trichomoniasis

THE FACTS

• Trichomoniasis (TRICK o man NI a sis) 

is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). 

•Both men and women can 

get trichomoniasis. 

• Many people who have trichomoniasis 

don’t know it. The infection often has no 

symptoms. Women are more likely than men 

to get symptoms. 

• You can pass trichomoniasis to others 

without knowing it. 

• Trichomoniasis is easy to treat and cure.

PROTECT YOURSELF + PROTECT YOUR PARTNER
HOW CAN I LOWER MY RISK FOR TRICHOMONIASIS? 

• The surest way to prevent trichomoniasis is not to have sex or to have sex 

only with someone who’s not infected and who has sex only with you. 

• Condoms can reduce your risk of getting trichomoniasis 

if used the right way every single time you have sex. 

• Stop having sex and see a doctor right away if: 

» You notice any unusual discharge. 

» You feel burning when you pass urine. 

• Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex 

will not prevent any STD.

HOW DOES SOMEONE GET TRICHOMONIASIS? 

• You can get trichomoniasis by having vaginal sex with 

someone who has it. 

• Women usually get the infection in the vagina. 

• Men usually get the infection in the urethra (urine canal). 

• Women can get the disease from infected men or 

women. Men usually get it only from infected women.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TRICHOMONIASIS? 

Many people with trichomoniasis don’t know they have it 

because they have no symptoms. 

IF YOU ARE A WOMAN

You might notice these symptoms:

• An unusual discharge, with a strong smell, from your vagina.

• Discomfort when you urinate and when you have sex.

• Irritation or itching around your genitals.

IF YOU ARE A MAN

Most men who have trichomoniasis don’t have any symptoms, 

but you might notice:

• An irritation or burning feeling inside your penis.

• A discharge from your penis.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF I HAVE TRICHOMONIASIS?

• A doctor must examine you and test for the parasite that 

causes trichomoniasis. 

• The disease is harder to diagnose in men than in women.

IF YOU ARE A WOMAN

You should be tested for trichomoniasis if:

• You have any of these symptoms:

» A discharge from your vagina.

» Pain when you have sex.

» Pain when you pass urine.

» Irritation or itching around 

your genitals.

• Your partner has trichomoniasis or 

symptoms that might be trichomoniasis.

IF YOU ARE A MAN

You may have trichomoniasis if:

• You have any of these symptoms:

» A discharge from your penis.

» Burning feeling inside your penis.

• Your partner has trichomoniasis 

or symptoms that might be 

trichomoniasis.

CAN I GET TRICHOMONIASIS AGAIN

AFTER I’VE BEEN TREATED?

Yes, you can get trichomoniasis again. You can get it from 

an untreated sex partner or from a new sex partner.

WHEN SHOULD I BE TESTED? 

Many people with trichomoniasis don’t know they have it because they have no symptoms. 
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T GET TREATED?

Many people with trichomoniasis don’t know they have it because they 

have no symptoms. 

IF YOU ARE A WOMAN

• You have a higher risk of getting HIV infection if you have unprotected 

sex with an HIV-infected partner.

• You have a higher chance of passing HIV to your partner.

• If you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to give birth prematurely. Your 

baby is more likely to be underweight (less than 5 pounds at birth).

IF YOU ARE A MAN

• Trichomoniasis can cause infections in the urethra (urine canal) or prostate gland.

• Your symptoms may not go away.

• You can re-infect your partner or pass trichomoniasis to your partner.

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IF I HAVE TRICHOMONIASIS, WHAT DOES THAT 

MEAN FOR MY PARTNER?

• Your partner may have the infection too. 

• Be sure to tell your recent sex partners, so they can get treated. 

• Avoid having sex until you’ve both finished your treatment, 

so you don’t re-infect each other.

HOW IS TRICHOMONIASIS TREATED?

• Trichomoniasis can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

• Finish all of your medicine to be sure you are cured.

• Do not share your medicine with anyone. You need all of it.

• If you still have symptoms after treatment, go back to 

see your doctor.

A MESSAGE FOR EVERYONE

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER.

If you have trichomoniasis, you should be tested for other STDs. Be sure to tell your recent 

sex partners, so they can get tested too. Talk openly and honestly with your partner about 

trichomoniasis and other STDs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Talk to your doctor.

• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

• Visit www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas.