Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite that spreads from person to person during sex. It's a common but curable infection. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected. Get information on diagnosing trichomoniasis and how it's treated.
Trichomoniasis (infection with Trichomonas vaginalis). Pap test. Pap stain.
Image by Nephron
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (infection with Trichomonas vaginalis). Pap test. Pap stain.
Image by Nephron
Trichomoniasis (infection with Trichomonas vaginalis). Pap test. Pap stain.
Trichomoniasis (infection with Trichomonas vaginalis). Pap test. Pap stain.
Image by Nephron
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. It spreads from person to person during sex. Many people do not have any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually happen within 5 to 28 days after being infected.
It can cause vaginitis in women. Symptoms include
Yellow-green or gray discharge from the vagina
Discomfort during sex
Vaginal odor
Painful urination
Itching burning, and soreness of the vagina and vulva
Most men do not have symptoms. If they do, they may have
Itching or irritation inside the penis
Burning after urination or ejaculation
Discharge from the penis
Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted diseases. Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to give birth too early, and their babies are more likely have a low birth weight.
Lab tests can tell if you have the infection. Treatment is with antibiotics. If you are infected, you and your partner must be treated.
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading trichomoniasis. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Additional Materials (3)
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Video by Mayo Clinic Laboratories/YouTube
Trichomoniasis
Video by How To Gastro/YouTube
Trichomoniasis
Video by CanadaQBank/YouTube
3:14
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Mayo Clinic Laboratories/YouTube
4:30
Trichomoniasis
How To Gastro/YouTube
7:51
Trichomoniasis
CanadaQBank/YouTube
What Is Trichomoniasis?
Cervix and Vagina Infected with Trichomoniasis
Image by TheVisualMD
Cervix and Vagina Infected with Trichomoniasis
Medical visualization of an anterior view of the cervix and vagina infected with trichomoniasis (or \"trich,\") a curable sexually transmitted disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, Lesions on and inflammation of the cervix and vagina may contribute to a distinctive \"strawberry cervix.\" In women, the most common area of infection is the vagina, while the urethra is the most common area of infection in men. Often asymptomatic, especially in men, it is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and is associated with an increased risk of transmission of HIV.
Image by TheVisualMD
What Is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis (TRIK-uh-muh-NEYE-uh-suhss) or "trich" is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. The parasite is spread most often through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. It is one of the most common STIs in the United States and affects more women than men. It is treated easily with antibiotics, but many women do not have symptoms. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can raise your risk of getting HIV.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Materials (2)
What is trichomoniasis? | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
trichomonas vaginitis
Video by DrER.tv/YouTube
7:59
What is trichomoniasis? | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
3:56
trichomonas vaginitis
DrER.tv/YouTube
Trichomoniasis Facts
Trichomonas vaginalis photographed by phase contrast microscopy
Image by Dr Graham Beards
Trichomonas vaginalis photographed by phase contrast microscopy
Trichomonas vaginalis photographed by phase contrast microscopy
Image by Dr Graham Beards
STD Facts - Trichomoniasis
Most people who have trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms.
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected.
How common is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection. However, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected with trichomoniasis.
Two Trichomonas vaginalis parasites, magnified (seen under a microscope)
How do people get trichomoniasis?
The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not. It probably depends on factors like a person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.
What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis?
About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go.
Men with trichomoniasis may notice:
Itching or irritation inside the penis;
Burning after urination or ejaculation;
Discharge from the penis.
Women with trichomoniasis may notice:
Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals;
Discomfort with urination;
A change in their vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with an unusual fishy smell.
Having trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.
What are the complications of trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with HIV, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner.
How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to have their babies too early (preterm delivery). Also, babies born to infected mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds).
How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. For both men and women, your health care provider can examine you and get a laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis.
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can be treated with medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole). These pills are taken by mouth. It is safe for pregnant women to take this medication. It is not recommended to drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this medication.
People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after receiving treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, all sex partners should get treated with antibiotics at the same time. Wait to have sex again until everyone has been treated and any symptoms go away (usually about a week). Get checked at 3 months to make sure you have not been infected again, or sooner if your symptoms come back before then.
How can trichomoniasis be prevented?
The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis:
Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results;
Use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis.
Another approach is to talk about the potential risk of STDs before you have sex with a new partner. That way you can make informed choices about the level of risk you are comfortable taking with your sex life.
