What do trichomoniasis symptoms look like?
Like many STIs, there may be no symptoms at all (in half of men and women) – but for those who do develop symptoms, they normally appear within a month of infection.
In women, symptoms include:
- yellow-green vaginal discharge which may have an unpleasant smell
- soreness, swelling and itching in and around the vagina
- pain when passing urine or having sex
- pain in the lower stomach
For men, there may be:
- thin, white discharge from the penis
- pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- soreness, swelling and redness around the head of the penis and foreskin3
You can't diagnose trichomoniasis by looking at pictures because symptoms vary from person to person. See your doctor or healthcare worker if you think you have trichomoniasis.
Can I get tested for trichomoniasis?
You can be tested for trichomoniasis whether you have symptoms or not.
You will need to see your doctor or healthcare worker who will examine your genital area for any visible symptoms and take a swab taken from either the vagina or penis. A urine sample can also be taken from a man.
It takes just a few days for the results to come back. If the doctor strongly suspects you have the infection, treatment may be offered before you get your results.4
You may also be tested for other STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
How is trichomoniasis treated?
Trichomoniasis is easily treated. Caught early, it can be cured with antibiotics (usually Metronidazole) either taken twice daily for five to seven days or in a single, larger dose.5
To avoid re-infection, avoid having sex during your treatment. Any recent sexual partners should also be tested and treated.
What happens if I don't get treatment for trichomoniasis?
Complications of trichomoniasis are rare; however, as with other STIs, trichomoniasis increases your chances of getting other STIs, including Hiv.
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