How long does trichomoniasis last?

Some people have symptoms such as genital irritation, burning during urination, discomfort during sex, or a change in vaginal discharge. Others have no symptoms while the parasite remains present. Symptoms can fluctuate, so feeling better does not prove the infection has gone.

After treatment, symptoms should be monitored according to your clinician’s advice. Symptoms that do not improve, return, or change may reflect reinfection, missed doses, another sexually transmitted infection, or a different cause such as irritation. Vaginal itching and vaginal discharge need assessment when they persist.

Take the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and complete the plan given by your clinician. Recent sexual partners need assessment and treatment advice, otherwise you may be exposed again. Avoid sex until the clinician’s instructions say it is appropriate, and do not share medicine with a partner.

If symptoms remain after treatment, book a review. A clinician may ask about doses, sexual contact after treatment, new exposures and other symptoms before deciding whether further testing or treatment is needed.

Seek prompt care if symptoms persist after treatment, return after improving, or occur with pelvic pain, fever, unusual bleeding or pregnancy. Get urgent help for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding or severe illness rather than waiting for symptoms to settle.

Ask when improvement should be checked, whether partners need treatment, whether you need another test, when sex can resume, and which symptoms should trigger an earlier review.