If you or someone you know has questions about trichomoniasis or any other STD, talk to a health care provider.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (2)
What is Trichomoniasis? (Sexually Transmitted Infection)
Video by healthery/YouTube
Trichomonas vaginalis on 40x microscope
Video by Medscape/YouTube
2:34
What is Trichomoniasis? (Sexually Transmitted Infection)
healthery/YouTube
1:09
Trichomonas vaginalis on 40x microscope
Medscape/YouTube
Risk Factors
Smiling, Woman, African American Woman
Image by elsimage/Pixabay
Smiling, Woman, African American Woman
Image by elsimage/Pixabay
Who Gets Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is more common in women than men. It affects more than 2 million women ages 14 to 49 in the United States.
Trichomoniasis affects more African-American women than white and Hispanic women. The risk for African-American women goes up with age and lifetime number of sex partners.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Causes
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Couple in Passionate Embrace
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Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Couple in Passionate Embrace
Photograph of naked couple in passionate embrace. 1 of 4.
Image by TheVisualMD
How Do You Get Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is spread through:
Vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Trichomoniasis can be spread even if there are no symptoms. This means you can get trichomoniasis from someone who has no signs or symptoms.
Genital touching. A man does not need to ejaculate (come) for trichomoniasis to spread. Trichomoniasis can also be passed between women who have sex with women.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Materials (1)
How do you get trichomoniasis?
Video by Patient/YouTube
0:32
How do you get trichomoniasis?
Patient/YouTube
Can Women Who Have Sex with Women Get Trichomoniasis?
Two women sitting together smiling
Image by NIMH Image Library
Two women sitting together smiling
Image by NIMH Image Library
Can Women Who Have Sex with Women Get Trichomoniasis?
Yes. It is possible to get trichomoniasis, or any other STI, if you are a woman who has sex only with women.
Talk to your partner about her sexual history before having sex, and ask your doctor about getting tested if you have signs or symptoms of trichomoniasis.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Materials (1)
Understanding Your Sexual Health - Trichomonas Vaginalis
Video by Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust/YouTube
1:12
Understanding Your Sexual Health - Trichomonas Vaginalis
Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust/YouTube
Symptoms
Abdominal and Pelvic Pain
Image by CDC
Abdominal and Pelvic Pain
Woman experiencing pelvic pain.
Image by CDC
What Are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis?
Most infected women have no symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they might appear five to 28 days after exposure and can include:
Irritation and itching in the genital area
Thin or frothy discharge with an unusual foul odor that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish
Discomfort during sex and when urinating
Lower abdominal pain (this is rare)
If you think you may have trichomoniasis, you and your sex partner(s) need to see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Materials (2)
Trichomoniasis : Symptoms, Treatment, and Info You NEED T...
Video by STDChecker/YouTube
Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Trichomoniasis
Video by Medical Education for Visual Learners/YouTube
2:03
Trichomoniasis : Symptoms, Treatment, and Info You NEED T...
STDChecker/YouTube
0:45
Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Trichomoniasis
Medical Education for Visual Learners/YouTube
Diagnosis
Pelvic Exam Illustration
Image by National Cancer Institute / Unknown Illustrator
Pelvic Exam Illustration
Line drawing showing pelvic exam procedure.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Unknown Illustrator
How Is Trichomoniasis Diagnosed?
To find out whether you have trichomoniasis, your doctor or nurse may:
Do a pelvic exam
Use a cotton swab to take a fluid sample from your vagina to look for the parasite under a microscope
Do a lab test, such as a DNA test or a fluid culture. A culture tests uses urine or a swab from your vagina. The parasite then grows in a lab. It takes up to a week for the parasite to grow enough to be seen.
A Pap test is not used to detect trichomoniasis.
If you have trichomoniasis, you need to be tested for other STIs too.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Materials (1)
Clinical Minute: Trichomoniasis Testing and Screening
Video by ARHPorg/YouTube
9:39
Clinical Minute: Trichomoniasis Testing and Screening
ARHPorg/YouTube
What Should I Do If I Have Trichomoniasis?
Drawing of a Female Doctor Talking to a Female Patient
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Drawing of a Female Doctor Talking to a Female Patient
Drawing of a female doctor who is leaning against a desk, holding an open booklet and a pen in her hand. She is talking to a female patient seated in a chair.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
What Should I Do If I Have Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is easy to treat. But you need to be tested and treated as soon as possible.
If you have trichomoniasis:
See a doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Antibiotics will treat trichomoniasis.
Take all of your medicine. Even if symptoms go away, you need to finish all of the antibiotics.
Tell your sex partner(s) so they can be tested and treated.
Avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have been treated and cured. Even after you finish your antibiotics, you can get trichomoniasis again if you have sex with someone who has trichomoniasis.
