Trichomoniasis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Trichomoniasis

is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is spread between people during sex or genital contact. Trichomoniasis is caused by tiny parasites that are too small to be seen.

Signs and symptoms:

You may not have any symptoms. You are still able to spread the infection to your partner, even if you have no symptoms. If you have symptoms, they usually appear 5 to 28 days after you were exposed. If young children and teenagers get trichomoniasis, it may be a sign of sexual abuse. Tell a healthcare provider immediately if you suspect sexual abuse. One or more of the following may develop:

• In females:
  • Green or yellow discharge from your vagina that smells bad
  • Vaginal itching or pain
  • Pain when you urinate and the urge to urinate often
  • Lower abdominal pain or pain during sex
• In males:
  • Itching, irritation, burning, or pain in your penis during or after urinating or ejaculating
  • Clear, or white or yellow discharge from your penis

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• Your symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse during treatment.
• Your symptoms return after treatment.
• You have unusual vaginal bleeding.
• You have any problems that may be caused by the medicine you are taking.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• metronidazole
• Flagyl
• Flagyl 375
• Tindamax
• Flagyl IV

View more treatment options

Treatment for trichomoniasis

will include antibiotics to treat the parasite infection, even if you have no symptoms. Tell your sex partners that you have trichomoniasis. Anyone you have had sex with recently must also be treated. If your partner is not treated, they may give the infection back to you or infect someone else. Take your medicine as ordered until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Do not have sex until both you and your partner have taken all your medicine, and your symptoms are gone. Ask your healthcare provider when it is safe to have sex again.

Prevent the spread of trichomoniasis and other STIs:

You can get trichomoniasis more than 1 time. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the following safe sex practices:

• Limit your number of sex partners. This will help lower your risk for another trichomoniasis infection and other STIs.
• Use a male or female condom during sex. This includes oral, genital, or anal sex. Use a new condom each time. Condoms help prevent pregnancy and STIs. Use latex condoms, if possible. Lambskin (also called sheepskin or natural membrane) condoms do not protect against STIs. A polyurethane condom can be used if there is an allergy to latex. Condoms should be used with a second form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy and STIs. Male and female condoms should not be used together.
• Get tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active. You should get tested 1 time a year, or after a new sex partner. Get tested if you have sex without a condom. This includes oral, genital, or anal sex.
• Do not have sex with someone who has an STI. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
• Do not have sex while you or your partner are being treated. Ask your provider when it is safe to have sex.

For more information:

• Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd.
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/std
  

• American Social Health Association (ASHA)
  P.O. Box 13827
  Research Triangle Park , NC 27709
  Web Address: http://www.ashastd.org
  

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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