trichomoniasis

T H E F A C T S 

PROTECT YOURSELF + PROTECT YOUR PARTNER
PROTECT YOURSELF + PROTECT YOUR PARTNER

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.
TRIM LINE / DO NOT PRINT

PROTECT YOURSELF + PROTECT YOUR PARTNER

H O W C A N I L O W E R M Y R I S K F O R 

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.

TRIM LINE / DO NOT PRINT
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 fi nd 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.

When should I be tested? 

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.
What happens if I don’t get treated?

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.

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 fi nished 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.

CDC Publication No. 99-8829