Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination.

Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms. Pregnant women who have trichomoniasis might be at higher risk of delivering their babies prematurely.

Treatment for trichomoniasis is taking an antibiotic — either metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax) or secnidazole (Solosec). To prevent being infected again, all sexual partners should be treated at the same time. You can reduce your risk of infection by using condoms correctly every time you have sex.

In women, trichomoniasis signs and symptoms include:

• A large amount of a thin, often foul-smelling discharge from the vagina — which might be clear, white, gray, yellow or green
• Genital redness, Burning and itching
• Pain with urination or sex
• Discomfort over the lower stomach area

In men, trichomoniasis rarely causes symptoms. When men do have signs and symptoms, however, they might include:

• Itching or irritation inside the penis
• Burning with urination or after ejaculation
• Discharge from the penis

Trichomoniasis is caused by a one-celled protozoan, a type of tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite passes between people during genital contact, including vaginal, oral or anal sex. The infection can be passed between men and women, women, and sometimes men.

The parasite infects the lower genital tract. In women, this includes the outer part of the genitals (vulva), vagina, opening of the uterus (cervix) and the urinary opening (urethra). In men, the parasite infects the inside of the penis (urethra).

The time between exposure to the parasite and infection (incubation period) is unknown. But it's thought to range from four to 28 days. Even without symptoms, you or your partner can still spread the infection.

Trichomoniasis usually can be cured with these antibiotics:

• Metronidazole (me-truh-NYD-uh-zohl), or
• Tinidazole (teye-NID-uh-zohl)

These drugs usually are given by mouth in a single dose. If you are allergic to the medicines normally used, your doctor might suggest topical medicines, which are medicines applied to the skin. But the topical medicines don't work as well and may not cure you. They might, however, ease the symptoms.

People being treated for trichomoniasis should not have sex until they and their sex partners complete treatment and have no symptoms.

Risk factors for getting trichomoniasis include having:

• Multiple sexual partners
• A history of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• A previous episode of trichomoniasis
• Sex without a condom

Treatment of trichomoniasis vaginal infection requires an oral antibiotic that is effective against infections caused by this parasite. Treatment can be given during pregnancy. Options may include:

1. Megadose: Your health care provider may recommend one large dose (megadose) of either metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax) or secnidazole (Solosec). You only take these oral medications one time.
2. Multiple doses: Your provider might recommend several lower doses of metronidazole or tinidazole. You take the pills two times a day for seven days. To help clear up the infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time your provider prescribed the drug, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your infection may not go away completely.
4. Drinking alcohol during and for a few days after the treatment can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Don't drink alcohol for 24 hours after taking metronidazole, 48 hours after taking secnidazole or 72 hours after taking tinidazole.
5. Your health care provider will typically retest you for trichomoniasis after treatment. A retest two weeks to three months after treatment can check to be sure the infection is gone and that you haven't been reinfected.
6. Even if you've had treatment that gets rid of trichomoniasis, it's possible to get it again if you're exposed to someone with the infection.

Symptoms
Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals,Discomfort when peeing, A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell
Conditions
Thin, often foul-smelling discharge from the vagina,Discomfort of the genitals
Drugs
Antibiotic medications that kill parasites like metronidazole (Flagyl) and tinidazole (Tindamax)