What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The CDC estimates that over 2 million trichomoniasis infections occurred in the United States in 2018, making it one of the most common curable STIs among Americans.
While it can infect people of any gender, it is more commonly diagnosed in women. Trichomoniasis can affect the lower genital tract in women (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra) and the urethra in men.
Symptoms & Causes
About 70% of people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms, so they may have the infection without knowing it. However, when symptoms do occur, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. They may appear within 5 to 28 days after exposure, though some people may not develop symptoms until much later.
Trichomoniasis symptoms in women
Women with trichomoniasis may experience:
- Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals
- Discomfort or pain during urination
- A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge, which may have a frothy texture and a fishy smell
- Pain during intercourse
These symptoms can cause considerable discomfort and may make sexual activity unpleasant. Without treatment, the infection can persist for months or even years.
Trichomoniasis symptoms in men
Men with trichomoniasis may notice:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- A burning sensation after urination or ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis
Men are less likely to exhibit symptoms, but they can still carry and transmit the infection to others.
How do you get trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is primarily transmitted through vaginal sex without a condom with an infected partner.
The parasite is most commonly found in the vagina, urethra, or lower genital tract in women and inside the penis in men. Trichomoniasis can also spread through contact with infected fluids via sex toys or hands, but it is less common for the infection to spread to other body parts like the mouth, anus, or hands.
Even if a person shows no symptoms, they can still transmit the infection to others, highlighting the necessity of regular STI testing for sexually active individuals.
Testing & Treatment
Testing for trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone, as many people with the infection show no signs.
Diagnosis requires a laboratory test. For women, a healthcare provider may take a swab from the vagina or cervix, or request a urine sample. For men, diagnosis is typically done through a urine sample or a swab from the urethra.
Treatment for trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common curable STIs. It can be effectively treated with a course of antibiotics. Complete the full course of medication as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Even after successful treatment, reinfection is common, occurring in about 1 in 5 people within three months. To prevent reinfection, it is essential that all sexual partners are treated simultaneously, and that sexual activity is avoided until everyone has completed their treatment and symptoms have resolved.
Testing again after three months is recommended to ensure the infection has not returned, even if you and your partners were treated.
Telling your partner
If you have trichomoniasis, you should tell your current partners and anyone else that you’ve had sex with in the last 6 months. They can have trichomoniasis without knowing it, so they should get tested as well.
TellYourPartner.com helps you send an anonymous trichomoniasis text, so you can let partners know they’ve been exposed without revealing your name.