Trichomoniasis Signs and Symptoms: An Introduction
Many women do not have any
trichomoniasis symptoms, but are still infected with the parasite that causes the disease. If women do have symptoms, they usually appear 5 to 28 days after exposure to the parasite. Possible symptoms can include:
- Yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge (often foamy) with a strong odor
- Discomfort during sex and when urinating
- Irritation and itching in the genital area
- Lower abdominal (stomach) pain (in rare cases).
Most men with the disease usually do not have any symptoms. If trichomoniasis symptoms are present, they might include:
- Temporary irritation inside the penis
- Mild discharge
- Slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
If you have any of these possible symptoms, stop having sex and contact your healthcare provider right away.
Diagnosing Trichomoniasis
To determine if you have trichomoniasis, your healthcare provider will do a pelvic exam and lab test. During the pelvic exam, your healthcare provider may be able to see small red sores inside the vagina or on the cervix. Your healthcare provider will also take a fluid sample from the vagina and look for the parasite under a microscope. The sample might also be sent to a lab for analysis. Other tests, like a vaginal culture or DNA test, can also be used for diagnosing trichomoniasis.
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 the disease may also increase the risk that an HIV-infected woman will pass the virus to her sex partner(s).
