Trichomoniasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Trichomoniasis?
A primary care doctor or a gynecologist, a doctor for the female reproductive system, can usually test for and treat trichomoniasis. Men can see a primary care doctor or a urologist, a doctor for the urinary system and male reproductive system. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis, often called trich, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which means an infection passed on through sex. It is caused by a parasite, a tiny single-celled living thing, called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can affect both men and women, but it is more common in women. Trich is the most common STI that can be cured.
Symptoms
Most people who have trich do not know they have it. About 70 percent of people with the infection have no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation, which means swelling. Some people notice them within 5 to 28 days. Others do not have symptoms until much later, and symptoms can come and go.
Women with trich may notice:
- Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals.
- Discomfort when peeing or having sex.
- A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell.
Men with trich may notice:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis.
- Burning after peeing or ejaculating, which is releasing semen.
- Discharge from the penis.
Having trich can make sex feel unpleasant. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.
Causes and who gets it
People can get trich by having sex without a condom with a partner who has it. The parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from one vagina to another. It is not common for the parasite to infect the hands, mouth, or anus. A person can pass the infection to others even without symptoms. Older women are more likely than younger women to have it. A higher chance of infection is linked with:
- Sex without a condom.
- More than one sex partner.
- HIV or another STI.
- Having had trich or another STI before.
Trich can raise the chance of getting or spreading other STIs, including HIV. Pregnant women with trich are more likely to have their babies early, and the babies are more likely to have a low birth weight. Condoms used the right way every time you have sex lower your chances of getting trich.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors cannot diagnose trich from symptoms alone. A provider examines you, and a lab test confirms the diagnosis. In women, a provider often looks at a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope. This is quick and cheap, but it is not always accurate. Other tests include tests that look for the parasite's genetic material, tests that look for its proteins, and a culture, where the parasite is grown in a lab. The test is often done with tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, two other STIs. The infection can be hard to diagnose in men. A Pap test cannot diagnose trich on its own.
Treatment
A provider can treat trich with pills taken by mouth. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor, because the choice of medicine can be different. Antibiotics, most often metronidazole or tinidazole, are commonly used to cure the infection. Finish all of your medicine as your provider tells you. Do not drink alcohol while taking the medicine and for 48 hours afterward. Avoid sex until you have finished treatment, and have your sex partners treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms. Your provider will also want you to get tested for other STIs. With proper treatment, you are likely to fully recover.
When to see a doctor
Contact a provider if you have unusual vaginal discharge or irritation. Also call if you think you were exposed to the infection. Tell your provider if you still have symptoms after treatment. Because many people have no symptoms, ask your provider whether you should be tested.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can examine you, arrange the lab test, and help with the follow-up testing.
Common questions
Can trichomoniasis be cured?
Yes, trichomoniasis can be cured. A provider treats it with pills taken by mouth.
Can you get trichomoniasis again after treatment?
Yes, you can get it again even after you finish treatment. About 1 in 5 people get it again within 3 months. Your sex partners should be treated at the same time, and you should be tested again about three months after treatment.
Can you have trichomoniasis and not know it?
Yes, most people with trichomoniasis do not know they have it. You can pass it to a sex partner without knowing.
How is trichomoniasis spread?
It spreads through sex without a condom with a partner who has the infection.
Does trichomoniasis matter during pregnancy?
Yes, it can. Pregnant women with trich are more likely to have their babies early. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor, because the choice of medicine can be different.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Trichomoniasis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Trichomoniasis
- MedlinePlus - Trichomoniasis Test
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
