Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection of the urogenital tract, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide and affects sexually active people of both sexes. Transmission follows unprotected vaginal sex, genital skin contact or shared sex toys, and a person can pass it on without having symptoms. Many infected people have no symptoms; when they occur, women notice a yellow-green or frothy vaginal discharge, itching, soreness and painful urination, while men may have penile discharge or pain on urinating. Untreated infection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a higher risk of acquiring HIV, and preterm birth or low birth weight in pregnancy. Diagnosis rests on history, genital examination and swab or urine samples, with microscopy or nucleic acid amplification tests available. The infection is treatable and curable with antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole, and recent sexual partners also need treatment.

Seek urgent care for a high fever with a stiff neck, rash, confusion, difficulty breathing, or fever after travel to a malaria area. See a doctor when a fever lasts more than three days, when symptoms return after treatment, or when you may have been exposed to an infection that needs testing. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.