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 gray-green, sometimes foamy discharge from the vagina.
- Vaginal itching or irritation.
- Abnormal musty or fishy odor.
- 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 diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Debby Golonka, MPH
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