Health Info & Services

• What it is
• How you get it
• Symptoms
• Testing
• Treatment
• If you don't take care of it

Trichomonas vaginalis is a microscopic parasite found worldwide. Infection with trichomonas is called trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, mainly affecting 16- to 35-year-old women. In the United States, it is estimated that 2 million women become infected each year.

• Primarily through sexual contact
• Exposure to vaginal fluids and semen infected with trichomonas
• The parasite can also live outside the body for several hours and can be spread by sharing damp washcloths, towels, etc. with an infected person.

Women

• May have no symptoms
• Most women develop symptoms in 4 days to 4 weeks
• Discolored discharge with bad odor
• Frequent painful urination
• Inflammation in the genitals (itching and burning)
• Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen

Men

• May have no symptoms
• Painful urination
• Discharge from the penis

• Sample of discharge is examined under a microscope

• Antibiotics

• Discomfort will get worse
• Recurrent infections common - partner(s) must receive treatment at the same time
• Can spread infection to sexual partner(s)
• Frequently spread with other STIs

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Adapted from PPFA (www.plannedparenthood.org) and Planned Parenthood Golden Gate (www.ppgg.org)