Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
 Search

		Submit





Section Navigation
			
			CDC Home


Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate





Trichomoniasis – CDC Basic Fact SheetEspañol (Spanish)										Related Pages
										two women and a coupleTrichomoniasis a common, treatable, sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most people who have trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms. This fact sheet answers general questions about trichomoniasis.Two Trichomonas vaginalis parasites, magnified (seen under a microscope)Two *Trichomonas vaginalis* parasites, magnified (seen under a microscope)
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common STD caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan parasite). Although symptoms vary, most people who have trich cannot tell they have it.
How common is trichomoniasis?
In the United States, CDC estimates that there were more than two million trichomoniasis infections in 2018. However, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trich. Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to have the infection.
How is trichomoniasis spread?
Sexually active people can get trich by having sex without a condom with a partner who has trich.
In women, the infection is most commonly found in the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the infection is most commonly found inside the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from a vagina to another vagina.
It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not. It probably depends on factors like a person’s age and overall health. People with trich can pass the infection to others, even if they do not have symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis?
About 70% of people with the infection do not have any signs or symptoms. When trich does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people get symptoms within 5 to 28 days after getting the infection. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go.
Men with trich may notice:
Itching or irritation inside the penis;
Burning after peeing or ejaculating; and
Discharge from the penis.Women with trich may notice:
Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals;
Discomfort when peeing; and
A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) with a fishy smell.Having trich can make sex feel unpleasant. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.
What are the complications of trichomoniasis?
Trich can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trich can cause genital inflammation, making it easier to get HIV, or pass it to a sex partner.
How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant person and her baby?
Pregnant people with trich are more likely to have their babies early. Also, their babies are more likely to have a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds).
How do healthcare providers diagnose trich?
It is not possible to diagnose trich based on symptoms alone. Your healthcare provider can examine you and a laboratory test will confirm the diagnosis.
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
Trich is the most common curable STD. A healthcare provider can treat the infection with medication (pills) taken by mouth. This treatment is also safe for pregnant people.
If you receive and complete treatment for trich, you can still get it again. Reinfection occurs in about 1 in 5 people within 3 months after receiving treatment. This can happen if you have sex without a condom with a person who has trich. To avoid reinfection, your sex partners should receive treatment at the same time.
You should not have sex again until you and your sex partner(s) complete treatment. You should receive testing again about three months after your treatment, even if your sex partner(s) received treatment.
How can I prevent trichomoniasis?
The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting trich:
Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have trich.
Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.Also, talk about the potential risk of STDs *before* having sex with a new partner. This can help inform the choices you are comfortable taking with your sex life.
If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider. Ask them if you should get tested for trich or other STDs.
Sources
Workowski, KA, Bachmann, LH, Chang, PA, et. al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021; 70(No. 4): 1-187.
Kreisel KM, Spicknall IH, Gargano JW, Lewis FM, Lewis RM, Markowitz LE, Roberts H, Satcher Johnson A, Song R, St. Cyr SB, Weston EJ, Torrone EA, Weinstock HS. Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: Prevalence and incidence estimates, 2018. Sex Transm Dis 2021; in press.
Peterman TA, Tian LH, Metcalf CA, Satterwhite CL, Malotte CK, DeAugustine N, Paul SM, Cross H, Rietmeijer CA, Douglas JM Jr; RESPECT-2 Study Group. High incidence of new sexually transmitted infections in the year following a sexually transmitted infection: a case for rescreening. Ann Intern Med. 2006 Oct 17;145(8):564-72.
Hobbs M, Seña EC, Swygard H, Schwebke J. Trichomonas vaginalis and Trichomoniasis. In: KK Holmes, PF Sparling, WE Stamm, P Piot, JN Wasserheit, L Corey, MS Cohen, DH Watts (editors). Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 4th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008, 771-793.You can add this content to your website by  syndicating.STD Fact SheetsSTDs during PregnancySTD Fact SheetPrimary Prevention Methods (Condoms)STD Fact Sheet
							
					Need Help Printing this Page?
Consider adjusting the scale or “shrink to fit” in your browser settings, or consult the printing instructions applicable to your browser. Alternatively, consider using the STD facts brochures or ordering materials through CDC-INFO on Demand (please note: stock is limited).Chromeexternal icon | Safariexternal icon | Edgeexternal icon | Firefoxexternal icon | IEexternal icon
Additional Information
CDC-INFOIn English, en Español
CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)external icon
						Page last reviewed:  April 25, 2022					Content source: 	Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trichomoniasis
Facts & Brochures
Fact Sheet
Statistics
Treatment and Care
Archive Other STD Topics
 STDs Home Page
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Genital Herpes
Hepatitis
HIV/AIDS & STDs
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
*Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen)*
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
STDs & Infertility
STDs during Pregnancy
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
Other STDs
 See Also Pregnancy
HIV / AIDS
 Follow STD STD on Twitter
STD on Facebook


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue