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.

 

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).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD