Trichomoniasis Fact Sheet

What is trichomoniasis and how do you get it?

Trichomoniasis, also called “trick,” is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is

caused by a parasite that can be passed from one person to another. The

parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-

vulva contact with an infected partner. The vulva is the genital area outside the

vagina. Women can get the disease from infected men or women.

While trichomoniasis is usually passed sexually, it may be picked up from contact

• yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge (often foamy) with a strong odor

• discomfort during sex and when urinating

• irritation and itching in the genital area

• lower abdominal pain in rare cases

If you have any of these symptoms, stop having sex and contact your doctor right

away.

Is there a test for trichomoniasis?

To tell if you have trichomoniasis, your doctor or nurse will do a pelvic exam and

lab test. During the pelvic exam, your doctor may be able to see small red sores

inside the vagina or on the cervix. Your doctor will also take a fluid sample from

metronidazole and tinidazole. The topical medicines are less effective and may

not cure you. They might, however, ease the symptoms.

All women and men diagnosed with trichomoniasis should be treated. Even

without symptoms, it can be passed to others. People being treated for

trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they and their sex partners complete

treatment and have no symptoms. Having trichomoniasis once does not protect a

person from getting it again.

How is trichomoniasis prevented?

There are things you can do to protect yourself from trichomoniasis:

• Don’t have sex. The best way to prevent trichomoniasis or any STD is to

practice abstinence, or not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

with every partner. For vaginal sex, use a latex male condom or a female

polyurethane condom. For anal sex, use a latex male condom. For oral

sex, use a dental dam. A dental dam is a rubbery material that can be

placed over the anus or the vagina before sexual contact.

• Don’t share swimsuits or towels. The trichomoniasis parasite can live

outside the body for up to 45 minutes and can be contracted through

contact with damp or moist objects that have the parasite on them.

• Know that some methods of birth control, like birth control pills,

shots, implants, or diaphragms, will not protect you from STDs. If you

use one of these methods, be sure to also use a latex condom or dental