Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men can include irritation inside the penis, discharge, or a burning sensation. Symptoms in women can include vaginal discharge, discomfort during intercourse, or genital irritation or itching. However, some people have no symptoms of trichomoniasis at all. As a result, the disease is only positively identified through a physical examination and lab test.

Trichomoniasis STD

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis: An Overview

Most men with the condition do not have any symptoms of trichomoniasis. If men do have symptoms, they might include:

Temporarily irritation inside the penis
Mild discharge
Slight burning after urination or ejaculation.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women include:

A frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor
Discomfort during intercourse and urination
Irritation and itching of the female genital area.

In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure to the trichomoniasis parasite.

Diagnosing Trichomoniasis

For both men and women, a healthcare provider must perform a physical examination and laboratory test to definitively diagnose trichomoniasis. The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women. In women, a pelvic examination can reveal small red ulcerations (sores) on the vaginal wall or cervix.

Complications Associated With Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

The genital inflammation trichomoniasis causes can increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV infection if she is exposed to the virus. Having trichomoniasis may also increase the chance that an HIV-infected woman will pass the virus to her sex partner(s).