See your doctor or nurse again if you have symptoms that don't go away within a few days after finishing the antibiotics.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Materials (1)
Studying 'Trich': The STD You Probably Haven't Heard of
Video by Washington State University/YouTube
1:55
Studying 'Trich': The STD You Probably Haven't Heard of
Washington State University/YouTube
Trichomoniasis Test
Trichomoniasis Test
Also called: Trichomonas vaginalis, T.vaginalis, Trich, Trichomonas Testing
Trichomoniasis (trich) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite. This test looks for trichomoniasis parasites in your body. Trichomoniasis is rarely serious, but can put you at higher risk for other STDs. The disease can be cured with medicine.
Trichomoniasis Test
Also called: Trichomonas vaginalis, T.vaginalis, Trich, Trichomonas Testing
Trichomoniasis (trich) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite. This test looks for trichomoniasis parasites in your body. Trichomoniasis is rarely serious, but can put you at higher risk for other STDs. The disease can be cured with medicine.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Negative.
A negative result is normal, and it means that Trichomonas vaginalis was not found in your fluid sample.
Related conditions
Trichomoniasis, often called trich, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It's caused by infection with a parasite. The parasite that causes this STD is a tiny single-celled life form. A trichomoniasis infection mostly involves the genital area.
Trichomoniasis testing usually looks for the parasite in a sample of body fluid that's swabbed from the infected area. In women, the infection is usually in the vagina. In men, the infection is usually in the urethra, a tube in the penis that carries urine (pee) out of the body. A urine sample may also be used.
You can get trichomoniasis by having sex without a condom with a partner who has the infection. Women can get the disease from men or women who are infected. Men usually get it only from women who are infected. Trichomoniasis is more common in women.
Most people who have trichomoniasis infections don't have any symptoms. That means you can have trichomoniasis and pass it to a sex partner without knowing it. The infections are rarely serious, and they can be cured with antibiotics. But if trichomoniasis isn't treated, it can:
Increase your risk of getting or spreading other STDs, including HIV
Cause infections in the prostate gland (a gland in the male reproduction system)
Increase the chance of problems in pregnancy, including:
Giving birth too early (premature birth)
Having a baby with a low birth weight (less than five and a half pounds)
If you think you could have an infection, it's important to get tested so you can get treatment if you need it.
Trichomoniasis testing is used to:
Diagnose trichomoniasis infections in people who have symptoms.
Screen for infection in women who have a high risk of infection.
Check for infection after treatment for trichomoniasis is finished. This is done because people are often reinfected if their partners don't get tested and treated for the disease. Also, some parasites may be resistant to certain medicine. This means that they have changed so that the medicine no longer works well to get rid of them.
A trichomoniasis infection can increase your risk for different STDs. So, the test is often done with other STD.
You may need to get tested for trichomoniasis:
If you have symptoms that could be an STD. Usually, trichomoniasis doesn't cause symptoms, But when they happen, they usually show up within 5 to 28 days after getting the infection. Some people may develop symptoms much later. The symptoms can come and go. They may range from mild to severe and include:
In women:
Itching, burning, redness or soreness around the genitals
Discomfort when urinating (peeing) or having sex
A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell
In men:
Itching or irritation inside the penis
Burning after urinating or ejaculating (releasing semen)
Abnormal discharge from the penis
If you're a woman with a high risk for getting an STD. Even if you don't have symptoms, your health care provider may recommend testing if you have:
Sex without using a condom
Multiple sex partners
Had other trichomoniasis in the past or other STDs
If you've completed treatment for trichomoniasis. You may need to be checked to see if you've been infected again.
Talk with your provider about your need for testing.
Before your trichomoniasis test, your provider will usually ask about your symptoms and examine your genitals for signs of infection.
Next, your provider will usually use a small brush or swab to take a sample of body fluid. The same will be taken from either the urethra in the penis, or the vagina and/or cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. You may feel some brief discomfort when the sample is taken.
You may also need to provide a urine sample for testing. A health care professional may give you a cleansing wipe, a small container, and instructions for how to use the "clean catch" method to collect your sample. It's important to follow these instructions so that germs from your skin don't get into the sample.
You can also buy at-home collection kits to test for trichomoniasis and other STDs. With these kits, you collect a sample of urine or vaginal fluid to send to a lab for testing. It's important to follow all the instructions carefully. And be sure to discuss the results with your provider because you may need more testing.
You don't need any special preparations for a trichomoniasis test.
There are no known risks to having a trichomoniasis test.
