Trichomoniasis symptoms, prevention and treatment
Condoms can reduce your risk of trichomoniasis infections. Make an appointment to get tested for trich.
“Trich” is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Make an appointment at any of our clinics in Greater Victoria to get tested for trichomoniasis, or to find out more.
- How trichomoniasis spreads
- Trichomoniasis prevention
- Trichomoniasis symptoms
- Risks of untreated trichomoniasis
- Trichomoniasis tests and diagnosis
- Trichomoniasis treatment
For further reading, see our links and other resources.
How trichomoniasis spreads
- Trichomoniasis is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner
- After getting trich once, you do not become “immune” to it—you can be re-infected anytime
Trichomoniasis prevention
To prevent trichomoniasis, use good sex safety skills including regular infection screening.
- Use condoms to reduce the risk of trichomoniasis during vaginal and anal sex.
- Use condoms and dental dams to prevent transmission during oral sex.
- Any genital symptom such as discharge, burning during urination or an unusual sore should be a signal to stop having sex and consult a health care provider.
- Make an appointment to get tested for trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis symptoms
Many people have no symptoms with a trichomoniasis infection, especially men.
- Some men may have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge or slight burning with urination or ejaculation. These symptoms may disappear within a few weeks without treatment, however the man is still infected and can continue to infect others.
- Women may have abnormal vaginal discharge with a foul odour, genital itching and irritation, and discomfort during intercourse and urination.
Risks of untreated trichomoniasis
- Rarely trich can cause pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Genital inflammation caused by trich can increase a person’s risk for other STIs including HIV.
- An infected mother’s baby may be born early or with low birth weight.
Trichomoniasis tests and diagnosis
Trichomoniasis is diagnosed by taking a swab and sending it to a lab for testing.
- For women, a swab is taken from inside the vagina (where there may be small sores).
- For men, a swab can be taken of discharge or from inside the tip of the penis.
Trichomoniasis treatment
- Trich is easily treated and cured with a dose of antibiotic.
- All recent sex partners (previous 60 days ) need to be treated.
- You need to abstain from having sex until 1 week after you and your partner have taken the antibiotic—if not, you can easily become re-infected.