is a protozoan parasite). Side effects include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, changes in taste, and dry mouth. It can also cause your urine to come out darker in colour.  Be sure to notify your doctor if you are or may be pregnant. Metronidazole is safe for pregnant women. Do not drink alcohol while taking these antibiotics. Contact your doctor if your side effects persist or worsen to a point where it disrupts your day to day life. Tell your doctor immediately or go to an emergency clinic if you experience seizures, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, or mood or mental changes. Many women who have trichomoniasis also have bacterial vaginosis. Fortunately, the antibiotics used to treat trichomoniasis also treat bacterial vaginosis.
Recognize when you are at risk of getting STI/STDs. Allow your doctor to collect cell samples from your vagina to test for trichomoniasis. Take antibiotics prescribed to you by your doctor if you do have trichomoniasis.