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Trichomoniasis: Teen Version

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease or infection (also called an STD or STI). It can be treated and does not usually cause any serious damage. However, it can increase your risk of getting other sexually transmitted diseases or infections, particularly HIV. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, which is a life-threatening disease. Also, if a pregnant woman has trichomoniasis, the disease can cause the baby to be born early or have a low birth weight.

What is the cause?

The infection is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is usually passed from person to person during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The infection can spread to others even when you don’t have symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

You may not have any symptoms.

When women have symptoms, they may include:

  • Frothy, green or yellow vaginal discharge, often with a strong odor
  • Itching around the vaginal opening
  • Redness and soreness of the vagina
  • Burning during urination
  • Pain in the vagina during sex
  • Pain in the lower belly

When men have symptoms, they may include:

  • Irritation inside the penis
  • Clear, yellow, or green drainage from the penis
  • Slight burning after urination or sex

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and sexual and medical history and examine you. Tests usually include a test of fluid from the opening of the penis or vagina.

How is it treated?

The infection is treated with medicine that will kill the parasite. Don’t drink any alcohol while you are taking the medicine or for 2 days after you finish the medicine. Drinking alcohol while you are taking the medicine may cause severe nausea and vomiting.


How can I take care of myself?

  • Take your medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, you may not kill all of the parasites and you may get sick again. If you are pregnant, ask if there are any special precautions you should take.
  • Take nonprescription pain medicine.
  • Ask your healthcare provider:
    • How and when you will hear your test results
    • What other STDs you should be tested for
    • How long it will take to recover
    • When it is safe to have sex again
    • How to take care of yourself at home

How can I help prevent trichomoniasis?

  • If you have been sexually assaulted, you may need to be treated to prevent sexually transmitted infections. You should have an exam within a few hours of the assault (and before showering or bathing) even if you don’t want to press charges. Women can also ask about being protected from pregnancy.
Developed by RelayHealth.
Pediatric Advisor 2015.2 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2015-03-01
Last reviewed: 2015-01-28
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