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Trichomoniasis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2025.

What is trichomoniasis?

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.

What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis?

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:

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and sexual history. Tell your provider if you have a history of STIs. Your provider will examine your genitals. You may need the following:

How is trichomoniasis treated?

You will need to take 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.

Treatment options

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

View more treatment options

How can I prevent another trichomoniasis infection?

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

What are the risks of trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis increases the risk that other STIs, including HIV, will be spread from person to person. Tell your healthcare provider if you know or think you are pregnant. A trichomoniasis infection can be dangerous if you are pregnant. It may cause your water to break too soon, or your baby to be born too early or too small.

Where can I find support and more information?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. 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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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.