Trichomoniasis
What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite spreads through sexual contact and can infect the urethra, vagina, or other genital areas. It is one of the most common curable sexually transmitted infections in the United States.
Around 3.7 million people in the U.S. have trichomoniasis at any given time. Many people with this infection have no symptoms at all. This makes it easy to spread without knowing. When symptoms do appear, they can cause discomfort and increase the risk of getting or spreading other infections.
The good news is that trichomoniasis can be cured with medication. Early detection and treatment help prevent complications and stop the infection from spreading to partners. Testing is simple and treatment is straightforward.
Symptoms
- Itching, burning, or irritation in the genital area
- Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Discharge that may be clear, white, yellow, or green
- Strong vaginal odor, often described as fishy
- Burning after ejaculation in men
- Redness or soreness in the genital area
Many people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms at all, especially men. Around 70% of infected people do not notice any signs. Symptoms typically appear within 5 to 28 days after infection, but some people may not develop symptoms for months.
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Causes and risk factors
Trichomoniasis is caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, which spreads through sexual contact. The infection passes from one person to another during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The parasite can survive outside the body for several hours in moist environments. This means it may rarely spread through shared damp towels or bathing suits, though sexual contact remains the primary route.
Risk factors include having multiple sexual partners, a history of other sexually transmitted infections, and previous trichomoniasis infection. Not using condoms during sex increases the risk of transmission. People with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection. Having trichomoniasis can also increase the risk of getting or spreading HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
How it's diagnosed
Trichomoniasis is diagnosed through laboratory testing of genital samples. Healthcare providers collect a swab from the vagina, urethra, or penis. The sample is tested for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis RNA, which confirms an active infection. This RNA test is highly accurate and can detect the parasite even when symptoms are not present.
Your doctor may also examine the sample under a microscope or use a culture test. While Rite Aid does not currently offer specialized testing for trichomoniasis, our medical team can help you understand your symptoms and connect you with appropriate testing options. Talk to a doctor about getting tested if you have symptoms or if a partner has been diagnosed.
Treatment options
- Prescription antibiotics, typically metronidazole or tinidazole taken as a single dose or over several days
- Abstaining from sex until treatment is complete and symptoms resolve
- Testing and treating all sexual partners to prevent reinfection
- Avoiding alcohol during treatment and for 24 to 72 hours after, as it can cause severe nausea
- Follow-up testing 3 months after treatment to confirm the infection is gone
- Using condoms consistently to prevent future infections
- Getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections if sexually active
Frequently asked questions
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person. The infection is very common and affects around 3.7 million people in the United States. Using condoms can help prevent transmission.
Common symptoms include itching or burning in the genital area, unusual discharge, and pain during urination or sex. The discharge may be clear, white, yellow, or green and may have a strong odor. However, around 70% of people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms at all, which makes it easy to spread unknowingly.
Yes, men can get trichomoniasis, though they are less likely to have symptoms than women. When men do have symptoms, they may experience itching inside the penis, burning during urination or after ejaculation, or discharge from the penis. Many infected men have no symptoms but can still spread the infection to partners.
Trichomoniasis is diagnosed through laboratory testing of genital samples. A healthcare provider collects a swab from the vagina, urethra, or penis. The sample is tested for Trichomonas vaginalis RNA, which confirms an active infection. This RNA test is highly accurate and can detect the parasite even without symptoms.
Yes, trichomoniasis is completely curable with prescription antibiotics. The most common treatments are metronidazole or tinidazole, usually taken as a single large dose or over several days. After completing treatment, the infection is gone, though you can get reinfected if exposed again.
Untreated trichomoniasis can lead to several complications. It increases the risk of getting or spreading HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In pregnant women, it can cause premature birth or low birth weight. It may also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women and increase infertility risk.
Trichomoniasis can be cured within a week of starting antibiotic treatment. Most people take either a single large dose or a 7-day course of medication. You should avoid sex until you and your partner complete treatment and symptoms resolve. Follow-up testing is recommended 3 months after treatment.
It is extremely unlikely to get trichomoniasis from a toilet seat. The parasite needs a moist environment to survive and dies quickly on dry surfaces. The infection spreads almost exclusively through sexual contact. Very rarely, it may spread through sharing damp towels or bathing suits, but this is uncommon.
Yes, all sexual partners should be tested and treated for trichomoniasis, even if they have no symptoms. This prevents reinfection and stops the spread to others. Around 1 in 5 people get reinfected within 3 months because their partner was not treated. Both partners should complete treatment before having sex again.
Using condoms correctly every time you have sex greatly reduces the risk of trichomoniasis. Limiting your number of sexual partners also lowers risk. Getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections helps catch infections early. If diagnosed, avoid sex until you and your partner complete treatment to prevent reinfection.