
Symptoms
Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Causes
Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection. However, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men.
Prevention
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. How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
Complications
Men usually get it just inside their penis in the urethra, but they may also get it in their prostate. You don’t typically get it in other parts of your body, such as your hands, mouth, or anus. The thing to keep in mind with trich is that you can spread it even if you don’t have any symptoms.
What is trichomoniasis?
How common is trichomoniasis and is it curable?
How does trichomoniasis affect other sexually transmitted infections?
Can you get trichomoniasis in your mouth?

What type of bacteria is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is caused by a one-celled protozoan, a type of tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite passes between people during genital contact, including vaginal, oral or anal sex. The infection can be passed between men and women, women, and sometimes men.
Can trichomoniasis be mistaken for a yeast infection?
It is easy to misdiagnose trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis as a yeast infection because yeast infection also causes an unpleasant discharge. Treatment for yeast infections is different than for trichomoniasis or BV, so an accurate diagnosis is important.
Is trichomoniasis a virus or bacteria or other?
Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. Most people call the condition trich. Its name comes from the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis that causes the disease. You may have trich and not know it —the infection rarely causes symptoms.
Is trichomoniasis the same as a bacterial infection?
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by excessive growth of vaginal bacteria, while trichomoniasis is caused by a type of parasite. These are two completely different organisms with different physiologies and modes of reproduction. Significantly, trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection.
What parasite causes trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. In women, this parasite mainly infects the vagina and the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
Can Monistat treat trichomoniasis?
Flagyl is used to treat bacterial vaginosis and Monistat is used to treat vaginal candida (yeast) infections. Flagyl, Flagyl ER, and Flagyl Injection are also used to treat trichomonas, amebiasis, and anaerobic bacterial infections. Flagyl and Monistat belong to different drug classes.
Why does trich keep coming back?
Recurrent Trichomoniasis. A recurrent infection can result from treatment failure (antimicrobial-resistant T. vaginalis or host-related problems), lack of adherence, or reinfection from an untreated sex partner.
What antibiotics treat trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is usually treated quickly and easily with antibiotics. Most people are prescribed an antibiotic called metronidazole, which is very effective if taken correctly. You'll usually have to take metronidazole twice a day, for 5 to 7 days. Sometimes this antibiotic can be prescribed in a single, larger dose.
Can trichomoniasis be caused by poor hygiene?
This disease is more common at the period of greatest sexual activity. It was always believed to be a sexually transmitted disease. But, an extensive literature search showed that nonsexual transmission of trichomonas can occur through fomites like towels and toilet seats and from swimming pools.
Does trich always smell?
Bad-smelling. Bubbly or frothy. Yellow or green color. White, itchy, cottage cheese-like, and no smell (most often a yeast infection)
How can you tell the difference between a yeast infection and trichomoniasis?
The signs and symptoms of BV and trichomoniasis may be quite similar to yeast infections in terms of redness, itching and pain. With BV, however, the discharge tends to be thin, white or yellowish, and more uniform in appearance. Trichomoniasis discharge is typically a frothy, greenish-yellow secretion.
What does trichomoniasis smell like?
Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted infection and easily treatable with a course of antibiotics. It's known for its pungent fishy odor. “The trichomoniasis infection can be quite smelly,” says Minkin. “It's a more pronounced fishy odor than bacterial vaginosis.”
How Common Is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection. However, only about 30% de...
How Do People Get Trichomoniasis?
The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower...
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 sev...
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 i...
How Does Trichomoniasis Affect A Pregnant Woman and Her Baby?
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis(https://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/stdfact-pregnancy.htm) are more likely to have their babies too early (preterm...
How Is Trichomoniasis Diagnosed?
It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. For both men and women, your health care provider can examine you and get a...
What Is The Treatment For Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can be treated with medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole). These pills are taken by mouth. It is safe for pregnant women t...
How Can Trichomoniasis Be Prevented?
The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chan...
Where Can I Get More Information?
STD information and referrals to STD ClinicsCDC-INFO1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)TTY: 1-888-232-6348In English, en EspañolCDC National Prevention I...
How do you know if you have trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis signs and symptoms for women include: An often foul-smelling vaginal discharge — which might be white, gray, yellow or green. Genital redness, burning and itching. Pain with urination or sexual intercourse.
How long does it take for a protozoan to get infected?
The incubation period between exposure and infection is unknown, but it's thought to range from four to 28 days.
What is the cause of a foul smell in the vagina?
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms. Pregnant women who have trichomoniasis might be at higher risk of delivering their babies prematurely.
Does trichomonasis cause pain?
Pain with urination or sexual intercourse. Trichomoniasis rarely causes symptoms in men. When men do have signs and symptoms, however, they might include: Irritation inside the penis. Burning with urination or after ejaculation. Discharge from the penis.
What is trichomoniasis caused by?
What is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis, sometimes called trich, is an infection caused by a parasite. It’s one of the most common curable sexually transmitted infections (STI).
What if you test positive for trichomoniasis?
If you do test positive for trichomoniasis, you might also be tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea. People with trichomoniasis often have these STIs, too. Having trichomoniasis can also increase your risk of developing another STI, including HIV, in the future, so it’s important to follow up with treatment.
