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.

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 people

Trichomoniasis can affect females and males.

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually start 4 – 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 in between periods
• burning or pain when passing urine
• pain during sex, if you are female
• penile discharge

Some people don't have any symptoms, especially males. Even if you don't have symptoms, you can still pass the infection to partners.

How can I catch trichomoniasis?

You can catch trichomoniasis during unprotected vaginal sex with an infected partner. Anyone who's sexually active can catch it and pass it on.

You can also catch trichomoniasis 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 will I be diagnosed with trichomoniasis?

Your doctor can diagnose trichomoniasis by sending a swab of vaginal discharge or a urine 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 hours after you have finished 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 are also recommended to avoid sexual contact, even with a condom, for 7 days after you have started your treatment, or until you have finished your 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.

How can I prevent trichomoniasis?

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.

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 cause you to go into labour early or your baby to be born with a low birth weight.

Resources and support

• 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 at ReachOut Australia's 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 and Aged Care website.