What Is Trichomonas Vaginalis (Trichomoniasis)?

Trichomonas vaginalis, “trich” or “TV” for short, is a parasite which can infect the urogenital tract - i.e. the vagina, penis and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), causing an infection referred to as trichomoniasis. For more information on this little bug, check out our blog article about trichomonas vaginalis.

Is Trichomoniasis The Same As Chlamydia?

No, trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis, and chlamydia is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. Although they can cause similar symptoms in men, they are not the same bug. Yoxly has reliable information about all the different STIs and offers reliable at-home STI kits for up to eight of the most common STIs. 

Can Men Get Trichomoniasis?

Yes, men can get trichomoniasis. Although trichomoniasis is more commonly associated with women, it can also affect men and people with a penis. Men usually contract trichomoniasis through having vaginal sex with an infected female partner.

Can Trichomoniasis Go Away On Its Own In Males?

According to some small studies, trichomoniasis may go away on its own in males without treatment, but relying on this is not recommended. Without treatment, trichomoniasis can persist and lead to worsening symptoms or complications. In addition, if left untreated, trichomoniasis can be readily passed on to your female sexual partners. Therefore, it is recommended, if you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis, to receive treatment. Trichomoniasis infection in both men and women is treated with oral antibiotics.

How To Test For Trichomoniasis In Males?

Testing for trichomoniasis in males is performed on either a urine sample or a swab from the tip of the penis. Your sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis to see if the trichomonas vaginalis organism is present. A penile swab is obtained by a healthcare provider, whereas a urine sample can be provided by yourself. Testing is often available for free from your local sexual health clinic; however, is often not part of a routine sexual health screen and is sometimes only offered to males with symptoms or who have a partner who has been diagnosed with trichomoniasis. Testing for trichomoniasis is also available online, and here at Yoxly, trichomoniasis testing from a urine sample is included in our Basic+, Standard and Comprehensive at-home STI test kits.

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How Do Men Get Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis in men is almost exclusively transmitted through vaginal intercourse with an infected partner. From the evidence available, transmission from anal or oral sex is unlikely, as trichomonas does not like to live in the mouth or anus. The trichomonas organism lives within the urogenital tract and, as such, can be present in the urine, semen and vaginal fluids of an infected person. The best way to prevent trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection is to use condoms for all episodes of intercourse and avoid contact with genital fluids.

What Are The Symptoms Of Trichomoniasis In Males?

Up to 50% of males with trichomoniasis have no symptoms. The most common symptoms of trichomoniasis in males are discharge from the tip of the penis and discomfort passing urine (dysuria). Other symptoms include irritation or itching inside the penis, burning after urination or ejaculation, and needing to pass urine more often.

How Long Does Trichomoniasis Last In Males?

Without treatment, trichomoniasis can persist for months or years in males. However, with treatment, the infection can be cured within a week.

Do Males Need To Be Treated For Trichomoniasis?

Males diagnosed with trichomoniasis require treatment to prevent the spread of the infection to partners and to avoid complications. Treatment is usually with a week of tablet antibiotics, such as metronidazole, which cures the infection in most cases.

Does Trichomoniasis Go Away In Males?

With appropriate treatment, trichomoniasis is cured in most cases. Trichomoniasis may go away on its own in males without treatment, but it's not recommended to rely on this. It's important to complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully cleared. It is also important for any partners to be tested and treated to prevent re-infection from intercourse with an infected partner.

How To Treat Trichomoniasis In Males

Trichomoniasis in males is usually treated with antibiotics, for example, metronidazole. In addition, you should avoid sexual intercourse for at least 1 week and until your partner(s) have completed any treatment and follow-up.

Summary

In summary, yes, men can get trichomoniasis! It is often asymptomatic and sometimes not included in a routine sexual health screen. If you are worried about trichomoniasis, it’s important to visit your local sexual health clinic for advice or consider ordering an at-home STI test kit.