Writer: Gillian Singer, MPH
Trichomoniasis cannot and does not turn into HIV. Keep reading to learn about trichomoniasis and HIV, and how they are connected.
Remember: Misinformation can spread just as easily as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) themselves. One common misconception is that trichomoniasis can turn into HIV. Trichomoniasis does not turn into HIV, but having trichomoniasis can make it easier to get HIV. It's important to know this so you can stay healthy and help prevent the spread of infections.
Understanding Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, and it spreads via sexual fluids during vaginal, anal, and oral sex (even in instances of contact without ejaculation). Not only can genitals become infected, but the anus, mouth, and hands can as well. It cannot be transmitted through nonsexual contact.[1]
Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is one of the most common STIs, with about 156 million new cases in 2020.[2] It is the most common nonviral STI in the world, as anyone sexually active can contract it. In the United States, it is estimated that 3.7 million people have trichomoniasis.[1]
Anyone sexually active can get trichomoniasis, but it is more common in Black women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).[1]
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
Most people with trichomoniasis do not experience symptoms — only about 30% of people do, according to the Cleveland Clinic.[1]
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Discharge from the vagina or penis that is yellow-green and/or foul-smelling
- Itching, burning, or irritation in the genital area
- Painful urination
- Pain during sexual activity, ejaculation, and/or intercourse
- Elevated risk of complications in pregnancy
Symptoms usually show up between 5 and 28 days after getting the infection. Women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to have symptoms.[1]
Treating Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is easy to treat with medicine that kills the parasite, but it won't go away on its own. If left untreated, it can lead to complications — like an increased risk of contracting HIV.
If you don't get treated, you can still pass the infection to others.[1]
Understanding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system and weakens the body's ability to fight infections. When untreated, HIV can turn into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which can be dangerous.
HIV spreads mostly through unprotected sex, by sharing needles, and from a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth or breastfeeding. It spreads through body fluids, so any cuts or irritation in the skin — like from trichomoniasis—can make it easier to catch.[3]
Symptoms of HIV
The Mayo Clinic explains that the symptoms that present are dependent on the phase of infection. When someone first gets HIV, they might not feel sick at all, or they could have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks. These can include fever, headache, rash, sore throat, muscle aches, and more. After that, a person may feel fine for years if they don't get treatment. When HIV progresses to AIDS, symptoms can be similar to those of the primary phase of infection.[3]
Treating HIV
There is no cure for HIV, but certain medicines can help people live long, healthy lives. These medicines lower the amount of virus in the body, sometimes so much that it can't be detected. This treatment is called antiretroviral therapy (ART).[1]
How Trichomoniasis Increases HIV Risk
Trichomoniasis doesn't turn into HIV, but it can make it easier for HIV to spread. Let's walk through how.
1. The presence of trichomoniasis can mean higher HIV viral loads, increasing contagiousness.
Research published in Emerging Infectious Diseases shows that people who have both trichomoniasis and HIV may have more HIV in their body fluids, making it easier to pass HIV to a partner.[4]
2. Trichomoniasis causes small wounds that are easy entry points for HIV.
Trichomoniasis can cause small cuts or sores in the genital area, which can let HIV enter the body more easily. These small wounds provide an easy entry point for HIV if a person is exposed, according to research published in Current HIV Research.[5]
3. HIV reduces the ability to fight off STIs like trich.
When the immune system detects an infection like trichomoniasis, it sends immune cells to fight it off. Unfortunately, HIV targets and infects these very cells, making it easier for the virus to spread.[4]
Preventing Trichomoniasis and Reducing HIV Risk
The good news is that both trichomoniasis and HIV are preventable. Here are some ways to lower your risk:
- Practice safer sex: Using internal and external condoms and dental dams reduces the transmission of trichomoniasis, HIV, and other STIs.
- Get tested regularly: Many STIs, including trichomoniasis, do not cause symptoms. Getting tested regularly helps find infections early, prevent problems, and stop the spread.
- Get medical treatment promptly: If you test positive for trichomoniasis, take all the medicine your healthcare provider gives you so the infection goes away completely.
- Communicate with partners: Talk to your partner if you have trichomoniasis or any STI. Letting them know helps both of you stay safe and healthy. If you had other partners recently, they should also get tested.
- Consider PrEP: If you are at high risk for HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that can help prevent HIV infection on an ongoing basis. Or, if you have been exposed to HIV, you can talk to a healthcare provider about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Conclusion
Trichomoniasis and HIV are two different infections. Having trichomoniasis can make you more vulnerable to HIV if exposed. The best way to protect yourself is through regular STI testing, safe sex practices, and timely treatment of infections. By staying informed and proactive about sexual health, you can reduce your risk and encourage other people in your life to do the same.
If you're concerned about STIs or HIV risk, consider speaking with a healthcare provider and getting tested. Early detection and treatment are key to maintaining sexual health.
At-home STI Lab Tests and STI Telehealth from Everlywell
Getting tested regularly and between partners helps keep you healthy, and you can even do it at home with Everlywell.
Everlywell’s at-home std test screens you for five STDs from the comfort of your home. We also offer an at-home trichomoniasis test. If your results are abnormal or positive, you're able to connect with our independent physician network at no additional cost. You may be eligible to receive treatment through services like online STD consults.