Can you get Trichomonas without having sex?

The vast majority of public knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is based on the most common infections: Chlamydia, HIV, and Gonorrhoea.

Even with these infections, misconceptions can be widespread. Better2Know is often contacted by many patients who have been given incorrect or incomplete information about these infections, leading them to mistaken conclusions that may contribute to harming their health.

A less-common infection, Trichomonas, can be even more problematic in this regard. The lack of detailed public information aboutthis infection, can sow mistaken impressions about how it spreads.

In particular, Better2Know’s phone lines have come alight with questions recently about whether someone can get Trichomonas on their own – without any sexual activity.

Is this possible? Keep reading to find out

It can be difficult to know if you have an STI. If you’re concerned, you should get tested with one of Better2Know’s Full STI Screens.

What is Trichomonas?

Let’s start with the basics.

Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted infection, but unlike Chlamydia and HIV, which are caused by bacteria and viruses, respectively, Trichomonas is caused by a parasitic protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis.

When contracted, this parasite infects the urinary tract. It can cause symptoms like:

• Pain during urination
• In women:
  • A frothy vaginal discharge with a “fishy” odour
  • Vaginitis
  • Pain during sex in the vagina and vulva
• In men:
  • Pain during ejaculation
  • Increased urination
  • Abnormal thin white discharge
  • Balanitis (swelling and redness around the head of the penis)
  • Balanoposthitis (swelling and redness around the foreskin)

Most people who get Trichomonas usually develop symptoms about a month after the initial infection.

However, it’s possible to get a Trichomonas infection and not experience any symptoms at all, making identification without testing very difficult.

Getting Trichomonas can also make you more susceptible to getting other STIs, like HIV.

How do you get Trichomonas?

The vast majority (north of 99%) of Trichomonas infections are contracted through sexual activity, including vaginal sex, anal sex, and sharing sex toys.

Though possible, it’s extremely unlikely for anyone to contract Trichomonas during oral sex. This infection is most easily transmitted through unprotected sex where barrier contraceptives like condoms and dental dams aren’t used.

If you’re worried about Trichomonas, get tested with our affordable Trichomonas Home Test Kit.

Can you develop a Trichomonas infection without having sex?

There are documented cases of people getting Trichomonas without having sex.

One study of women in Zambia found that Trichomonas likely spread among a community of young women through shared bathwater and inconsistent soap use.

The Trichomonas parasite can live outside the body for several hours on absorbent (towels) and non-absorbent (plastics) surfaces. That’s why it’s important not to share items like towels or swimsuits and to be careful when sitting on damp benches in public swimming areas or baths.

Trichomonas parasites have also been shown to remain viable and infective in swimming pool water samples for several hours.

All these methods of transmission are technically possible but also very unlikely. Sexual activity remains, by far, the most common mode of transmission.

If my partner has Trichomonas, did they cheat?

If your sexual partner develops symptoms of any STI, it’s understandable that your first thought will jump to infidelity.

However, this may not necessarily be the case.

STI can develop slowly over weeks or months. Someone can contract an STI, enter a new relationship, and then develop symptoms. The vast majority of people who contract any STI won’t display any symptoms. Around 50% of men and 75% of women who have Chlamydia don’t know it. Some people who contract HIV may not know they have the infection until years or decades later.

It’s not possible to prove how someone got an STI. It’s important to have honest conversations about your feelings and concerns with your partner to come to productive conclusions that will be best for all parties involved.

Final thoughts

The only way to know if you have a Trichomonas infection is to get tested. Testing is safe, reliable, confidential, and gives you a full view of your sexual health so that you can make responsible decisions.

Call the phone number at the top of this page to speak to one of Better2Know’s trained Sexual Health Advisors, who can recommend a test that will fit your situation.

You can also book a confidential appointment at a sexual health clinic near you. Click the button below to start your online booking.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Get tested with Better2Know today.

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