Trichomoniasis
Symptoms
About 50% of women infected with trichomoniasis ("trich") and 90% of infected men do not have symptoms.3 If symptoms develop, they usually appear within 1 week of being infected. However, symptoms can develop from 1 to 6 months after being infected.1
In women
Symptoms may be worse during pregnancy or right before or after a menstrual period. If symptoms develop, they may include:
- Large amounts of pale yellow or grey-green, sometimes foamy discharge from the vagina.
- Vaginal itching or irritation.
- Abnormal musty or fishy odour.
- Pain with sexual intercourse even if you use a lubricant such as K-Y Jelly or Astroglide.
- Patchy red areas on the genitals or on the cervix (strawberry cervix).
- Painful urination (dysuria) or frequent urination.
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen. This is not a common symptom of trich and may mean another problem is present.
In men
Men rarely have symptoms but still need treatment. If symptoms are present, they may include:
- Abnormal discharge from the penis.
- A burning feeling after urination.
- Irritation and redness of the tip of the penis.
Trich can have symptoms similar to those of other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
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| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH Carrie Henley | Last Updated: November 13, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Larry J. Anderson, MD - Infectious Disease Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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