Trichomoniasis

Every year, nearly 9 million people under the age of 25 get a new STI (sexually transmitted infection).¹ One of these infections is trichomoniasis. If you've had sex, you could have an STI. Some STIs cause symptoms. Others don't. You could have one and not know it. Some STIs make you sick today and others cause problems later in life. These include serious problems like cancer or infertility. Some can even kill you.

What is trichomoniasis and how do you get it?
Trichomonasis is a very common STI. It is caused by a parasite. You get it from having sex with an infected person. Babies can get it from their mothers during childbirth. Although most infected people have no obvious symptoms, they can still pass on trichomoniasis.

What happens if I'm infected?
If you are like most people, you will have no symptoms at all. On the other hand, you could have symptoms such as itching or a discharge from the penis or vagina. Other symptoms include a burning sensation while urinating and pain during sex. If you are pregnant, you could have a premature baby.² Trichomoniasis also increases your chance of getting HIV.^3,4

How do you treat trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics. Both you and your partner must be treated.

Am I safe if I always use a condom?
If you always use condoms for vaginal sex, you may reduce your chance of getting trichomoniasis.⁵ How much your chance is reduced is not known.⁶

What can I do to avoid being infected with trichomoniasis?
Avoid sexual activity if you are single. Be faithful to one uninfected partner for the rest of your life. Already had sex? See a doctor and get checked.

References
1. Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W Jr. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspect Sex Reprod Health; 2004;36(1):6-10.
2. Hobbs MM, Sena AC, Swygard H, Schwebke JR. Trichomonas vaginalis and trichomoniasis. In: Holmes KK, Sparling PF, Stamm WE, et al., eds. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 4th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill, Co.; 2008:771-93.
3. Lichtenstein B, Desmond RA, Schwebke JR. Partnership concurrency status and condom use among women diagnosed with T. vaginalis. Womens Health Issues 2008;18(5):369-74.
4. Laga M, Alary M, Nzila N, et al. Condom promotion, sexually transmitted diseases treatment, and declining incidence of HIV-1 infection in female Zairian sex workers. Lancet 1994;344(8917):246-8.
5. Ma S, Dukers NHTM, van den Hoek A, et al. Decreasing STD incidence and increasing condom use among Chinese sex workers following a short term intervention: a prospective cohort study. Sex Transm Infect 2002;78:110-4.
6. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; 2001.

Authored by: Sheetal Malhotra, MBBS, MS
Date: May 2007
Reviewed by: Kate Hendricks, MD, MPH&TM
Date: May 2007
Revised by: Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH
Date: November 2009