10 Trichomoniasis Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 July 2020, [www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm](http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm)
- 2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infertility. PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5193130/
- 3. What Is Trichomoniasis? & How Do You Get It? Planned Parenthood | Official Site, [www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/trichomoniasis](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/trichomoniasis)
- 4. Trichomoniasis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. National Center for Biotechnology Information, 24 June 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534826/
No one wants to discuss sexually transmitted infections (STIs) no matter how commonly they occur. STIs are embarrassing to admit, and it's tough to tell partner(s) they also need to be tested. Trichomoniasis is actually a protozoa parasite that can cause multiple complications in the genitourinary (GU) system. It's a common STI, with almost 70% of those affected showing no symptoms.
If left untreated, trichomoniasis can last months or years causing painful sex and in-depth health issues like increasing the risk of becoming infected with HIV. Learn to identify the top 10 symptoms of trichomoniasis.
Itching (Down There)
The most common symptom of trichomoniasis (also known as "trich") is genital itching. For men, the itching occurs in the penis. For women, the itching encompasses the vagina, labia and perineum. The symptoms can be so mild that many people believe they have a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection.1Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm
Many women try to treat trichomoniasis with over-the-counter medications such as clotrimazole or miconazole.1Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm Since trichomoniasis is a parasite and not a fungus, these treatments don't work. Symptoms can show up weeks after exposure and those affected may not be aware they were exposed.
For Men: Burning During Urination or Ejaculation
Men infected with trichomoniasis often feel a burning sensation during urination or ejaculation. The sensation is similar to the pain associated with passing small kidney stones.
This burning sensation indicates the infection has spread inside the penis, where it can cause complications such as urinary tract infections or inflammation of the prostate gland. The only way to confirm trichomoniasis is a visit to the doctor with cultures or microscopic examination of urine.1Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm
For Women: Burning During Urination and Sex
Women with trichomoniasis can experience severe burning pain during urination and sex. The infection can spread from the vagina into the cervix and uterus or through the urethra to the bladder and kidneys.
Common home remedies, such as drinking cranberry juice or trying to flush out the infection by drinking more water, do not help much. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can cause fertility issues and recurring infections that can affect unborn children in the womb.2Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infertility. PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5193130/
Discharge From Genital Area
Another unpleasant symptom of trichomoniasis is discharge from the penis and vaginal area. In men, the discharge is more likely to be a clear or whitish fluid from the head of the penis. In women, the vaginal discharge can range in color from clear to frothy green.
Many STIs have this symptom, so a visit to a primary care physician is crucial to determine what type of STI is present and which medication is needed to cure it.1Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm
Unpleasant Smell (Down There)
Perhaps the most embarrassing aspect of trichomoniasis and most sexually transmitted diseases is the unpleasant smell. This "fishy" smell usually accompanies the discharge and for women it can be particularly malodorous.
This symptom also presents in other STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, so a visit to a primary care physician for testing is crucial. Because trichomoniasis is a parasite, the usual treatments for STIs may not cure this particular infection.1Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm
Painful Sex
Trichomoniasis and other STIs can make sex extremely painful. The vaginal canal is usually inflamed by the condition, causing blood vessels and nerves to become extremely sensitive to the slightest touch.
Most STIs produce this symptom, so a doctor visit is necessary to correctly diagnose and treat trichomoniasis. In cases that are neglected, the damage to the genital area can be extensive. Men can also suffer from pain during sex if the infection has caused the penis to become red and inflamed.1Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 July 2020, www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/trichomoniasis.htm
Infertility
The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has published numerous studies that confirm one of the leading causes of infertility is a history of STIs. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the leading culprits, but cases of trichomoniasis can also lead to fertility problems.
All sexually transmitted diseases can lead to scarring and inflammation of the cervix, uterus and ovaries, and can compromise the proper functioning of the fallopian tubes which carry the ovum to the uterus for fertilization and implantation.2Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infertility. PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5193130/
Inflammation of the Genital Areas
As trichomoniasis runs rampant through the soft tissue and mucosal folds of the genitalia, the area can become red and swollen, painful even to the slightest touch of undergarments. The swelling can become so inflamed that wearing clothes, sitting, or walking becomes extremely uncomfortable—even painful—affecting the ability to concentrate on work or sit still.
For cases of trichomoniasis, topical creams prescribed by a physician can help with inflammation and itching. Douching is counteractive and can cause further problems.3What Is Trichomoniasis? & How Do You Get It? Planned Parenthood | Official Site, www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/trichomoniasis
Infecting a Partner
Trichomoniasis is easily transmitted to sexual partners through unprotected sex. Since most people are unaware of having this condition, the disease can literally be passed back and forth, allowing no chance for recovery.
The only way to truly prevent sexually transmitted diseases like trichomoniasis is to abstain from sex. The consistent use of condoms during penetrative sex can reduce the risk of infection. Persons at higher risk of STIs should be tested every three months.2Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infertility. PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5193130/
Harm to Unborn Children
As with all sexually transmitted diseases, trichomoniasis can cause adverse effects on pregnancy. The parasite can cause infections in the placental membranes, inducing the amniotic fluid to break too early, which results in premature deliveries and low birth weight.4Trichomoniasis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. National Center for Biotechnology Information, 24 June 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534826/
Premature babies are often hospitalized with respiratory and neurological issues. Pregnant women should pay particular attention to the symptoms of trichomoniasis and report to their doctors. The prescribed medications are effective and safe for unborn children.
