Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI. Millions of people are infected each year in the United States.

Signs in women include excessive, frothy, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge. There may also be swelling of the vulva and labia along with painful urination. Symptoms in men may include painful urination with lesions on the penis, but most men with trichomoniasis will have no symptoms.

Trichomoniasis can be treated and cured with antibiotics. It is extremely important to treat partners of anyone with trichomoniasis because reinfection is very common.

Avoid drinking alcohol until 24–48 hours after finishing treatment (depending on the type of antibiotic prescribed). Trichomoniasis has been linked to an increased risk of HIV acquisition.

As with all STIs, the most effective protection is to abstain from sexual activity or be mutually monogamous with one long-term partner who has tested negative for trichomoniasis. Condoms made of latex, polyurethane and/or polyisoproprene and dental dams can help reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the infection.

Getting Tested

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Type of test

Testing involves having a health care provider take a swab sample from the infected area to examine under a microscope or send to a lab.

Test Timing

It depends on the lab used by your health care provider, but usually a couple of days to a week. If your test is positive, you may be asked to come back for another test in a few months.

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