Quick Fact: About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms.
What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STDs. Usually there no signs or symptoms. Symptoms show up 5 to 28 days after contact, but there are differences between men and women.
How do I know if I have Trichomoniasis?
There may be a feeling of itching, burning, redness or soreness of the vagina called vaginitis, pain in the abdomen, pain during urination or vaginal intercourse, or a thin, smelly discharge that is clear, white, yellowish, or green.
There may be pain or itching inside the penis or pain during urination or after ejaculation.
Testing can give you peace of mind and get you treated right away if necessary. Ask your primary care provider or try the new at-home testing service in Alaska. You can go to www.iwantthekit.org to request a free testing kit.
How can I get it?
Trichomoniasis is passed from a person who is infected to another person through sexual intercourse – from a penis to a vagina, from a vagina to a penis or from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth or anus.
How can I get treated?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if your partner may have trichomoniasis, please see your healthcare provider to get tested. Your provider will exam you and swab for fluids in the vagina and penis to be tested. In Alaska, you can also go to www.iwantthekit.org to request a testing kit. Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics. Remember to complete all medications before engaging in any sexual contact and make sure that all your sex partners get treated as well. Even if your symptoms are gone, you can still have the infection.
What happens if I don’t get treated?
Getting trichomoniasis can make it easier to get HIV. Usually, if you are being tested for trichomoniasis your doctor will test for other STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea since these infections occur together.
In pregnant women, having trichomoniasis can lead to a baby being born early or with a low birth weight.
