Versione italiana
Search
Versione italiana
Search

STIs

Back

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected.

Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI. Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected with trichomoniasis.

  • 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 genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not. It probably depends on factors like a person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.

  • 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.

  • 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 laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis.

  • 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 to take this medication. It is not recommended to drink alcohol within.

  • How can trichomoniasis be prevented?

    If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis:

    • Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STI test results;
    • Use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis. But the parasite can infect areas that are not covered by a condom - so condoms may not fully protect you from getting trichomoniasis.
    • Another approach is to talk about the potential risk of STIs before you have sex with a new partner. That way you can make informed choices about the level of risk you are comfortable taking with your sexual life.
×