Trichomoniasis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is spread between people during sex or genital contact. Trichomoniasis is caused by tiny parasites that are too small to be seen.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• Your symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse during treatment.
• Your symptoms return after treatment.
• You have unusual vaginal bleeding.
• You have any problems that may be caused by the medicine you are taking.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

• Medicines may be given to treat an infection or reduce pain and swelling.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• metronidazole
• Flagyl
• Flagyl 375
• Tindamax
• Flagyl IV

View more treatment options

Self-care:

• Tell your sex partners that you have this infection. They may also be infected and need treatment. Do not have sex until both you and your partner are done with treatment and all symptoms are gone.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after going to the bathroom. This helps keep your infection from spreading to other parts of your body, such as your eyes. Keep your genital area clean and dry. Take showers instead of baths and use plain, unscented soap.
• If you are female:
  • Do not douche during treatment unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Douching may disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina. Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or powders.

Prevent trichomoniasis:

You can get trichomoniasis more than 1 time. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the following safe sex practices:

• Limit your number of sex partners. This will help lower your risk for another trichomoniasis infection and other STIs.
• Use a male or female condom during sex. This includes oral, genital, or anal sex. Use a new condom each time. Condoms help prevent pregnancy and STIs. Use latex condoms, if possible. Lambskin (also called sheepskin or natural membrane) condoms do not protect against STIs. A polyurethane condom can be used if there is an allergy to latex. Condoms should be used with a second form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy and STIs. Male and female condoms should not be used together.
• Get tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active. You should get tested 1 time a year, or after a new sex partner. Get tested if you have sex without a condom. This includes oral, genital, or anal sex.
• Do not have sex with someone who has an STI. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
• Do not have sex while you or your partner are being treated. Ask your provider when it is safe to have sex.

For more information:

• Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd.
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/std
  

• American Social Health Association (ASHA)
  P.O. Box 13827
  Research Triangle Park , NC 27709
  Web Address: http://www.ashastd.org
  

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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