Trichomoniasis

Those most affected by trichomoniasis (trich) are sexually active women ages 16 to 35. It is thought that 1 out of 5 women in this age group will become infected at some time.^{Reference 4}

Behaviors that will increase your risk of getting trich include:

• Not using condoms when having sex with a new partner or a partner who may have been exposed to a Reference sexually transmitted infection (STI) Opens New Window. It is possible for a partner to transmit the trich Reference parasite Opens New Window without having any symptoms of the infection.
• Having many sex partners, which increases your risk of being exposed to someone who has trich. Teenagers and young adults are at higher risk for getting trich and other STIs, because their sex partners often have had other recent partners who may carry an STI.

You can get other STIs, such as Reference gonorrhea Opens New Window, Reference chlamydia Opens New Window, Reference HIV Opens New Window, and Reference syphilis Opens New Window, at the same time you get a trich infection. If one STI is diagnosed, testing for other STIs should be done so that all infections can be treated at the same time.

Some infections that can be spread through sexual contact, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are life-threatening. Studies show that trich infection may increase the risk of transmitting HIV infection.^{Reference 5} Health professionals around the world are concerned about the increased risk of trichomoniasis and HIV.

Women who have trich may also be at risk for other vaginal infections. About 20% of women with trich also have a Reference yeast infection Opens New Window and many also have Reference bacterial vaginosis Opens New Window.^{Reference 6}

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.