Key takeaways:
Trichomoniasis (also known as “trich”) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some people develop abnormal discharge, but most people with trichomoniasis never develop symptoms.
If left untreated, a trichomoniasis infection can lead to other STIs. It could also affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Abstinence or safer sex practices can lower the risk of trichomoniasis. Having fewer sexual partners and wearing condoms with each sexual encounter can help as well.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) commonly diagnosed in women, though it can affect men as well. In fact, anyone who’s sexually active is at risk for trichomoniasis infection. But this STI is unique in that it’s most often seen in older women at or near menopause.
Let’s take a closer look at symptoms and medications used to treat trichomoniasis, as well as its transmission and spread.
What is trichomoniasis (trich)?
Trichomoniasis, also called “trich,” is a common STI. It’s caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) parasite. It affects over 2.5 million people in the U.S., but it’s believed that infection rates may be higher than that. Because only about 30% of people with the infection develop any symptoms, it likely goes undetected in many people.
Trichomoniasis will typically cause inflammation in the urinary tract or genitalia. It latches on to the tissues of the urethra, vagina, or the vulva (outer parts of the female genitals).
What causes trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis transmission occurs when the infection is passed from one person to another during sexual contact. And in some cases, it can occur without penetration. It can spread from:
Penis to vagina
Vagina to penis
Vagina to vagina (skin-to-skin contact)
Penis or vagina to the throat with oral sex (rare)
The T. vaginalis parasite can live on moist surfaces outside the body for a few hours. This means that trichomoniasis infections can also spread with sex toys if they aren’t washed or if a condom isn’t used. The infection doesn’t seem to spread very often through anal sex though.
There have also been rare reports of trichomoniasis transmission from swimming pools, shared bath water, and towels.
Trichomoniasis symptoms
Most people get no symptoms at all when they have a trichomoniasis infection. But it’s possible to get symptoms within 1 to 4 weeks of being exposed to the infection. Symptoms are usually a result of inflammation in the urinary tract and genitalia.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women
It’s more common to see symptoms of trichomoniasis in women than in men. Symptoms include:
Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the vagina
Pain with urination
Vaginal discharge (may be yellow, green, or gray)
Vaginal odor described as “fishy”
Pain during sex
Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men
In men, symptoms typically include:
Discharge from the penis
Itching or irritation in the penis
Burning sensation with urination or after ejaculation
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How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
A healthcare professional can make the diagnosis of trichomoniasis infection by taking a fluid sample to look for the T. vaginalis parasite. This can occur in a few different ways, including taking:
A sample from the vagina or cervix during a pelvic exam
A sample from the vagina with self-collection
A sample from the penis
A urine sample
Sometimes, a healthcare professional will examine fluid samples in the office under a microscope. Samples are otherwise sent to a lab and checked for evidence of trichomoniasis infection.
On a physical exam, there may be an abnormal discharge coming from the penis or from the vagina or evidence of redness and irritation. A healthcare professional will also take samples to check for other STIs as well.
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
If you have trichomoniasis, a healthcare professional will write you a prescription for oral antibiotics to take to treat the infection. These antibiotics are effective and successfully cure the infection up to 95% of the time. Antibiotics most commonly used to treat trichomoniasis include:
If you’re diagnosed with trichomoniasis, all your sexual contacts will need treatment as well. This will limit T. vaginalis transmission and prevent you from becoming infected again by your sexual partners. You should wait to have sex again until you and your partners complete treatment and have no symptoms.
What happens if trichomoniasis is left untreated?
Although there are often no symptoms, it’s very important to treat trichomoniasis. If not treated, this infection can raise your risk of other STIs. This includes infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and even HIV. Trichomoniasis infections can cause damage and inflammation in the genital tract. This makes it more likely for other germs to cause an infection.
Along with raising the risk of other STIs, untreated trichomoniasis can also raise the risk of several other health problems. These complications include:
Epididymitis
Pregnancy complications
How can I prevent the spread of trichomoniasis?
You can prevent the spread of trichomoniasis by treating the infection and not having sex until you’ve finished your antibiotics and all symptoms have resolved. It’s also very important to let all of your sexual partners know that they need to be treated as well.
In men, sometimes the infection may clear on its own — making tracing the infection difficult in some cases. An untreated trichomoniasis infection in women can live for years in vaginal fluid. If you’re infected and continue to have unprotected sex, it’s very easy to pass the infection on to others. It’s best to always contact a healthcare professional if you’ve been exposed to T. vaginalis so that you can get proper treatment and limit its spread.
How can I prevent myself from getting trichomoniasis?
You can prevent trichomoniasis by lowering your risk of exposure from sex. Some ways you can lower your risk include:
Practicing abstinence: The best way to prevent trichomoniasis or its spread is to not to have sexual contact at all.
Having one sexual partner: Infection and spread can be avoided if you have one sexual partner, are their only sexual partner, and you both test negative.
Using condoms: Condoms are an effective method to protect against trichomoniasis. Condoms should be used every time there’s sexual contact.
Getting tested regularly: Talk with your primary care provider about how often you should get screened.
When should I see a healthcare professional?
If you have no symptoms, but you’ve been informed that you were exposed to T. vaginalis, you should seek care right away so that you can start treatment. You should also make an appointment with a healthcare professional and get tested for STIs if you notice:
Burning with urination
Discharge from the vagina or penis
Redness or irritation of the genitals
Lumps, bumps, or rashes
Frequently asked questions
If you have the infection while pregnant, you’re more likely to go into preterm labor or have a baby with low birth weight (less than 6 lbs). It can cause other problems after delivery as well. Although it’s rare, trichomoniasis can spread from mother to child during childbirth. When this happens, it can cause vaginal and respiratory infections in newborns.
Trichomoniasis can be detected in urine or fluid samples from the vagina or penis. There are trichomoniasis tests that a healthcare professional can perform using a swab or collection kit to take samples from the urethra or genital tract. There are also at-home testing kits that you can use to collect urine or fluid and send to a lab for testing. The FDA recently approved an at-home test for STIs in women that allows you to receive results within 30 minutes and have a same-day telehealth appointment for treatment.
If you have the infection while pregnant, you’re more likely to go into preterm labor or have a baby with low birth weight (less than 6 lbs). It can cause other problems after delivery as well. Although it’s rare, trichomoniasis can spread from mother to child during childbirth. When this happens, it can cause vaginal and respiratory infections in newborns.
Trichomoniasis can be detected in urine or fluid samples from the vagina or penis. There are trichomoniasis tests that a healthcare professional can perform using a swab or collection kit to take samples from the urethra or genital tract. There are also at-home testing kits that you can use to collect urine or fluid and send to a lab for testing. The FDA recently approved an at-home test for STIs in women that allows you to receive results within 30 minutes and have a same-day telehealth appointment for treatment.
The bottom line
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It rarely causes symptoms, but it’s still important to treat. If left untreated, it can raise your risk of other infections and affect fertility. Protecting yourself against sexual exposure to trichomoniasis can lower your risk of infection. If you’re sexually active, talk with a healthcare professional about your risk and when you should get tested.
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References
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