Diagnosis: Women

• Women may not experience any symptoms or discomfort related to trichomoniasis. If there are symptoms, generally they include yellow or green discharge with a foul odor, itching near the genital area, and painful intercourse or urination. According to WomensHealth.gov, trichomoniasis is generally diagnosed via a pelvic exam and a lab test. Your doctor will also take a fluid sample to view under a microscope to look for parasite.
  
  

Diagnosis: Men

• Men can be infected with trichomoniasis, but symptoms are minimal. There may be some pain or discomfort in the penis, although the infection will sometimes go away without treatment. Generally, men are infected with trichomoniasis via their female partners. It is important that both partners be tested if there are symptoms as it is possible to pass the infection back and forth.
  
  

Causes of Infection

• The most common reason women and men become infected with trichomoniasis is through unprotected intercourse.
  
  

Prevention

• Using a condom is effective in preventing the spread of STIs such as trichomoniasis, but while it is effective, condom use is not a 100-percent barrier against STIs. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) provides more information about protecting yourself against STIs by using condoms (see Resources).
  
  

Treatment

• Trichomoniasis is easily treated with a course of antibiotics. Regular STI testing along with the use of condoms can easily prevent the infection.