Trichomoniasis

Many people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms. When symptoms occur:

In men:
• Discharge from the penis
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• Irritation or itching inside the penis

In women:
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal or vulval itching, soreness or irritation
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Yes. Most people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, so they may not know they have the infection.

Untreated trichomoniasis can increase the risk of acquiring or passing on other STIs, including HIV. During pregnancy, it has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

In some cases, it may also cause ongoing inflammation of the genital or urinary tract. Prompt treatment helps prevent complications and reduces the risk of passing the infection to sexual partners.

When symptoms occur, they may develop around 5–28 days after infection. However, many people have no symptoms at all, and symptoms can vary from person to person.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is usually passed through sexual contact. The infection primarily affects the genital and urinary tract, including the vagina and urethra.

Having sexual contact without a condom with someone who has trichomoniasis increases the risk of infection. Having multiple or new sexual partners may also increase the likelihood of exposure.

You can reduce your risk by:
• Using condoms consistently and correctly during sex.
• Cleaning shared sex toys between uses or covering them with a new condom.
• Avoiding sexual contact until you and your sexual partner(s) have completed treatment and symptoms have resolved.

Yes. Condoms substantially reduce the risk of trichomoniasis but do not eliminate it completely. Using condoms consistently and correctly can help reduce the risk of transmission.

No. Trichomoniasis is not spread through kissing, hugging, sharing drinks, or other casual contact. It is mainly transmitted through vaginal sex or by sharing sex toys without proper cleaning or condom use.

This is very unlikely. Trichomoniasis is almost always spread through sexual contact. Although the parasite may survive briefly in damp environments, transmission through shared towels or similar items is considered rare.

No. Trichomoniasis is not transmitted through blood transfusions or blood donation because the parasite lives in the genital tract, not the bloodstream. It is spread through sexual contact, most commonly vaginal sex.

Trichomoniasis is diagnosed using a vaginal swab or a urine sample, depending on your anatomy. PCR (NAAT) testing is the most accurate method and can detect the parasite even if you have no symptoms.

PCR (NAAT) is the preferred test for trichomoniasis because it detects the parasite's genetic material with high accuracy. Samples are usually collected using a vaginal swab or a urine sample.

An accurate diagnosis involves appropriate laboratory testing alongside information about your symptoms, sexual history and any possible exposure. Symptoms alone are not enough to confirm trichomoniasis.

Yes. Trichomoniasis can cause symptoms similar to thrush, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or a urinary tract infection. Testing is needed to confirm the cause.

Yes. Microscopy and culture can also diagnose trichomoniasis, but they are less sensitive than PCR (NAAT), which is the preferred test.

No. A physical examination cannot confirm trichomoniasis. A laboratory test, usually a vaginal swab or urine sample, is needed for an accurate diagnosis.

No. Symptoms alone cannot diagnose trichomoniasis. A laboratory test is needed, although you may be able to collect your sample at home using a home testing kit.

Trichomoniasis is usually curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment, and most people do not experience lasting health problems. If untreated, it is associated with an increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV and certain pregnancy complications.

No. Having trichomoniasis does not provide immunity, so you can become infected again if you are exposed in the future. To reduce the risk of reinfection, ensure your sexual partner(s) are treated at the same time and avoid sex until treatment has been completed.

Yes. Most recurrences are due to reinfection. To reduce the risk:

• Ensure current sexual partner(s) are offered appropriate testing and epidemiological treatment.
• Avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and symptoms have resolved.
• Use condoms consistently and correctly to reduce the risk of reinfection.

Yes. Current and recent sexual partners should be informed so they can be tested and treated, even if they have no symptoms. This helps prevent reinfection and reduces the risk of passing the infection to others. If you prefer not to tell partners yourself, many sexual health services can help with confidential partner notification.

Yes. To reduce the risk of passing on trichomoniasis:

• Complete your prescribed treatment.
• Ensure current sexual partner(s) receive appropriate treatment.
• Avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and symptoms have resolved.
• Use condoms consistently and correctly to reduce the risk of transmission and reinfection.

Transmission of trichomoniasis from mother to baby during childbirth is possible but uncommon. During pregnancy, trichomoniasis is associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight and premature rupture of the membranes. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment are recommended, particularly for symptomatic infection.

Trichomoniasis during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight and premature rupture of the membranes. Rarely, the infection may be passed to the baby during childbirth. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment are recommended, particularly for symptomatic infection.

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, although it is less common in the UK than infections such as chlamydia. Many people have no symptoms, so it can go undiagnosed. It is not routinely screened for during pregnancy in the UK unless there are symptoms or other clinical concerns.

Yes. Metronidazole can be used to treat trichomoniasis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. BASHH recommends metronidazole 400 mg twice daily for 7 days during pregnancy. Current sexual partner(s) should also receive appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of reinfection.

Yes. You can reduce your risk of trichomoniasis during pregnancy by:

• Using condoms consistently during sex.
• Ensuring sexual partner(s) are tested and treated if needed.
• Seeking testing if you develop symptoms or think you have been exposed.

If you are diagnosed, completing treatment and avoiding sex until both you and your partner have finished treatment helps prevent reinfection.

Trichomoniasis is not transmitted through breast milk. Metronidazole can generally be used during breastfeeding, although advice may vary depending on the dose and treatment regimen. If you are breastfeeding, discuss your treatment with your healthcare professional.