Trichomoniasis

Symptoms

About 50% of women infected with trichomoniasis ("trich") and 90% of infected men do not have symptoms.3 If symptoms develop, they usually appear within 1 week of being infected. However, symptoms can develop from 1 to 6 months after being infected.1

In women

Symptoms may be worse during pregnancy or right before or after a menstrual period. If symptoms develop, they may include:

  • Large amounts of pale yellow or gray-green, sometimes foamy discharge from the vagina.
  • Vaginal itching or irritation.
  • Abnormal musty or fishy odor.
  • Pain with sexual intercourse even if you use a lubricant such as K-Y Jelly or Astroglide.
  • Patchy red areas on the genitals or on the cervix (strawberry cervix).
  • Painful urination (dysuria) or frequent urination.
  • Discomfort in the lower abdomen. This is not a common symptom of trich and may mean another problem is present.

In men

Men rarely have symptoms but still need treatment. If symptoms are present, they may include:

  • Abnormal discharge from the penis.
  • A burning feeling after urination.
  • Irritation and redness of the tip of the penis.

Trich can have symptoms similar to those of other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.


Go to previous sectionGo to previous sectionGo to top of pageGo to top of pageGo to next sectionGo to next section

Author: Amy Fackler, MA
Debby Golonka, MPH
Last Updated: August 10, 2006
Medical Review: Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise

Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Cause
Arrow PointerSymptoms
 What Happens
 What Increases Your Risk
 When To Call a Doctor
 Exams and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Prevention
 Home Treatment
 Medications
 Surgery
 Other Treatment
 Other Places To Get Help
 Related Information
 References
 Credits