Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection. A parasite causes it. The parasite can spread through genital touching and sex without a condom.

In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis often have no symptoms. But it's possible to spread the trichomoniasis parasite even when a person doesn't have symptoms.

Trichomoniasis can raise the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. And pregnant people who have trichomoniasis might be at higher risk of having their babies early. This is called premature birth.

Treatment for trichomoniasis involves taking medicine called antibiotics. To prevent being infected again, all sexual partners should be treated at the same time.

You can lower your risk of trichomoniasis by using a new condom correctly each time you have sex. If you're in a new relationship, you and your partner should get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Then talk about your results.

Trichomoniasis symptoms may start about 5 to 28 days after you get the infection. Or they may start later.

Many people don't have symptoms. But when symptoms happen, they are different for men and women.

In women, trichomoniasis symptoms include:

• Thin or frothy discharge from the vagina. This fluid has a foul smell. And it might be clear, white, yellow or green.
• Genital burning, soreness, itching or change in skin color.
• Pain with urination or sex.
• Pain in the lower stomach area.

In men, trichomoniasis rarely causes symptoms. But when symptoms happen, they can include:

• Itching or irritation inside the penis.
• Burning with urination or after the penis releases semen.
• Clear or pus-like discharge from the penis.

The parasite that causes trichomoniasis can be spread even if you don't have symptoms.

See your healthcare professional if you have any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Also talk with your healthcare professional if you become aware that a sexual partner has the infection.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite passes between people during genital contact, including vaginal, oral or anal sex. The parasite often passes from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It also can pass from a vagina to another vagina.

Most often, the parasite infects the lower genital tract. In women, this includes the:

• Vagina.
• Outer part of the genitals, called the vulva.
• Opening of the uterus, called the cervix.
• Urinary opening, called the urethra.

In men, the parasite infects the inside of the penis. This is called the urethra.

Risk factors for trichomoniasis include having:

• Sex without a condom.
• More than one sexual partner at a time.
• A history of other sexually transmitted infections.
• A past bout of trichomoniasis.
• Washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. This is called douching.
• Habits that can lead to risky behavior, such as drinking too much alcohol or using drugs.

Pregnant people who have trichomoniasis might:

• Deliver their babies too early, also called premature birth.
• Have a baby with a low birth weight.
• Give the infection to the baby as the baby passes through the birth canal.

Having trichomoniasis causes swelling called inflammation in the genital area. This may make it easier for other sexually transmitted infections to enter the body or to pass them to others. Trichomoniasis also seems to make it easier to become infected with HIV. HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS.

Trichomoniasis also is linked with higher risks of:

• Cancer of the prostate or cervix.
• Swelling, also called inflammation, of the prostate gland. This condition is known as prostatitis.
• Swelling of the epididymis, the coiled tube above and behind the testicles that stores and transports sperm. This condition is called epididymitis.
• Swelling of the bladder, also called cystitis.

Without treatment, trichomoniasis infection can last for months to years.

You can prevent trichomoniasis by not having sex. Or if you're sexually active, you can take the following steps to lower your risk:

• Get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Ask any sexual partners to get tested too. Then talk about your results.
• Think about choosing to be in a long-term relationship with a partner who also doesn't have trichomoniasis.
• Use condoms correctly each time you have sex.
• Put a condom on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth or anus.
• Don't douche. Douching removes some healthy bacteria in the vagina that help prevent infections.
• Don't drink too much alcohol or use illegal drugs. Drinking a lot of alcohol or using drugs might lead to risky behavior. That, in turn, could raise your risk of a sexually transmitted infection.