Trichomoniasis: What It Is, How It Spreads, Symptoms, and Complications If Left Untreated

▶ What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis (often shortened to "trich") is one of the most common yet overlooked sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. It is caused by a single-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis .

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2.6 million people in the US are infected with trichomoniasis each year, but most do not know they are infected. This is because 70–85% of infected people have no symptoms . The disease is more common in women than men and occurs more commonly in older women .

▶ How is Trichomoniasis spread?
Trichomoniasis is transmitted through sexual contact , specifically when genital fluids (such as semen or vaginal fluids) from an infected person are passed to a sexual partner during sex.

In women, the parasite usually infects the vagina, vulva, cervix, or urethra .
In men, the disease usually affects the urethra or inside the penis .
Transmission occurs primarily through penile-vaginal intercourse , but can also occur through vulvar-vulvar contact between two women.

▶ What are the symptoms of Trichomoniasis?
Most people infected with trichomoniasis have no symptoms . When symptoms do appear, they usually appear 5 to 28 days after infection and may start mild before becoming more noticeable.

In women , common symptoms may include:
- Itching, burning or discomfort in the genital area
- Pain when urinating
- Thin vaginal discharge, yellow-green in color and fishy smell
- Pain during sex
- In some cases, the cervix may be red and inflamed (called "strawberry cervix" )

In men , symptoms are less common but may include:
- Itching or discomfort inside the penis
- Pain after urination or ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis

These symptoms can easily be confused with other conditions such as bacterial vaginosis or urethritis , so testing is needed for an accurate diagnosis.

▶ How to prevent and test for Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a common STI, and because most people infected have no symptoms , they may not know they are infected.

To reduce the risk of infection, you should:
- Use condoms correctly and regularly
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Talk openly about STI testing with new partners

Because asymptomatic infection is so common, regular testing is important . Anyone who has symptoms or whose partner has tested positive should also get tested.

 

▶ What happens if Trichomoniasis is not treated?
Trichomoniasis can be treated effectively with antibiotics . However, if left untreated, the disease can lead to many complications:
- Increased risk of other STIs : Inflammation at the infected area makes it easier to get HIV and other diseases.
- Effects on pregnancy : Trichomoniasis is associated with the risk of premature birth and low birth weight .
- Chronic infection : If left untreated, the disease can last for months or even years.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) : The disease increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, affecting the uterus and ovaries.

Also, reinfection is common : About 20% of people get reinfected within 3 months , usually by an untreated sex partner. So both you and your partner need to be treated , and avoid sex until treatment is complete .

After treatment, you should get tested again in 3 months to make sure you're completely cured — especially if you don't have symptoms.

[Source]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

About Trichomoniasis | Trichomoniasis | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/trichomoniasis.htm#print

Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichomoniasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378609