Trichomoniasis: what it looks like and how to treat it safely

Trichomoniasis (often called "trich") is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a single-cell parasite. Many people don’t notice symptoms, so it spreads easily. If you have unusual discharge, itching, pain during sex or peeing, or sudden changes after a new partner, get tested — quick treatment is simple and effective.

How to spot it and get tested

Symptoms differ between people. Women may notice frothy, yellow-green discharge, vaginal itch, or burning. Men often have no symptoms, or mild urethral irritation. Because symptoms overlap with other STIs, lab testing matters. The best test is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) on a vaginal swab or urine sample. Wet-mount microscopy is faster but less accurate. If you’re pregnant, tell your provider — testing and treatment choices may change.

Don’t wait for obvious signs. If a partner tests positive, or you have risk factors (new or multiple partners, no condom use), ask for a NAAT. Many clinics and sexual health centers offer confidential testing. Some home test kits use NAAT and can be accurate when done properly; choose a reputable brand and follow instructions exactly.

Safe treatment, partner care, and what to expect

First-line treatment is a prescription antibiotic from the nitroimidazole family — usually metronidazole or tinidazole. Doctors commonly use either a single higher dose or a seven-day course of metronidazole. Both approaches work, but your provider will pick the best option based on your health and history. Finish the full course unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

A few practical tips: avoid alcohol while taking nitroimidazoles and for 24–72 hours after the last dose (depending on the drug) to prevent a bad reaction. Don’t have sex until both you and your partner(s) finish treatment and symptoms stop. Treating partners at the same time prevents ping-pong reinfection. Retest about three months later or sooner if symptoms return.

If symptoms persist after treatment, talk to your clinician about retreatment and resistance testing. Some infections are harder to clear and may need a different dosing strategy or referral to a specialist.

Thinking of buying antibiotics online? Be careful. Only use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription and show clear contact details and certifications. Avoid sites that sell antibiotics without prescriptions — wrong drug, wrong dose, fake meds, and legal risks are real. If you need help picking a trustworthy source, check pharmacy reviews, verify licensing, and ask a pharmacist questions before ordering.

Want more practical info? HeyDoctor.com has detailed guides on common antibiotics, how to verify online pharmacies, and safe medication use. If you suspect trichomoniasis, get tested and treated — it’s quick, safe, and stops the spread.