Trichomoniasis Treatment and Care

What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis can be cured with a single dose of prescription antibiotic medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole), pills which can be taken by mouth. It is okay for pregnant women to take this medication. Some people who drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this kind of antibiotic can have uncomfortable side effects.

People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated too, and wait to have sex again until all of your symptoms go away (about a week). Get checked again if your symptoms come back.

Treatment Guidelines and Updates

• 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines – Trichomoniasis (June 4, 2015)

Resources for clinicians

• Vaginitis Self-Study Module – An online learning experience that helps users learn how to manage vaginitis. It is continuously updated and integrates the most recent STD Treatment Guidelines. Free CME/CNE available. (November 1, 2017)
• Advances in Laboratory Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis – from the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)