Overview
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan parasite). Although symptoms vary, most people who have trichomoniasis cannot tell they have it.
How common is trichomoniasis?
In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were more than two (2) million trichomoniasis infections in the United States. However, only about thirty percent (30%) of people infected with trichomoniasis develop any symptoms associated with the infection.
Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to have the infection.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis?
About seventy percent (70%) of people with the infection do not have any signs or symptoms. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people get symptoms within five (5) to twenty-eight (28) days after getting the infection. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go.
Men with trichomoniasis may notice:
- itching or irritation inside the penis;
- burning after peeing or ejaculating; and/or
- discharge from the penis.
Women with trichomoniasis may notice:
- itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals;
- discomfort when peeing; and/or
- a clear, white/yellow/green vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) with a fishy smell.
Having trichomoniasis can make sex feel unpleasant. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.
What are the complications of trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation, making it easier to get human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or pass it to a sex partner.
How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to have their babies early. Their babies are also more likely to have a low weight at birth.
How it Spreads
How is trichomoniasis spread?
Sexually active people can get trichomoniasis by having sex without a condom with a partner who has trichomoniasis.
In women, the infection is most commonly found in the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the infection is most commonly found inside the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from a vagina to another vagina.
It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not. People with trichomoniasis can pass the infection to others, even if they do not have symptoms.
Prevention
How can I prevent trichomoniasis?
The only way to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis:
- being in a long-term, mutually-monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have trichomoniasis; and
- using condoms (the right way) every time you have sex.
Also, talk about the potential risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before having sex with a new partner. This can help inform the choices you are comfortable taking with your sex life.
If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider. Ask them if you should get tested for trichomoniasis or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Testing and Diagnosis
How do healthcare providers diagnose trichomoniasis?
It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. Your healthcare provider can examine you and a laboratory test will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment and Recovery
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is curable. A healthcare provider can treat the infection with medication (pills) taken by mouth. This treatment is also safe for pregnant women.
If you receive and complete treatment for trichomoniasis, you can still get it again. Re-infection occurs in about one (1) in five (5) people within three (3) months after receiving treatment. This can happen if you have sex without a condom with a person who has trichomoniasis. To avoid re-infection, your sex partner should receive treatment at the same time.
You should not have sex again until you and your sex partner complete treatment. You should receive testing again about three (3) months after your treatment, even if your sex partner received treatment.