Trichomoniasis Symptoms

Trichomoniasis symptoms are the signs of a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Many people who have trich, as it is often called, never notice any symptoms, which is one reason the infection spreads so easily. When symptoms do appear, they differ between men and women. Women may notice vaginal itching, a frothy yellow-green discharge with a strong odor, pain during sex, and discomfort when urinating. Men more often have irritation inside the penis, a thin discharge, or a burning feeling after urination or ejaculation. Symptoms usually show up within 5 to 28 days after exposure, but they can take longer to appear or never appear at all.

Symptoms in Women

Women with trichomoniasis often notice vaginal itching and irritation, a change in discharge, and discomfort during sex or urination. The discharge is often described as frothy, yellow-green, and strong smelling. Some women also feel soreness or swelling around the vulva.

Symptoms can range from severe to barely noticeable, and a significant number of women with trich have no symptoms at all. Left untreated, the infection can persist for months and increase the risk of other infections.

Symptoms in Men

Men with trichomoniasis usually have no symptoms or only mild ones. When symptoms appear, they include irritation inside the penis, a thin white discharge, and a slight burning after urination or ejaculation. Some men notice the infection only when a partner tests positive.

Though often mild, untreated trich in men can persist and be passed to partners repeatedly. Testing and treatment matter even when symptoms are absent or minor.

Why Many People Have No Symptoms

Up to 70 percent of people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms at all, which makes the infection easy to overlook and spread. The parasite can live in the genital tract for months without causing noticeable problems, and an infected person can pass it on without knowing.

Because symptoms are so unreliable, testing is essential for anyone sexually active with a new or multiple partners, especially if a partner has tested positive or symptoms of another infection appear.

When to Get Tested

Get tested if you have any of the symptoms above, if a partner tested positive, or after any unprotected sex with a new partner. Testing uses a swab or urine sample checked for the parasite, and results come back quickly.

Trichomoniasis is curable with a single dose of antibiotics, and treatment clears the infection in nearly all cases. Early testing prevents complications, including pregnancy related risks in women.

Symptoms can also fluctuate over time, appearing and fading in ways that make the infection easy to miss. Women may notice a worsening of irritation around their menstrual period, and men may have symptoms that come and go. Testing with a swab or urine sample is the only reliable way to diagnose trichomoniasis, and the infection is easily cured with a single dose of antibiotic medication once it is found.

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