Trichomoniasis

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by Trichomoniasis vaginalis, a parasite. For women, these parasites can infect the cervix, vagina, urethra or bladder. In men, the infection is usually in the urethra or under the foreskin.

Symptoms

For women, the symptoms may include:

• itching and swelling of the vagina,
• off-white or yellow, foul smelling vaginal discharge, and
• pain during intercourse (sex) or passing urine.

For men, symptoms may include:

• mild discharge or burning when passing urine, and
• irritation or redness at the top of the penis.

Often men are carriers of this infection and do not have symptoms.

Testing

Diagnosis may be made by a doctor's examination or by lab testing.

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is usually treated with a single dose of an antibiotic called metronidazole (Flagyl).
Your sexual partner also needs to be treated.

Prevention

• Use a condom every time you have sex to prevent STIs.
• Limit the number of sexual partners you have.

Revised: 2014-08-12