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
with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or a toilet seat, if the
genital area gets in contact with these damp or moist objects.
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
Many women do not have any symptoms, but still have the STD. If women do
have symptoms, they usually appear 5 to 28 days after exposure and can
include:
• 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
the vagina and look for the parasite under a microscope or send the sample to a
lab for analysis.
How is trichomoniasis treated?
Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with the prescription drug, metronidazole
(also called Flagyl), or with a related drug, tinidazole. Topical medicines, or
medicines applied to the skin, may be used in people who are allergic to
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