What are the complications of trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually
transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation
that makes it easier to get infected with HIV, or to pass the HIV virus on to a
sex partner.
How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to have their babies too early
(preterm delivery). Also, babies born to infected mothers are more likely to have a
low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds).
How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. For both
men and women, your health care provider can examine you and get a laboratory
test to diagnose trichomoniasis.
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can be treated with medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole).
These pills are taken by mouth. It is safe for pregnant women to take this medication.
It is not recommended to drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this medication.
People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again. About 1 in 5
people get infected again within 3 months after receiving treatment. To avoid
getting reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated. Also, wait 7- 10
days after you and your partner have been treated to have sex again. Get checked
again if your symptoms come back.
How can trichomoniasis be prevented?
The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of
getting trichomoniasis:
• Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has
been tested and has negative STD test results;
• Use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your
chances of getting trichomoniasis. But the parasite can infect areas that are not
covered by a condom - so condoms may not fully protect you from
getting trichomoniasis.
Another approach is to talk about the potential risk of STDs before you have sex with
a new partner. That way you can make informed choices about the level of risk you
are comfortable taking with your sex life.
If you or someone you know has questions about trichomoniasis or any other STD,
talk to a health care provider.
Where can I get more
information?
Division of STD Prevention
(DSTDP)
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
www.cdc.gov/std
CDC-INFO Contact Center
1-800-CDC-INFO
(1-800-232-4636)
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/
ContactUs/Form
CDC National Prevention
Information Network (NPIN)
https://npin.cdc.gov/disease/stds
P.O. Box 6003
Rockville, MD 20849-6003
E-mail: npin-info@cdc.gov
American Sexual Health
Association (ASHA)
http://www.ashasexualhealth.
org/stdsstis/
P. O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC
27709-3827
1-800-783-9877
July 2017