Do you know what’s the most common curable STD in America? You may be surprised. The answer is a condition called Trichomoniasis, or “trich.” This sexually transmitted infection (STI) is primarily asymptomatic, with only about 30% of people showing symptoms.

In fact, many people have trichomoniasis and don’t even realize it! So, how long can trichomoniasis be dormant in your body? Read on as we explain it all to you.

Here at Rapid Std Testing, we offer quick and confidential STD testing for anybody who needs our services. With over 2500 convenient locations, all you have to do is place an order for your testing panel online and then come into our office for same-day STD testing. It’s fast, easy, and non-invasive.  

What Is Trichomoniasis?

Unfortunately, trichomoniasis, or “trich,” is a primarily asymptomatic STD.

What is trichomoniasis, exactly? The infection is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. That may sound scary, but trichomoniasis is very easy to cure with antibiotics. Women are more susceptible to trichomoniasis than men, and older women are even more vulnerable.

The CDC considers trich the most common curable STD in America, with over two million infections alone in 2018, more than Chlamydia and gonorrhea combined. Since around 70% of people don’t show symptoms, that means about 1.4 million people are walking around unaware they have a trich infection.

If you’re one of those people, you could pass trichomoniasis to your sex partners unknowingly. For this reason, you can see why getting regular STD testing is so important. Fortunately, it’s easy to get a rapid STD test from one of our convenient locations.

To get a trichomoniasis test, all you have to do is give a urine sample. You can order the testing panel from us right now, and you’ll have confidential results within one to three days after you give your specimen.

Risk factors for trichomoniasis include:

•       Unprotected sex
•       Multiple sexual partners
•       Prior history of STIs
•       Prior history of trichomoniasis

How Is Trichomoniasis Transmitted?

You can spread trichomoniasis through sexual intercourse or sexual contact, which is the most common method. The parasite and resulting infection usually occur in the vagina, the vulva, or the urethra of both men and women. If you have unprotected sex with an infected person, you have a high chance of contracting trichomoniasis.

One of the most common questions we get here at Rapid STD Testing is, “Can you get trichomoniasis if no one cheats?” Well, here’s the answer: Yes, it’s technically possible, but not very likely. If you’ve just gotten into a relationship, it’s possible your partner was unaware they had the STD before you were exclusive. In that case, your partner could have trich even though they didn’t cheat.

You can also contract trichomoniasis by touching the damp clothing or towels of an infected person, by sharing sex toys, through dirty bathwater, or even in public pools. If you’re sexually active, the best course of action is to order a trichomoniasis test from us at Rapid STD Testing and then sit down and have an open discussion with your partner about STDs and your sex life.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms and Risks

Trichomoniasis symptoms (when they show) vary between men and women, and it’s more likely for women to show symptoms than men.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms Among Men

Since men are less likely to show symptoms, most only seek treatment for trichomoniasis because their female partners get a positive diagnosis.

Here at Rapid STD Testing, we offer quick and confidential trichomoniasis testing for men. If you test positive, we’ll get you started on the right course so you can get prompt treatment.

Remember, the infection usually takes place in the urethra inside the penis. The signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis in men include:

•       White penile discharge
•       General itching or irritation in the genital area
•       Swelling and redness of the penis
•       Burning sensation after urinating
•       Burning sensation after ejaculating
•       Pain during sexual intercourse

If left untreated in men, trichomoniasis can have a range of adverse effects, including urethral stricture disease, infertility, prostatitis (swollen prostate gland), and epididymitis, which is the inflammation of the tube that stores and carries sperm. It can also cause chronic urinary tract infections or lead to prostate cancer.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms Among Women

Women are at a much higher risk of contracting trichomoniasis, and older women are particularly vulnerable. Since about 70% of women don’t even know they have trichomoniasis, many end up passing it to their partners while being none the wiser.

By getting regular STD tests, you can help catch STDs early and get treatment as quickly as possible—hopefully before you infect a partner.

The symptoms of trichomoniasis in women include:

•       Itching or irritation in the genital area
•       Burning sensation when urinating
•       Inflammation of the labia
•       Green, yellow, or grey discharge
•       Strong or noticeable change in vaginal odor
•       Pain or discomfort during intercourse

Many women believe that a trichomoniasis infection is simply a yeast infection since many symptoms are the same. However, they’re two different infections, and they require different treatment methods.

You may have an infection and not even know it. When trichomoniasis is untreated in women (especially pregnant women), it can have devastating effects:

•       Premature delivery
•       Low birth weight
•       Higher risk of contracting HIV
•       Risk of infertility
•       Pelvic inflammatory disease

If you experience any symptoms of trichomoniasis, you need to get an STD test right away so you can seek proper medical advice and treatment.

