What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.1
How common is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD. In the United States, the CDC estimates that there were more than two million trichomoniasis infections in 2018. However, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected with trichomoniasis.
What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis?
About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go.
Did you know?
Having trichomoniasis can make sex unpleasant. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.
Men with trichomoniasis may notice:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- Burning after urination or ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis
Women with trichomoniasis may notice:
- Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals
- Discomfort with urination
- A change in their vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with an unusual fishy smell
Having trichomoniasis can make sex 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. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with HIV, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner.
Who should get tested?
If you are a woman, you should be tested for trichomoniasis if you experience the following:
- A discharge from your vagina
- Pain when you have sex
- Pain when you pass urine
- Irritation or itching around your genitals
- Your partner has trichomoniasis or symptoms that might be trichomoniasis
If you are a man, you should be tested if you experience the following:
- A discharge from your penis
- Burning feeling inside your penis
- Your partner has trichomoniasis or symptoms that might be trichomoniasis
Can I get trichomoniasis again after I’ve been treated?
Yes, you can get trichomoniasis again. You can get it from an untreated sex partner or from a new sex partner.2
Supporting your sexual health through education and testing
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new partner (or more than one partner), or for any reason are worried you have been exposed to an STI, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. While some providers might include STI tests as part of a regular check-up, others don’t test for any STIs unless you ask them to—so make sure to ask!
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trichomoniasis CDC fact sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm. Accessed April 22, 2022
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protect Yourself + Protect Your Partner trichomoniasis The Facts. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/the-facts/trichomoniasis_bro_508.pdf. Accessed April 22, 2022.