Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis or “trich” is a common and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI). Trich spreads during sexual intercourse — in semen (cum) and vaginal fluids. Its name comes from the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes the infection.

You may have trich and not know it — most people don’t have symptoms from the infection. Trich is contagious, which means you might unknowingly infect others through sexual contact.

How common is trichomoniasis (trich)?

It’s the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection globally. Anyone who has sex can get trich. Approximately 3.7 million people have the infection in the United States. Only about 30% of people have symptoms. Trichomoniasis is more common in Black women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).