Trichomoniasis in Women

Trichomoniasis in women is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Many women have no symptoms at all, while others notice vaginal itching, a frothy yellow-green or gray discharge with a strong odor, discomfort during sex, and pain or burning when urinating. The infection can also cause soreness and swelling around the vulva. Untreated trichomoniasis in women can increase the risk of other sexually transmitted infections and, during pregnancy, has been linked to preterm delivery and low birth weight. The infection is easily diagnosed with a test and curable with a single dose of antibiotics. This guide covers the signs, risks, and treatment for women.

Signs Women Should Know

The classic signs of trichomoniasis in women are vaginal itching and irritation, a change in discharge to a frothy yellow-green or gray color with a strong smell, and discomfort during sex or urination. Some women also feel generalized soreness around the vulva or a mild burning sensation.

These symptoms can range from barely noticeable to intense, and symptom severity fluctuates over time. Some women notice symptoms only around their menstrual period, which makes the infection easy to dismiss as something else.

Why Many Women Have No Symptoms

A large share of women with trichomoniasis never develop symptoms, allowing the infection to persist for months or years without detection. The parasite lives quietly in the vagina and cervix, and an infected woman can pass it to partners without knowing.

Because symptoms are unreliable, routine testing is the only way to know for sure. Testing is especially important for women with new or multiple partners or those with symptoms of other vaginal infections.

Risks of Untreated Infection

Untreated trichomoniasis in women can raise the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, because the inflammation it causes can make it easier for other pathogens to enter the body. It has also been associated with pelvic discomfort and persistent symptoms.

During pregnancy, untreated trichomoniasis has been linked to preterm delivery and low birth weight. Treating the infection during pregnancy is safe and recommended, protecting both mother and baby.

Testing and Treatment

Testing for trichomoniasis uses a swab or urine sample checked for the parasite, and results come back quickly. If the test is positive, a single dose of metronidazole or tinidazole cures the infection in most women, and partners should be treated too.

After treatment, retesting about three months later is recommended because reinfection is common. Regular testing, condom use, and treating partners are the best ways to prevent trichomoniasis in the future.

The infection is often discovered incidentally during a routine gynecologic visit or a prenatal screen, which is one reason regular exams matter. Because trichomoniasis responds to a single dose of antibiotics, finding it on a routine swab prevents months of unnoticed symptoms and reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy and the chance of passing the infection to partners.

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