Trichomoniasis: What It Is, How to Spot It, and How to Treat It

If you’ve heard the word “trichomoniasis” and aren’t sure what it means, you’re not alone. It’s a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Most people catch it during vaginal sex, but it can also spread through oral‑genital contact. The good news? It’s easy to diagnose and treat, and knowing the signs can keep it from lingering.

Signs and Symptoms You Should Watch For

Many folks infected with trichomoniasis never feel any trouble, so they never realize they have it. When symptoms do show up, they usually appear within a week to a month after exposure. Women might notice a frothy, yellow‑green discharge that smells fishy, itching, or burning when they pee. Men often have irritation inside the tip of the penis, a mild discharge, or a burning sensation during urination. Both partners can feel uncomfortable during sex.

If you notice any of these clues, don’t panic—just book an appointment. Early treatment stops the infection from spreading and lowers the chance of future complications, like pelvic inflammatory disease in women or infertility issues.

How Doctors Diagnose Trichomoniasis

The quickest way to confirm the infection is a lab test. Your doctor can take a swab from the vagina or urethra and examine it under a microscope. Many clinics also use rapid antigen tests that give results in minutes. In some places, a simple urine test works for men. If you’re sexually active and any symptom pops up, ask for a test right away; it’s fast, cheap, and confidential.

Because the parasite can hide, a negative result doesn’t always rule it out. If you still feel off after a clean test, ask for a repeat or a more sensitive PCR test. That extra step catches low‑level infections that ordinary slides might miss.

Treatment Options That Really Work

The standard cure is a single dose of the antibiotic metronidazole or its cousin tinidazole. Either pill clears the bug in most cases, and you’ll feel better within a few days. It’s crucial that both you and your partner take the medication at the same time—otherwise you could keep passing the infection back and forth.

While you’re on the meds, avoid alcohol. Mixing metronidazole with booze can cause nasty nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. If you can’t tolerate metronidazole, talk to your doctor about tinidazole; it tends to have fewer side effects for some people.

After treatment, come back for a follow‑up test about two weeks later. This “test of cure” makes sure the parasite is gone. If it’s still there, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose or a longer course.

Preventing Future Infections

Using condoms consistently cuts the risk of trichomoniasis in half. If you or your partner have had the infection before, using a dental dam during oral sex also helps. Regular STI screenings, especially if you have multiple partners, catch infections early when they’re easiest to treat.

Talk openly with your sexual partners about testing and results. A quick chat may feel awkward, but it’s the smartest move to keep everyone healthy.

Remember, trichomoniasis is common and treatable. Spotting the symptoms, getting tested, and finishing the prescribed meds will get you back to feeling normal fast. Stay informed, use protection, and keep the conversation going with your healthcare provider and partners.