What is Trichomoniasis (Trich)?

Trichomoniasis, often called “trich”, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be fully cured with proper treatment. The infection is caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis and is spread through sexual activity, including the exchange of vaginal fluids or semen. Many people don’t realize they have trich because it often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, making it easy to pass to a partner without knowing. Since it’s highly contagious, getting tested and treated is important to prevent further spread.

What symptoms indicate a trichomoniasis infection?

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in Men

Trichomoniasis doesn't usually cause obvious signs in men, but when symptoms are present, they may include:

• A watery or bubbly discharge coming from the penis.

• A burning feeling after urinating or following ejaculation.

• Itching or irritation inside the penis.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in Women

Women are more likely than men to notice signs of the infection. Possible symptoms include:

• Vaginal discharge that may be thin, foamy, or yellowish-green and often has a strong or unpleasant smell.

• Swelling, redness, or irritation around the vaginal area.

• Pain or discomfort while urinating or during sexual activity.

What is the cause of this condition?

Trichominiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite known as Trichominiasis vaginalis. If you’re infected, you can pass it to another person through sexual activity, which may include:

• Vaginal sex (between partners of any gender)

• Anal intercourse

• Oral sexual contact

• Direct genital-to-genital touching, even without ejaculation.

Trich cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sharing food or drinks, or holding hands.

While it often affects the genital area, the parasite can also infect other parts of the body, including the mouth, anus, or hands.

Does poor hygiene lead to trichomoniasis?

No, trichomoniasis isn’t caused by poor hygiene. The infection happens when a tiny parasite, called Trichomonas vaginalis, is passed from one person to another through sexual activity. It spread only through direct sexual contact, not from being unclean or having bad hygiene.

Is trichomoniasis considered contagious?

Yes, trichomoniasis can be spread to others. Because many people don’t experience any noticeable symptoms, they may pass the infection to their partners without realizing they’re infected.

Risk factors

Trichomoniasis can occur in anyone, but women tend to be at higher risk. You’re more likely to get the infection if you:

• Engage in sexual activity with several different partners.

• Have sex without using a condom or other barrier protection.

Associated health risks

If trichomoniasis isn't treated, it can make you more vulnerable to contracting HIV if you come into contact with the virus. Without proper care, HIV can progress to AIDS. Women who may have both trich and hIV face a higher risk of transmitting either or both infections to their sexual partners.

What methods are used to diagnose it?

To figure out if you have trichomoniasis, your healthcare provider can use several approaches:

• Laboratory testing: the sample is usually looked at under a microscope to see if the parasite is present. If nothing is visible right away, the sample may be sent to a lab for more detailed testing.

• Medical examination: they’ll ask about your symptoms and check the genital area for any signs of infection. For women, this may include a pelvic exam. During the exam, a sample fluid or discharge may be collected with a swab. In some cases, a provider might notice a red, inflamed cervix, often described as looking like a strawberry, which can be a sign of trich.

Because trichomoniasis often occurs alongside other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), your provider might recommend additional testing to rule out other conditions.

Sometimes, if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with trich and you’ve had contact with them, a provider may start treatment immediately with antibiotics, even without doing a full physical exam or test first.

How can trichomoniasis be cured?

Trichomoniasis is cured with antibiotics that eliminate the parasite responsible for the infection. If left untreated, the condition can persist for a long time, sometimes even years, and will not clear up on its own. During this period, it’s still possible to spread the infection to sexual partners. To stop the infection from coming back, it’s crucial that everyone involved in sexual contact gets treated at the same time.

What medication is typically prescribed for this infection?

Trichomonas is treated using oral antibiotics, which work to destroy the parasite that causes the infection. The most common medications used are metronidazole and tinidazole. While on treatment, it’s important to follow these guidelines:

• For women, metronidazole is usually taken over a seven-day course, while for men, a single dose is effective in curing most cases.

• Both you and any sexual partners need to be treated at the same time. If only one person is treated, the infection will continue to pass back and forth.

• Avoid any form of sexual activity for at least one week after finishing your medication. This gives the medicine time to fully clear the infection and helps prevent getting reinfected.

• Schedule a follow-up visit after three months to confirm that the infection has been completely eliminated.

Potential reactions to the medication

While taking metronidazole or tinidazole, it’s important to avoid drinking alcohol. Mixing these medications with alcoholic beverages can trigger intense nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat, which can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous.

Some people may also notice other side effects, such as:

• A burning sensation or discomfort in the chest (heartburn)

• A metallic or unusual taste in the mouth

Can trich be completely cured?

Yes, trichomoniasis can be completely cured. Medical professionals usually prescribe oral antibiotics, which are taken by swallowing pills, to clear the infection.

Will trichomoniasis clear up without treatment?

No, trichomoniasis will not clear up by itself. The infection requires antibiotic treatment to be completely eliminated.

What is the outlook for someone with this condition?

Trichomoniasis is a widespread sexually transmitted infection that can be fully treated with the right medication. To stop the infection from spreading, both you and your partner should complete the full course of antibiotics and avoid sexual activity until the infection has completely cleared, which usually takes about a week. While trich typically doesn’t lead to serious long-term health issues, leaving it untreated can increase your risk of contracting or transmitting HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS.

Can I be infected with trichomoniasis more than once?

You can get trichomoniasis again, even after being treated. To reduce the chance of it coming back, both you and your partner should complete treatment together. After finishing the medication, wait at least one week before having sex to ensure the infection is fully cleared and symptoms are gone.

Is prevention of trichomoniasis possible?

If you’re sexually active, there are several ways to lower your chace of catching or spreading trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted infections:

• Avoid multiple partners, as having several increases the likelihood of exposure

• Consider being exclusive with a single partner to reduce risk

• Follow through with treatment if you are diagnosed with any infection.

• Inform your partner so they can get tested and treated as well.

• Have regular health checkups to screen for trich and other STIs

• Practice safe sex by using condoms during every sexual encounter.

When is it recommended to consult a healthcare provider?

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider right away if you have trichomoniasis and begin to notice any of the following:

• Changes in discharge, such as an unusual texture or appearance.

• Discomfort or pain during sexual activity

• Redness, swelling, or tenderness in the vaginal area.

• Strong or unpleasant odor coming from the discharge

• Burning, itching, or irritation around the genitals.

How does trichomoniasis influence pregnancy outcomes?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and have trichomoniasis, metronidazole is usually considered safe for treatment. Leaving the infection untreated, however, can raise the chance of:

• Early labor, where the baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

• Low birth weight, meaning the newborn weighs under 5 pounds, 8 ounces.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider if You Have Trichomoniasis

• What treatment or medicine do I need to get rid of trichomoniasis?

• Should my partner also get tested or treated?

• How long should I wait before having sex again?

• What can I do to prevent getting trichomoniasis again?

• Will the infection cause any long-term problems if not treated?