What is trichomoniasis?
- Cause
- Trichomonas vaginalis parasite
- Symptoms
- Absent or mild in most people
- Treatment
- Oral treatment
- Partners
- Should be treated at the same time
Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled parasite that spreads through sexual contact. It most often infects the vagina, vulva and urethra.
About 70–85% of people with trich have minimal or no symptoms, and untreated infections can last months to years.
Trichomoniasis symptoms
In women
- Frothy, yellow-green or gray discharge
- Strong or unpleasant vaginal odor
- Itching, burning or soreness of the vulva
- Discomfort when urinating or during sex
In men
- Usually no symptoms
- An itchy or irritated feeling in the penis
- Burning after urinating or ejaculating
- Discharge from the penis
NoteTrich is often confused with bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. A lab test is the reliable way to tell them apart.
What raises the risk
- Multiple partners
- More partners means more chances of exposure.
- Condomless sex
- Condoms lower the risk of passing trich on.
- A previous STI
- Including a past trich infection.
- An untreated partner
- Reinfection from a partner is very common.
How trichomoniasis is diagnosed
Trich is diagnosed with a lab test, most accurately a NAAT on a vaginal swab or urine sample. Symptoms alone aren't reliable, because they overlap with other common infections.
If you've already had a positive result, share it in your visit. Testing for other STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, is usually recommended at the same time.
Treating trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is cured with oral antiparasitic medicine. Recommended doses differ slightly for women and men.
Current partners should be treated too. Your provider will explain how to take your medicine and what side effects to expect.
After treatment
- Skip sex until everyone has finished their medicine and your symptoms are gone
- Women should be retested about 3 months after treatment
- Contact a provider if symptoms continue after treatment
Is an online trich visit right for you?
Online care is often a good fit if you:
- Have a positive trichomoniasis test
- Have a partner diagnosed with trich
- Want private advice about symptoms and testing
Get in-person care if you:
- Have pelvic pain, fever or unusual bleeding
- Still have symptoms after treatment
How PulseCareMD can help with trichomoniasis
A PulseCareMD visit lets you discuss symptoms or a positive test privately with a licensed provider. Your visit fee covers the consultation.
Share your situation
Answer private questions about symptoms, test results and partners.
A provider reviews it
A licensed provider reviews your result or symptoms and plans treatment for you and partners. Many visits are reviewed within 2–3 hours.
Get treatment and next steps
Your provider will explain your treatment plan and advise on partner treatment.
Frequently asked questions
When to get prompt care
Seek in-person care right away if you have:
- Fever with pelvic or abdominal pain
- Severe pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding