STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections (pamphlet)

Trichomonas

What is it?

Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted infection. It is important to treat trichomonas because it can lead to serious health problems. It can cause an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes known as pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility.

How do you get it? 

You can get trichomonas if you have unprotected vaginal sex with a person who already has the infection. If you are pregnant trichomonas can cause your baby to be born early or weigh less than normal. 

How can you tell if you have it?

You may have trichomonas and not have any signs or symptoms.  You can pass it on without even knowing that you have it.

If you have trichomonas and you do have symptoms, you might notice:

Female

• a strange discharge from your vagina
• an itchy vagina
• pain during vaginal sex
• burning when you urinate

Male

• a burning feeling when you urinate
• slight discharge coming out of your penis
• burning or itching around the hole of your penis

How do you get tested?

If you are female, a doctor or nurse will check for infection by taking a swab from the vagina. If you are male, testing is not usually done.

How is it treated?

It can be cured with antibiotics. It is important to tell you sexual partner[s] that you have trichomonas. They also need to be treated.

You and your partner should not have sex until you have completed treatment and have been told that the infection is gone. Even if you are treated for this infection, you can get it back if you have sex with someone who is infected or has not been treated.

Not all young people have sex. If you’re not sure, don’t do it.