Trichomoniasis

What is trichomoniasis, or "trich"?

It is the number one cause of vaginal infections spread through sex. Every year, 1 in 10 people will get this sexually transmitted infection (STI). Trichomoniasis is pronounced TRICK-oh-moe-NYE-uh-sis, or TRICK. Most males with trich do not have symptoms so they do not get treated. That's why it's common for males to re-infect their partners. This STI can cause problems during pregnancy.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The most common symptom is fluid from the vagina, or the urethra (the opening for urine or "pee"). This fluid is called a discharge. Most people with trich do not have any signs or symptoms.

Vaginal symptoms may include:

  • a yellowish-green or gray, foamy discharge
  • a musty odor
  • redness or itchiness, or both, or
  • pain during sex, or when urinating (peeing).

Penile symptoms may include:

  • Occasional pain when urinating and/or a discharge from the penis. This is called urethritis (yur-ih-THRI-tes).

How will I know if I have trichomoniasis?

To know for sure, you should visit a health care provider. It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. Your health care provider can examine you and get a laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis.

What causes trichomoniasis?

Trich is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It lives in moist, dark parts of the body. You can get this STI by having sex without a condom with someone who is infected. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex.

Can this STI cause any other problems if it's not treated?

Yes. A woman with untreated trich has a greater chance of having an infected uterus and Fallopian tubes. This infection is called pelvic inflammatory disease or PID. If you have PID, it can cause belly pain, fever, and long-term (chronic) pelvic pain. You may also become infertile, which means you lose the ability to have children. PID can also cause pregnancy outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic (ek-TAH-pick) pregnancy. It's rare, but it is possible to die from an ectopic pregnancy.

If you have trich when you are pregnant, you and your baby may have some health problems. You may have an early (premature) delivery and your baby may have a low birth weight.

Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other STIs. For example, trich can cause genital inflammation. This can make it easier to get infected with HIV, or to pass HIV to a sex partner.

Is there a cure?

Yes. Your health care provider will give you medicine to help you get better. It is very important to take the medicine as directed. Do not drink alcoholwhile on the medicine, and for at least 3 days after finishing or you may become very sick. Make sure to finish all of your medicine, even if you start to feel better and have no more symptoms.

When can I have sex again?

It is best to wait one week after you and your partner(s) have finished your medicine before you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex again. If you finish your medicine and you still have symptoms, return to your provider. Remember, you can get trich again if your sex partners are not also treated.

What about my partner(s)?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Even if your sex partner(s) do not have symptoms, they should be tested. If needed, they should also be treated.

What about Expedited Partner Treatment (EPT) for trichomoniasis?

EPT allows health care providers to give medication or a prescription to patients diagnosed with trichomoniasis to deliver to their sex partners, so they can also be treated, without requiring an examination. Ask a health care provider if EPT is an option for you and your partner(s).

Can I get trichomoniasis again?

Yes. You can get trich again. Having it once does not mean you are immune. As soon as you get trich, you can spread it until you take the correct medicine and the infection is gone. You will be at risk for trich again if your partners do not take their medicine and fully clear the infection before you have sex with them. This includes oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

How can I prevent trichomoniasis?

You can help lower your chances of passing or getting this STI by using a latex condom or a polyurethane condom every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. While condoms don't offer 100% protection, they significantly reduce the risk of STI transmission – including HIV – and remain one of the most effective tools for safer sex.

Not having sex (abstinence) is one way to reduce your chances of getting trich. If you choose to have sex, using condoms every time is a great way to protect yourself and your partner(s).

Talk with a health care provider about your risk for trich. Have an open, honest conversation about your sexual history. They can help you explore the best prevention options for you.

Where can I get tested?

To find your local STI clinic, call your local health department or family planning program. Or, visit the Provider Directory.

You can also find a testing center near you at gettested.cdc.gov or by calling the H-Line at 1-800-541-2437.