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Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis treatment available online today
In order to treat your trichomoniasis, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to prescribe medications to get relief from burning or itching. Get a new prescription to treat trichomoniasis or refill an existing prescription today.*
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of Trichomoniasis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (commonly known as Trich) is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. According to the National Institute of Health, it is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. It can affect both men and women who are sexually active and lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Trichomoniasis causes
Trichomonas vaginalis
This parasite is passed from one person to another during sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal sex). Sexually active people with trich can pass it to sex partners during unprotected sexual contact. It can also pass from a person to the next through genital touching and/or sharing sex toys. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
Trichomoniasis symptoms
Trichomoniasis can cause a variety of STI symptoms in both men and women. According to CDC fact sheet, only 30% of people infected develop any trichomoniasis symptoms, so it can be difficult to detect. The most common symptom of trichomoniasis is a greenish-yellow vaginal discharge.
Symptoms in men include:
In men, burning after urination or ejaculation
Itching, redness, discharge from the penis
Pain during intercourse
Symptoms in women may include:
Itching or irritation in the vagina
A strong, bad-smelling vaginal odor
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Pain during intercourse
Women who are pregnant may:
Have the baby prematurely
Have a baby with low birth weight
How to treat trichomoniasis
The infection can be easily treated with antibiotics.
If you have Trichomoniasis, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic called metronidazole or tinidazole. Both are very effective in treating Trichomoniasis. However, it is important to take all of the medication prescribed, even if you start to feel better before finishing the course of antibiotics. If you don't treat the trich, it will last for months or even years and pass on to any sexual partners.
During the medications, stay from sexual relations to prevent the infection from recurring or infecting your partner. After you finish the medication, wait a week before having sex again.
Trichomoniasis medication
The most common trichomoniasis medications recommended by doctors are metronidazole and tinidazole. These drugs are effective in treating trichomoniasis but can have side effects. Some people may experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, or a headache after taking these medications. Avoid drinking alcohol when taking these prescription antibiotics as they may cause nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor.
If you are pregnant, you should not take metronidazole. Tinidazole is the preferred trichomoniasis medication for pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding, you should not take either of these medications.
If you have trichomoniasis, it is important to tell your sexual partner (or partners) so that they can be treated. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be passed back and forth between sexual partners. You can still infect other people if you are not treated for trichomoniasis.If you are pregnant, you should not take metronidazole.
How to prevent trichomoniasis
There are a few things you can do to avoid getting trichomoniasis:
Use protection every time you have intercourse. This is the best way to reduce your risk of getting any sexually transmitted disease, including trichomoniasis
Get tested for STIs regularly, even if you don't have any symptoms. Many STIs, including trichomoniasis, can be asymptomatic
Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, your risk of contracting trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted infections increases.
Talk to your sexual partner about STIs before you have intercourse. This can help you both make informed decisions about your sexual health
See your doctor if you think you may have an STI. If you have any symptoms of an STI, or if you think you may have been exposed to one, it's essential to see a doctor right away to receive treatment.
When to see a doctor for trichomoniasis
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms explained above, make an appointment with your doctors to get early treatment. Your doctor can diagnose trichomoniasis by using a lab test kit.
They will likely recommend a course of oral antibiotics to treat the infection. It's important to finish all prescribed antibiotics, even if your symptoms disappear. Women who are left untreated for trichomoniasis may develop the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain. In men, trichomoniasis can cause inflammation of the urethra, making urinating painful.
If you think you may have trichomoniasis, don't delay in seeking medical treatment. It's a serious infection that can cause long-term health complications if left untreated. Talk to your doctor today to get started on a treatment plan.
Trichomoniasis treatment FAQs
What causes trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This protozoan is found in the vagina, vulva, and urethra of infected women. It can also be found in infected men's penis, scrotum, and urethra.
Can you get trichomoniasis without being sexually active?
Getting trichomoniasis without being sexually active is possible, but it is very rare. You can only catch trichomoniasis if you contact the protozoan that causes it. Trichomoniasis infection can happen through unprotected sex or by sharing contaminated towels, clothing, or other objects.
What are treatments for trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics. The most common antibiotic used to treat trichomoniasis is metronidazole. This antibiotic is available in pill form or as a cream that is applied to the vagina.
An online doctor will discuss your trichomoniasis treatment online options. If antibiotics are prescribed, they can be picked up at your local pharmacy.
3 simple steps to request treatment for trichomoniasis today
Step 1
Book a trichomoniasis treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your trichomoniasis symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription to treat your trichomoniasis.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Related conditions to trichomoniasis
Vaginal discharge that is yellow-green in color and has a frothy consistency
Vaginal itching and irritation
Genital pain and/or burning during urination
Pain during sexual intercourse
Light bleeding after sexual intercourse or between menstrual periods
Trichomoniasis pricing details
How pricing works
To request trichomoniasis treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
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$16.99/month
First month free
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30 days of free membership
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Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
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Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Frequent sexual health searches
Trichomoniasis treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Office on Women's Health. Trichomoniasis. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/trichomoniasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines: Trichomoniasis. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/trichomoniasis.htm.
Cleveland Clinic. Trichomoniasis. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4696-trichomoniasis.
Mayo Clinic. Trichomoniasis: Diagnosis & Treatment. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichomoniasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378613.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.