Trichomoniasis (Trich)

What is Trichomoniasis (Trich)?
Trich is a common STD caused by a microscopic parasite that lives in the wet areas (urethra and vagina) of infected men and women.

Trich is passed through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, possibly by sharing sex toys, or from a mother to her baby at birth.

Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes there are no symptoms, or they are so mild they go unnoticed. If there are signs they usually come 4 to 20 days after contact with an infected partner; however the signs can come 6 months or even years after infection.

Typical signs include:

  • Women may experience a heavy yellow-green discharge, an unpleasant odor, itching, and/or an irritation in the vagina
  • Pain in lower abdomen
  • Men may have a discharge from the penis
  • Pain while urinating, and/or during sex

    • Is there a test?
    Yes. A swab is used to take fluid from the vagina or penis; the sample is observed under a microscope. A culture can be taken, but often takes longer and is more expensive. Sometimes trich is found around cells taken for a Pap smear. Male semen can also be checked for trich.

    Is there a cure?
    Trich is easily treated with an antibiotic called Metronidazole (Flagyl). To avoid re-infection, sexual partners must also be treated, even if they show no signs of infection.

    Is it serious?
    Women with trich may be more likely to have babies who are premature or are born too small to be healthy. In men, trich can irritate the prostate gland. For both men and women, inflammation of the genitals can make it easier to get other STD infections. If you have trich or any other STD, get treatment right away.