Patient education: Trichomoniasis (The Basics)

What is trichomoniasis? — 

This is an infection people can get during sex. Infections that are spread during sex are called "sexually transmitted infections," or "STIs." Trichomoniasis is also sometimes called just "trich" (pronounced "trick").

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis? — 

Some people have no symptoms. This is true for most males and some females.

In females, symptoms include 1 or more of the following:

●Vaginal discharge that smells bad and might be foamy and greenish yellow – Vaginal discharge is the small amount of fluid that comes out the vagina.

●Itching or burning of the vagina or the area around the vagina

●Burning or pain during urination

●Pain during sex

●Lower belly pain

In males, symptoms include:

●Discharge from the penis

●Burning or pain during urination

●Itching or burning in the penis after sex

Is there a test for trichomoniasis? — 

Yes. For females, the test involves doing a vaginal exam and taking a sample of vaginal discharge. In males, the doctor might test a sample of urine or discharge from the penis.

Your doctor might want to test you for other STIs, too.

How is trichomoniasis treated? — 

It is treated with medicine that comes as pills. There are a few prescription medicines that can treat it:

●Metronidazole (sample brand name: Flagyl)

●Tinidazole (brand name: Tindamax)

●Secnidazole (brand name: Solosec)

If you learn you have trichomoniasis, tell all the people you had sex with recently. That's because they might have it, too. If they do have it, they need treatment even if they have no symptoms. If you are infected, anyone you have sex with should be treated at the same time. Otherwise, your partners could infect you again after treatment.

While you are getting treated, do not have sex with anyone. Wait until you have taken all your medicine and have no more symptoms.

If you are female:

●Your doctor will test you again after treatment to make sure you haven't been infected again. This repeat test is done between 3 weeks and 3 months after finishing treatment.

●If you have lower belly pain, try using heat to help. Put a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower belly. Be careful to not burn your skin.

What happens if I don't get treated? — 

Your symptoms can get worse. Also, you can keep spreading the infection to your sex partners. You might also have a higher chance of getting other STIs, including the virus that causes AIDS.

Can trichomoniasis be prevented? — 

You can lower your chances of getting it by:

●Using a latex condom correctly every time you have sex (figure 1)

●Avoiding sex when you or your partner has any symptoms that could be caused by an infection – These include itching, discharge, or pain with urination.

●Not sharing sex toys

●Not having sex

What if I want to get pregnant? — 

If you think you might have trichomoniasis, it's important to get tested and treated before trying to get pregnant. If you don't, the infection can cause problems during pregnancy. Having trichomoniasis while you are pregnant increases the risk of the baby being born early.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call your doctor or nurse if:

●You have any of the symptoms listed above.

●Any of your sex partners had trichomoniasis within the past few months – Even if you have no symptoms, you could still be infected.

More on this topic

Patient education: Sexually transmitted infections (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal discharge (The Basics)
Patient education: Vulvar itching (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use vaginal medicines (The Basics)

Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics)