How does trichomoniasis spread?

The parasite can pass during sexual contact involving infected genital fluids or tissue. Symptoms may be absent, delayed, or mistaken for another problem, so someone can pass the infection without knowing it.

Everyday contact such as hugging, sharing food, using the same toilet, or swimming together is not a typical way trichomoniasis spreads. A clinician can assess your exposure history and test for trichomoniasis and other infections when appropriate.

If you may have been exposed, arrange testing rather than waiting for symptoms. Until you have medical advice, avoid sex or use condoms consistently. If a test is positive, complete treatment exactly as prescribed and make sure current or recent partners receive the guidance they need.

Do not share prescribed medicine with another person or use a previous course. Vaginal discharge or itching should be assessed when new, persistent, or troublesome; these symptoms can have causes other than trichomoniasis.

Seek prompt care for pelvic pain, fever, unusual bleeding, pain during pregnancy, or symptoms that continue after treatment. Urgent assessment is needed for severe pain, fainting, difficulty breathing, or a rapidly worsening reaction to medicine.

Ask when to test after an exposure, which other infections should be checked, whether partners need treatment, when sex can resume, and how to reduce the chance of passing the infection on.