About Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in sexually active young women. It is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis and is spread through vaginal intercourse or through vulva-to-vulva (the genital area outside the vagina) contact with an infected partner. Although rare, you can get trichomoniasis without having sex—from damp towels, wet clothing, or a toilet seat. The disease can be treated with medication, but left untreated can lead to complications.

Symptoms

In women, symptoms start a day or two after infection and may include a frothy, foul-smelling yellow or green vaginal discharge. The discharge may be accompanied by vaginal itching, irritation, and swelling, as well as frequent urination that burns, and pain with sex.

Most men do not have symptoms. Those who do may experience penile discharge and burning with urination.

Diagnosing Trichomoniasis

Your clinician may do a pelvic exam, talk with you, and look at a sample of discharge using a microscope.

Treating Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is usually successfully treated with a medication called metronidazole. Treatment may be given in one or two doses in one day, or in three doses over the course of a week. You should always tell your partner(s) if you have an infection. Your partner(s) should also be examined and , if necessary, treated. Although the symptoms in men may disappear without medication, your partner can still re-infect others unless he is treated. You should not have sex until you and your partner(s) both finish treatment.

Complications

Left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to other infections of the genitals or bladder in women. In men, it can lead to other infections of the testicles or prostate. Pregnant women who develop trichomoniasis may deliver prematurely or have babies with low birth weight.

Follow-Up Visits

You do not need a follow-up visit unless your symptoms come back.

How to Protect Against STIs and HIV/AIDS

The only way to guard against getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not to have sex or to ave sex only with partners who you know are free of infection. If you do have sex, you should use a latex barrier, such as a male condom, afemale condom, or a dental dam, every time. Condoms provide protection against against STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDs. Tapestry Health clinicians recommend using such barriers even in combination with other methods of birth control. Latex condoms are preferred to lambskin condoms for the prevention of STIs. Using a spermicide together with a latex barrier can also help keep you from getting an STI.

If you have questions about trichomoniasis or any STI, talk to your clinician.