In most cases, your first test for trichomoniasis will check a sample of body fluid under a microscope to look for parasites. This test is called "wet prep microscopy." It's often done first because it's quick and inexpensive.
The results of a wet prep microscopy test will be either negative or positive:
A negative result means that no parasites were seen in your sample. But wet prep microscopy results aren't always accurate. So, if your provider thinks you have trichomoniasis, more accurate tests may be done on your sample. They include:
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). These tests look for genetic material from the parasites that cause trichomoniasis.
Rapid antigen tests. These tests are only done on samples of vaginal fluid. They look for certain proteins, called antigens, from the parasite. Rapid antigen tests can be done at your provider's office. The results are usually ready in under 15 minutes.
Culture tests. For these tests, your sample is sent to a lab, where the cells will grow for up to a week. Then the sample will be checked under a microscope. If your sample had parasites, there will now be more of them, so they'll be easier to find.
A positive result means that parasites were found in your sample. You have a trichomoniasis infection. Your provider will prescribe medicine to cure the infection. Be sure to:
Finish all your medicine according to your provider's instructions.
Tell your recent sexual partners about your infection so they can get tested, too.
Let your provider know if you still have symptoms after treatment.
Get tested for other STDs.
The best way to prevent trichomoniasis or other STDs is to not have sex. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of infection by:
Having sex with one partner who has tested negative for STDs and has sex only with you
Using condoms correctly every time you have sex
Request A Test [accessed on Aug 27, 2018]
188052: Trichomonas vaginalis, NAA | LabCorp [accessed on Aug 27, 2018]
https://www.labcorp.com/tests/related-documents/L8239 [accessed on Aug 27, 2018]
Association of Public Health Laboratories: Laboratory Detection of Trichomonas [accessed on Aug 27, 2018]
Bacterial Vaginosis/Vaginitis Panel. Quest Diagnostics. [accessed on Feb 06, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Treatment
Metronidazole 200mg Antibiotic Tablets Image 4
Image by Doctor 4U - www.doctor-4-u.co.uk/
Metronidazole 200mg Antibiotic Tablets Image 4
Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as Bacterial Vaginosis.
Image by Doctor 4U - www.doctor-4-u.co.uk/
How Is Trichomoniasis Treated?
Trichomoniasis is easily cured with one of two antibiotics:
Metronidazole (me-truh-NYD-uh-zohl)
Tinidazole (teye-NID-uh-zohl)
These antibiotics are usually a pill you swallow in a single dose.
If you are treated for trichomoniasis, your sex partner(s) needs to be treated too. Do not have sex until you and your sex partner(s) finish taking all of the antibiotics and have no symptoms.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Materials (2)
Trichomoniasis : Symptoms, Treatment, and Info You NEED T...
Video by STDChecker/YouTube
How to Recognize, Treat & Prevent Trich | STDs
Video by Howcast/YouTube
2:03
Trichomoniasis : Symptoms, Treatment, and Info You NEED T...
STDChecker/YouTube
1:05
How to Recognize, Treat & Prevent Trich | STDs
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Can I Take Medicine for Trichomoniasis If I Am Breastfeeding?
A baby breastfeeding
Image by 102Messmanos/Pixabay
A baby breastfeeding
Image by 102Messmanos/Pixabay
Can I Take Medicine for Trichomoniasis If I Am Breastfeeding?
You can take the antibiotic metronidazole if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may suggest waiting 12 to 24 hours after taking metronidazole before breastfeeding. Do not take tinidazole if you are breastfeeding.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Metronidazole
Metronidazole
Also called: Flagyl®, Likmez™
Metronidazole is a prescription antibiotic used to treat various infections caused by bacteria or parasites. These include gastrointestinal, reproductive, or vaginal infections, as well as trichomoniasis and giardiasis, and amebiasis which are parasitic infections.
Metronidazole
Also called: Flagyl®, Likmez™
Metronidazole is a prescription antibiotic used to treat various infections caused by bacteria or parasites. These include gastrointestinal, reproductive, or vaginal infections, as well as trichomoniasis and giardiasis, and amebiasis which are parasitic infections.
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic and is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and parasites. It's used to treat skin infections, rosacea and mouth infections, including infected gums and dental abscesses. It's also used to treat conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Do not take metronidazole if you have a history of hypersensitivity to metronidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives.
In patients with trichomoniasis, metronidazole is contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Crohn’s disease is not an approved indication for metronidazole.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a yeast infection (including oral thrush), or a history of blood or bone marrow problems or seizures.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially inform your healthcare provider if you are using any of the following:
Keep a list of all your medications with you to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one listed above.
