Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a DoctorFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Trichomoniasis GuideHow Trichomoniasis Is Diagnosed
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Trichomoniasis Guide
Most people who havetrichomoniasisdo not have any symptoms, yet women who are infected are more likely to develop symptoms than men who are infected.The most common symptoms are itching, discharge, and an unpleasant odor.
Complications can be serious, including an increased risk of becoming infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—or spreading it—and an increased risk of low birth weight and premature babies.
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Symptoms in Women
In women, the infection involves the vagina and surrounding areas and can affect the cervix as well. Symptoms may persist unlesstreated. The most common symptoms in women are:
Some women may have discomfort during sex. Lower abdominal pain is a rare symptom.
Symptoms in Men
Most men will have few or no symptoms after being infected. Typically, when men experience symptoms they are mild and last for a short time.
The most common area of infection for men is the urethra, the tube inside the penis that carries urine and semen from inside to outside the body. The most common symptoms in men are:
Some men may experience burning after ejaculation.
Whether you are a man or a woman, if your sexual partner has symptoms of trichomoniasis, there is a strong chance that you also have the infection, even if you do not have any symptoms yourself. A person who does not have symptoms can spread the infection, so the presence or absence of symptoms does not provide any insight about who may have had the infection first.
While the infection in men lasts only a short time, infected men can easily transmit theparasite that causes trichomoniasisto a female partner.
Oral or Rectal Trichomoniasis
In general, the parasite that causes trichomoniasis,Trichomonas vaginalisorT. vaginalis,is known to survive in and around the vagina and urethra in women and in the urethra in men. It is not typically associated with infections of the mouth or anus.
However, there have been rare case reports of trichomoniasis causing infections of the mouth andthroat. The symptoms can include irritation, burning, and pain in these affected areas.
There are several serious complications of trichomoniasis. This is why treatment is so important.
HIV Infection
Women with trichomoniasishave an increased risk of HIV infection. And, if an HIV-positive woman has a trichomoniasis infection, this increases her risk of passing HIV to sexual partners, too.
This association is believed to occur because the inflammatory process that results when a woman has a trichomoniasis infection makes the skin and blood vessels more fragile, allowing microorganisms, such as the HIV virus, to become transmitted through the skin of the vagina more easily.
This inflammation makes a woman who has trichomoniasis more susceptible to becoming infected from an HIV-infected partner. It also makes her partner more susceptible to becoming infected with HIV if she has both HIV and trichomoniasis.
Pregnancy and Newborns
The more serious and recognized complications of trichomoniasis in pregnant women are delivering prematurely and giving birth to low-birth-weight babies.It is not clear how or why this occurs, but it is an observation with trichomoniasis.
Prostate Involvement
Urinary and Reproductive Tract
While it is rare, the infection can involve/spread to the internal organs of the reproductive system or the urinary system. This can cause major problems, such as pus-filled lesions orfistulas(abnormal connections between body parts or organs).
When to See a Healthcare Provider
There are many signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis for which you should see your primary care provider or other healthcare professional as these signs can be indications of trichomoniasis or another illness that needs to be treated. You should see your healthcare provider if you have:
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Pregnancy and STIs
Unprotected Sex
If you have had unprotected sex with a partner who may have an STI, you should both get tested. If you are not able to convince your partner to get tested, you should see your healthcare provider and mention your concerns. This is something that you can take care of even if it has been years since your exposure as diagnosis and treatment can eliminate the infection.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, genital irritation and itching are common symptoms of trichomoniasis in women. Oral or rectal infections, though rare, can also cause irritation and burning.In women, trichomoniasis can cause red, irritated genitals and a change in vaginal discharge. In men, it can cause an unusual penile discharge. Trichomoniasis discharge can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish. Trichomoniasis does not cause ulcers or sores.Fish. Discharge from trichomoniasis has a strong fishy odor. If you experience a foul-smelling discharge from your penis or vagina, see a healthcare provider.
Yes, genital irritation and itching are common symptoms of trichomoniasis in women. Oral or rectal infections, though rare, can also cause irritation and burning.
In women, trichomoniasis can cause red, irritated genitals and a change in vaginal discharge. In men, it can cause an unusual penile discharge. Trichomoniasis discharge can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish. Trichomoniasis does not cause ulcers or sores.
Fish. Discharge from trichomoniasis has a strong fishy odor. If you experience a foul-smelling discharge from your penis or vagina, see a healthcare provider.
What Is Trichomoniasis?
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Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. womenshealth.gov.TrichomoniasisPlanned Parenthood.How do I get treated for trichomoniasis?
Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. womenshealth.gov.Trichomoniasis
Planned Parenthood.How do I get treated for trichomoniasis?
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