How did the parasites in Zambia spread?
from Zambia, the parasite spread through bathwater that was used by multiple girls. Public pools. The parasite can spread if the water in the pool isn’t cleaned. Clothing or towels. It’s possible to spread the parasite if you share damp clothing or towels with someone.
Can trichomoniasis be spread through sexual contact?
If you’re in a committed relationship and your partner suddenly develops an STI, your mind probably immediately jumps to infidelity. While trichomoniasis is almost always spread through sexual contact, about 70 percent. of people with the infection don’t show any symptoms.
Can you get trichomonasis from a toilet seat?
Toilets. Trichomoniasis can be picked up from a toilet seat if it’s damp. Using an outdoor toilet may be an added risk, since it puts you in closer contact with others’ urine and feces. Shared baths. In one study. Trusted Source. from Zambia, the parasite spread through bathwater that was used by multiple girls.
Can you carry a parasite without knowing?
People can also carry the parasite for many months without knowing it . This means that your partner may have gotten it from a past relationship and only just started showing symptoms. It also means that you might have developed an infection in a past relationship and unknowingly passed it to your current partner.
Can you have trichomoniasis without symptoms?
People can have trichomoniasis for months without showing any symptoms. If you or your partner suddenly have symptoms or test positive for it, it doesn’t necessarily mean that someone’s cheating. Either partner may have gotten it in a previous relationship and unknowingly passed it on. While it’s tempting to jump to conclusions, try have an open, honest conversation with your partner about their sexual activity.
How to stop trichomycosis from coming back?
You should be able to stop your trichomycosis from coming back if you follow good hygiene and keep your underarms clean and dry. Use antiperspirant daily and after washing to reduce excess moisture and the collection of bacteria. Using antibacterial soap can also help to eliminate bacteria.
What test is used to determine trichomycosis?
During the exam, they’ll look at your hair and nodules on the hair shaft. There are also two tests used to differentiate trichomycosis from lice: Wood’s lamp exam and microscopy.
Why are women less likely to get trichomycosis?
However, women are less likely to have this infection because they tend to shave under their arms. Other risk factors for developing trichomycosis are: humidity. excessive underarm sweating.
How long does it take for a triglycosis to clear?
Trichomycosis is treatable. The infection can clear up within a few weeks with proper management and good hygiene. Before applying any treatment method, you should shave the hair in the affected area.
What is a microscopic exam?
A microscopic exam is a procedure that involves testing samples of tissue or other matter under a microscope. Your doctor will look for foreign bacteria, yeast, and other irregularities.
Is trichomycosis contagious?
This condition is not contagious. However, you should seek treatment once you notice symptoms. Trichomycosis can affect multiple areas at the same time. If you think your symptoms are getting worse, contact your doctor.
Can triglymycosis be missed?
Trichomycosis typically produces no symptoms and can be easily missed. However, there are a few signs you can look for:
What are the two most common STIs associated with PID?
The two most common STI organisms associated with PID in the United States are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There are many similarities between these STIs. Which of the following statements comparing chlamydia and gonorrhea are true?
Can gonorrhea be transmitted without symptoms?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect a patient and be transmitted without causing obvious symptoms.
What Is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis, also called trich, is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
How long does it take for trichomoniasis to show up?
About 70% of people with trich don’t have symptoms. In others, the signs might not show up until days or weeks after infection. Women with trichomoniasis may have: Vaginal fluid that smells bad and is greenish or yellowish. Genital itching, burning, redness, or soreness. Pain when they pee or have sex.
How long does it take to get trich back?
Treatment will get rid of the parasite, but you can still get it again. About 20% of people get trich again within 3 months of treatment. Your sex partner or partners should also be treated, even if they don’t have symptoms.
What is the test called for parasites?
Sensitive tests called nucleic acid amplification tests ( NAATs) can also spot signs of the parasite.
Can trich cause HIV?
It can raise your risk of getting or spreading other STDs. If you have HIV, trich may make you more likely to spread it. Because of this risk, doctors suggest that women with HIV get tested for trich at least once a year.
Can you test for trich at the same time?
Your doctor might test you for other STDs at the same time because many people with trich also have gonorrhea or chlamydia. Trichomoniasis Treatment. Antibiotic medications like metronidazole ( Flagyl, Noritate, Nuvessa) and tinidazole ( Tindamax) clear up the infection in most people.
Can you get trich from a condom?
Because you can get or spread trich through contact alone, make sure to put the condom on early, before it touches the vagina. Avoid douching. Your vagina has a natural balance of bacteria to keep you healthy. When you douche, you remove some of those helpful bacteria, which can raise your chances of getting an STD.

Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
- Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms. Pregnant women who have trichomoniasis might be at higher risk of delivering their babies prematurely. Tr...
Prevention
- Most people with trichomoniasis have no signs or symptoms. However, symptoms may develop over time. When signs and symptoms develop, they are different for men and women. In women, trichomoniasis signs and symptoms include: 1. A large amount of a thin, often foul-smelling discharge from the vagina — which might be clear, white, gray, yellow or green 2. Genital rednes…