What does trichomoniasis look like?

Discharge can look thinner or more plentiful than usual and may be white, yellowish, or greenish. An unpleasant smell, genital redness, or discomfort during sex can also occur. These features overlap with other vaginal infections, so colour, texture, or smell cannot identify the cause by itself.

A vaginal discharge concern and vaginal itching can have several explanations. A clinician may ask about the timing of symptoms, examine the area, and collect a sample for testing. A positive result identifies the infection; an appearance-based guess does not.

Arrange a sexual-health or gynaecology assessment if a new discharge, irritation, or urinary burning persists. Avoid using leftover medicines or scented washes, which can irritate tissue and make symptoms harder to interpret. Until you have advice, pause sex or use condoms and tell the clinician about any recent partners.

If testing confirms trichomoniasis, treatment is prescribed for you and sexual partners as appropriate. Take the medicine exactly as directed and ask when sexual activity can safely resume. See the page on Antibiotic Treatment for Pelvic Infection for general treatment context.

Seek prompt medical care for pelvic or lower-abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, sores, unusual bleeding, or worsening symptoms. Get urgent help for severe pain, fainting, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Pregnancy, recent sexual assault, or concern about another sexually transmitted infection also warrants timely professional advice.

Ask which tests are suitable, whether other infections should be checked, whether partners need assessment, and how long to avoid sex after treatment. You can also ask how to reduce irritation while waiting for results.