trichomoniasis treatment

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What are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis?

The symptoms of this STD can range from minor irritation to severe inflammation. However, nearly 70 percent of those who get trich may not have any signs or symptoms.¹

Symptoms usually take anywhere from a week to a month to appear after being infected. Some may not see any symptoms until weeks later, which can be intermittent.¹

Men and women may both find sex unpleasant with this STD, which has different symptoms for both genders:¹

Men

• Burning after urination or sex
• Irritation or itching inside the penis
• Mild discharge from the penis
• Often, men may have no symptoms

Women

• Painful urination
• Pregnant women with trichomoniasis may have babies early (those infants will also be more likely to have a lower birth weight)
• Redness, pain, itching or burning in their genitals
• Vaginal discharge that is clear, white, yellowish or green (it will also increase in volume, appear thin or have a fish-like odor; if you’re concerned about abnormal vaginal discharge, we’ve done some research for you)

If left untreated, this infection may stay in your body for months or even years.

What is the Standard Treatment for Trichomoniasis?

Your provider will examine and test you for the parasite that causes this STD. Then, they will determine your treatment plan, which often means treatment with an oral antibiotic. Trich is easily treated and the antibiotics are also safe for those who are pregnant.¹

You can get this STD again even after treatment. One in five people will be reinfected within three months after treatment, often when they have unprotected sex with an infected partner. To avoid any chance of being infected again, all women should be retested three months after initial treatment and any sexual partners should be treated at the same time that you are.¹

What Causes Trichomoniasis?

Sexually active people can be infected with trich after they have unprotected vaginal sex with an infected partner. However, there are some differences between how this STD infects men and women:¹

Men

• The infection is found inside the penis and can be passed from penis to vagina (it can’t be passed from penis to another penis or anus).
• Unlike other STDs, trich doesn’t commonly infect other body parts such as the mouth or anus.

Women

• The infection is found in the vulva, vagina, cervix or urethra.
• It can be spread from vagina to penis or vagina to vagina.

Age and overall health may put you at a higher risk for getting this STD.¹

Unprotected sex increases your risk of getting any variety of STDs. Learn more about their symptoms and treatment, as well as what to do if you think you have one.

Only 30 percent of those who get this STD will show symptoms. That’s why it’s important to always practice safe sex with any partners that you have.¹

How Do You Prevent Trichomoniasis?

Even if you have no symptoms, you can still pass trich to others. The following steps will help you to prevent getting or transmitting this STD:

• The only foolproof way to not get or pass on trich is to practice abstinence, including not having vaginal, anal or oral sex.
• If you choose to still have sex, always practice safe sex by using a condom or other barrier method.
• Limit your risk by having a mutually committed relationship with a partner who is not infected.
• Be tested regularly for STDs.
• Talk to your doctor about your sexual health and history.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.

Stop the Spread by Informing Sexual Partners

If you discover that you have trichomoniasis, your first step should be informing any recent sexual partners so they can be tested and treated, if necessary.

You should refrain from any sexual contact until any partners have been treated and have no symptoms for at least one week.¹

According to the CDC, young people from the ages of 15 to 24 make up nearly half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections that happen each year.² It’s important for them to know the answers to common college health concerns so that they can protect themselves and others.

You can trust MedExpress with your trichomoniasis testing and treatment needs. Schedule an appointment or walk in at a time that's right for you for fast, compassionate and discrete care from our friendly medical team.

References:

1 CDC. About Trichomoniasis. Last updated December 13, 2023. Accessed August 14, 2024.

2 CDC. Incidence, Prevalence, and Cost of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States, 2018. Last updated March 8, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024.