Metronidazole is available alone in tablets, capsules, extended release tablets and oral suspension as well as in combination with other medications, in multiple generic formulations and under several brand names. Other formulations include injectable solutions, suppositories, and topical creams.
Take metronidazole according to your health care provider’s instructions. Your health care provider will tell you how much metronidazole to take and when to take it. Before you start metronidazole and each time you get a refill, read any printed information that comes with your medicine.
Some foods and medicines can affect how metronidazole works. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicine that contains alcohol or propylene glycol while using this medicine and for at least 7 days after treatment.
Metronidazole may cause the following problems:
Brain or nervous system problems, including peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, seizures, meningitis, or vision problems
Liver problems, which may be life-threatening
Serious skin reactions
Metronidazole may affect certain medical test results. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Confusion, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck or back
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, fainting, lightheadedness
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Seizures
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Vaginal itching or discharge
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your healthcare provider:
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
The most common side effects include metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.
These are not all the possible side effects of metronidazole. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Metronidazole Medication Information Sheet for Patient / Los Angeles County Department of Public Health [accessed on Sep 29, 2023]
LABEL: METRONIDAZOLE - metronidazole capsule [accessed on Jan 23, 2019]
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These FAQs provide a summary of the most important information about Metronidazole. If you would like more information or have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
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Complications
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Image by TheVisualMD
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The most common test for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) detects antibodies produced by the immune system that attack foreign particles like HIV. These antibodies are identifiable because they are tailor-made to match specific features of the virus. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enters the body through sexual transmission, blood transfusion with infected blood, or a shared needle contaminated by the blood of another person. The immune system responds to the presence of HIV by producing antibodies specifically directed against the virus (antibodies are identifiable because they are tailor-made to match specific features of the virus they attack). HIV antibodies can be detected between 3-8 weeks after exposure to the virus.
Image by TheVisualMD
What Can Happen If Trichomoniasis Is Not Treated?
Most people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms and never know they have it. Even without symptoms, it can be passed to others.
If you have trichomoniasis, you are at higher risk of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) if you are exposed to HIV. If you are HIV-positive, having trichomoniasis also raises your risk of passing HIV to your sex partner(s). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women with HIV get screened for trichomoniasis at least once a year.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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What Happens When Trichomoniasis Goes Untreated
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How Does Trichomoniasis Affect Pregnancy?
Premature infant - Preterm Labor and Birth: Condition Information
Image by ceejayoz
Premature infant - Preterm Labor and Birth: Condition Information
Premature infant with ventilator : An intubated female premature infant born prematurely 26 weeks 6 days gestation, 990 grams. Photo taken at approximately 24 hours after birth.
Image by ceejayoz
How Does Trichomoniasis Affect Pregnancy?
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are at higher risk of premature birth (babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birth-weight baby (less than 5 1/2 pounds). Premature birth and a low birth weight raise the risk of health and developmental problems at birth and later in life.
The antibiotic metronidazole can be used to treat trichomoniasis during any stage of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking any medicine during pregnancy.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Materials (1)
Clincal Minute: Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis in Pregnancy
Video by ARHPorg/YouTube
8:28
Clincal Minute: Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis in Pregnancy
ARHPorg/YouTube
Prevention
Colorful Condoms
Image by Bruno/Germany/Pixabay
Colorful Condoms
Colorful Condoms
Image by Bruno/Germany/Pixabay
How Can I Prevent Trichomoniasis?
The best way to prevent trichomoniasis or any STI is to not have vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
If you do have sex, lower your risk of getting an STI with the following steps:
Use condoms. Condoms are the best way to prevent STIs when you have sex. Because a man does not need to ejaculate (come) to give or get trichomoniasis, make sure to put the condom on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth, or anus. Other methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms, will not protect you from STIs.
Get tested. Be sure you and your partner are tested for STIs. Talk to each other about the test results before you have sex.
Be monogamous. Having sex with just one partner can lower your risk for STIs. After being tested for STIs, be faithful to each other. That means that you have sex only with each other and no one else.
Limit your number of sex partners. Your risk of getting STIs goes up with the number of partners you have.
Do not douche. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protects you from infection. This may increase your risk of getting STIs.
Do not abuse alcohol or drugs. Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs increases risky behavior and may put you at risk of sexual assault and possible exposure to STIs.
The steps work best when used together. No single step can protect you from every single type of STI.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite that spreads from person to person during sex. It's a common but curable infection. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected. Get information on diagnosing trichomoniasis and how it's treated.