What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomoniasis can infect the penis, vagina, cervix or urethra (tube that urine passes through).

In Australia, trichomoniasis is more common among:

• older people
• people living in regional and remote areas
• street-based sex workers
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Trichomoniasis can affect females and males.

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually start 4 to 20 days after you have been infected and can include:

• frothy, yellow or green vaginal discharge
• fishy vaginal smell
• vaginal itching or burning
• bleeding after sex or between periods
• burning or pain when urinating (weeing)
• pain during vaginal sex
• penile discharge

Some people do not have any symptoms, especially males. You can still pass the infection to partners even if you do not have symptoms.

What causes trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor, visit a family planning clinic or a sexual health clinic if you:

• are concerned that you have trichomoniasis or another STI, even if you do not have any symptoms
• have had sexual contact with someone who has trichomoniasis or another STI
• have any unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
• feel itching, burning or pain when urinating (weeing) or during sex

How is trichomoniasis spread?

You can catch trichomoniasis during unprotected vaginal sex with an infected partner.

Anyone who is sexually active can catch it and pass it on.

Trichomoniasis can also be spread by sharing wet towels with someone who is infected as the parasite can live on wet towels for a few hours.

You cannot catch trichomoniasis from contact with toilet seats.

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose trichomoniasis by sending a swab of vaginal discharge or a urine (wee) sample to a laboratory.

Your doctor may recommend testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the same time.

How is trichomoniasis treated?

Trichomoniasis is treated with an antibiotic medicine called metronidazole. Your doctor may prescribe a single large dose or a longer course lasting 7 days.

You should take metronidazole with food. Avoid alcohol during your treatment and for 24 to 48 hours after you finish taking antibiotics.

You should tell all your current and recent sexual partners so they can be tested and treated, even if they do not have any symptoms.

You should avoid sexual contact, even with a condom, for 7 days after you start treatment, or until you finish the antibiotics and your symptoms have gone away — whichever is later.

If your symptoms do not resolve after treatment, speak with your doctor or sexual health clinic.

Contact tracing

If you have trichomoniasis, you should tell all your sexual partners. That way they can also get tested and treated if needed. This helps to stop the infection from spreading. Your doctor can help you decide who needs to be told.

If you are worried about telling recent sexual partners that you have trichomoniasis, you can send them an anonymous text message or email through some websites, such as Let Them Know.

Trichomoniasis is only a notifiable condition in the Northern Territory.

What are the complications of trichomoniasis?

Untreated trichomoniasis stays in your system for months or years. You are also at a higher risk of getting HIV if you have trichomoniasis.

If you are pregnant, trichomoniasis can increase your chance of labour early or your baby being born with a low birth weight.

Can trichomoniasis be prevented?

The best way to prevent getting trichomoniasis is to have safe sex. Use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Safe sex will also protect you from most other STIs.

Resources and support

• Read more about trichomoniasis on the Stay STI Free trichomoniasis webpage.
• The Let Them Know website helps you send free, anonymous text messages or emails to sexual partners to help with contact tracing.
• Learn more about safe sex — visit ReachOut Australia and read Your how-to guide for safe sex.
• Make STI testing your Beforeplay — learn why it is important to get tested for STIs and where you can do it at the Australian Government, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Languages other than English

• Stay STI Free has factsheets about STIs in many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Better to Know is a sexual health site for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples with many resources like factsheets, videos, and clinic directories.