What is Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an STI (sexually transmitted infection) that can affect both women and men. In women, the outer area of the female genitalia (vulva) and the vagina are affected. In men, the penis is mainly affected, but the prostate and other reproductive organs can also be involved. This condition can be treated with medicine. It often has no symptoms (is asymptomatic), especially in men.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by an organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis most often spreads from person to person (is contagious) through sexual contact.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Having unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Having sexual intercourse with a partner who has trichomoniasis.
• Having multiple sexual partners.
• Having had previous trichomoniasis infections or other STIs.

What are the signs or symptoms?

In women, symptoms of trichomoniasis include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge that is clear, white, gray, or yellow-green and foamy and has an unusual “fishy” odor.
• Itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva.
• Burning or pain during urination or sexual intercourse.
• Genital redness and swelling.

In men, symptoms of trichomoniasis include:

• Penile discharge that may be foamy or contain pus.
• Pain in the penis. This may happen only when urinating.
• Itching or irritation inside the penis.
• Burning after urination or ejaculation.

How is this diagnosed?

In women, this condition may be found during a routine Pap test or physical exam. It may be found in men during a routine physical exam. Your health care provider may perform tests to help diagnose this infection, such as:

• Urine tests (men and women).
• The following in women:
  • Testing the pH of the vagina.
  • A vaginal swab test that checks for the Trichomonas vaginalis organism.
  • Testing vaginal secretions.

Your health care provider may test you for other STIs, including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

How is this treated?

This condition is treated with medicine taken by mouth (orally), such as metronidazole or tinidazole to fight the infection. Your sexual partner(s) may also need to be tested and treated.

• If you are a woman and you plan to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your health care provider right away. Some medicines that are used to treat the infection should not be taken during pregnancy.

Your health care provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines or creams to help relieve itching or irritation. You may be tested for infection again 3 months after treatment.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take and use over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including creams, only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not have sexual intercourse until one week after you finish your medicine, or until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider when you may resume sexual intercourse.
• (Women) Do not douche or wear tampons while you have the infection.
• Discuss your infection with your sexual partner(s). Make sure that your partner gets tested and treated, if necessary.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Use condoms every time you have sex. Using condoms correctly and consistently can help protect against STIs.
• Avoid having multiple sexual partners.
• Talk with your sexual partner about any symptoms that either of you may have, as well as any history of STIs.
• Get tested for STIs and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) before you have sex. Ask your partner to do the same.
• Do not have sexual contact if you have symptoms of trichomoniasis or another STI.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You still have symptoms after you finish your medicine.
• You develop pain in your abdomen.
• You have pain when you urinate.
• You have bleeding after sexual intercourse.
• You develop a rash.
• You feel nauseous or you vomit.
• You plan to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Summary

• Trichomoniasis is an STI (sexually transmitted infection) that can affect both women and men.
• This condition often has no symptoms (is asymptomatic), especially in men.
• You should not have sexual intercourse until one week after you finish your medicine, or until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider when you may resume sexual intercourse.
• Discuss your infection with your sexual partner. Make sure that your partner gets tested and treated, if necessary.