How Long Can Trichomoniasis Be Dormant in Men and Women?

If you think you might have an STD, you’re probably feeling anxious. You’ve also probably gotten stuck in the never-ending cycle of late-night Googling, searching things like “Trichomoniasis dormant in body,” or “Trichomoniasis symptoms,” and then looking at all the scary pictures. Sound familiar?

First, take a deep breath and stop freaking yourself out. Remember, if you do have trichomoniasis, it’s an easily curable STD.

Next, get yourself in the know by ordering an STD test from us at Rapid STD Testing. You’ll feel much greater peace of mind once you know that you took charge and got tested. Here at Rapid STD Testing, we’ll help you get the trichomoniasis test you need quickly and with the utmost confidentiality.

Can Trichomoniasis Be Dormant In My Body?

So, how long can trichomoniasis actually be dormant in men and women? To start, it’s a common misconception that trichomoniasis can essentially “lay dormant” in your body. However, if you have trichomoniasis and don’t know it, you could potentially transmit trichomoniasis to your partners or suffer the harmful effects and medical conditions resulting from chronic infection.

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection, so there’s no “dormancy.” You either have it, or you don’t. However, there lies the problem: In the 30% of cases in which symptoms do occur, they typically present between five and 28 days after exposure. You could have trich for an entire month before you ever show any physical signs.

Technically, if you don’t show symptoms, you could have trichomoniasis for years without knowing—even ten years or more. However, that can only happen if you don’t get an STD test and find out your status. Getting regular tests will drastically reduce the chances of having an STD like trich without knowing it and then passing it along to your sexual partners.

Since trichomoniasis can be dormant in men and women for a week to a month, even years, it’s clear why regular STD testing is so important. Every person deserves a happy and healthy sex life, and that starts with two things—using protection every single time you have sex and getting regular STD tests. 

Can I Have Trichomoniasis Even Though My Partner Doesn’t?

Is it possible to have trichomoniasis if your partner doesn’t? Yes, but it’s unlikely. According to the CDC, about 2.1% of women and about 0.5% of men in the U.S. have trichomoniasis. If you have trichomoniasis and then have unprotected sex with your partner, the chances of passing the infection along to them are high.

If you’re having protected sex by using a condom consistently and correctly every single time, your chances of contracting trich or any other STD are much lower. So, yes, it is possible to have trichomoniasis if your partner doesn’t, but if you have unprotected sex, the infection will inevitably spread to them.

Trichomoniasis Treatment and Prevention

Trichomoniasis Treatment

If you order an STD test from us at Rapid STD Testing and find out that you have trichomoniasis, please don’t panic. Even though you have an STD, trich is easily curable. A doctor will prescribe you one of two medications: either Flagyl® (metronidazole) or Tindamax® (tinidazole).

By taking a round of antibiotics for five to seven days, you can cure trichomoniasis easily and quickly. However, it’s essential to continue the entire course of medication, even if you start to feel better during the middle of your trichomoniasis treatment.

Another common problem is people who become reinfected with trichomoniasis after they have undergone treatment. According to the CDC, about one in five people becomes reinfected within three months of successful treatment. If you’re sexually active, be sure to use protection every single time you have sexual contact with somebody else to avoid getting reinfected.

The good news is that a single course of antibiotics cures 95% of trich-infected women. If you test positive, you need to tell your partner immediately so they can seek treatment too. You could still pass it back and forth if one of you receives treatment while the other does not. 

Avoid having sexual intercourse for at least one week after finishing the medication. Then, after three months, take another test to ensure that you’re still in good health.

Trichomoniasis Prevention

To prevent getting trichomoniasis, use the barrier method (like a condom or dental dam) every time you have sex. Using protection is your best chance to avoid STDs if you’re sexually active. However, the only way to achieve 100% prevention is by practicing abstinence.

Another way to prevent trichomoniasis is to get regular STD tests. If you always know your status, you don’t have to worry about accidentally passing on trichomoniasis (or another STD) to your sexual partners.

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer the full 10-panel STD test, including trichomoniasis. Simply order a testing panel from us, and if it’s positive, we’ll help you get the treatment you need. Within one to three days, you’ll have quick and confidential results that won’t go on your permanent medical record.

Get an STD Test Today and Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

So, how long can trichomoniasis be dormant in your body? Technically, trich doesn’t lie dormant, but it does take from five to 28 days to show symptoms. Asymptomatic people could have it for years without knowing, which is why it’s critical for all sexually active people to get regular STD tests.

Order a full test panel or visit a Rapid STD Testing center today and get yourself in the know. 

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