Trichomoniasis

A parasitic STI that can cause itching, burning, and unusual discharge. Curable with antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis ("trich") is an infection you can catch from sex. It's caused by a tiny parasite. It can cause itching, soreness, and unusual discharge, but many people have no signs at all. It's easily cured with medicine.

Simplify

Trichomoniasis (often shortened to "trich") is an caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can cause itching, burning, unusual , and discomfort when peeing — but many people have no symptoms at all. It's easily cured with antibiotics and is one of the less well-known STIs, despite being quite common worldwide.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite, not bacteria or a virus.
It mainly affects the , , and — though people with a can carry and pass it on too.
Many people have no symptoms, especially people with a penis.
It's cured with a course of antibiotics (usually metronidazole). [CHECK: current first-line treatment]
It's passed on through vaginal sex. It's less commonly transmitted through oral or .

Symptoms

When symptoms do appear, they might include:

In people with a vagina:

Unusual discharge — often yellow-green, frothy, and with an unpleasant smell
Itching, soreness, or swelling around the vagina and vulva
Pain or burning when peeing
Discomfort during sex

In people with a penis:

Thin, white discharge from the penis
Pain or burning when peeing
Soreness or inflammation around the

Many people — especially those with a penis — have no symptoms at all, which means they can pass it on without knowing.

How it spreads

Trichomoniasis is mainly passed on through vaginal sex. It can also be transmitted through sharing that haven't been washed or covered with a new . It's less commonly spread through oral or anal sex. Condoms reduce the risk.

Treatment

A short course of antibiotics (usually metronidazole) clears it up. Both partners should be treated at the same time to avoid passing it back and forth. Avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole — it can cause nausea and vomiting. [CHECK: current advice on alcohol and metronidazole]

Things people get wrong

"Trich is rare." It's actually one of the most common STIs globally, though it gets less attention than or . [CHECK: UK prevalence]

"Only women get it." People with a penis can carry and transmit trichomoniasis, often without any symptoms.

Things people ask about trichomoniasis

How is it tested for?

A swab from the vagina or penis, or sometimes a urine sample. It's not always included in standard STI screens, so if you have symptoms, mention them specifically.

Can it cause problems if untreated?

In people with a vagina, untreated trich can increase the risk of other infections and may cause complications during . It's also associated with increased vulnerability to transmission.

Can I get it again after treatment?

Yes. Treatment cures the current infection but doesn't make you immune. If your partner isn't treated at the same time, you can catch it right back.

Where to get help

— testing and treatment, free and confidential.
Your GP — can arrange testing and prescribe treatment.

Trichomoniasis (usually called "trich") is an infection caused by a tiny parasite. You catch it mainly through vaginal sex.

For girls and women, it can cause itching and soreness between the legs, unusual that might be yellow-green and smell unpleasant, and pain when weeing. For boys and men, it can cause discharge from the and pain when weeing, but many have no signs at all.

Because lots of people don't feel any signs, it can be passed on without anyone knowing.

It's easily cured with antibiotics. Both partners need to be treated at the same time, otherwise you can pass it back and forth.

help lower the risk.

Trich isn't always included in a standard infection test, so if you have symptoms, tell the doctor or nurse what's going on so they can test for the right thing.

If left untreated, it can cause problems, especially during . Getting tested and treated quickly is the best approach.

STI

Sexually transmitted infection. An infection passed between people through sexual contact. Some are curable, some are manageable.

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. It's an infection you can catch from having sex with someone who has one. Some can be cured with medicine. Others stay in the body but can be managed. Many have no signs at all.

Asymptomatic

Having an infection without showing any symptoms. Many STIs are asymptomatic, which is why testing matters.

Having an infection but not feeling ill or noticing anything wrong. Many infections spread through sex have no signs at all, which is why getting tested matters.