Medically reviewed by Neka Miller, PhD on April 6, 2026. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
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Vaginal health plays a key role in your general health and well-being, but much like any other part of the body, the vagina is susceptible to infection. Trichomoniasis and yeast infections are two of the most common vaginal infections. While they can present with similar symptoms, these are two distinct conditions and it’s worth understanding how they’re different. So keep reading to learn more about trichomoniasis vs. yeast infection, including what they’re caused by, symptoms, and more.
Trichomoniasis vs. Yeast Infection: At a Glance
| Category | Trichomoniasis | Yeast Infection |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A common, curable sexually transmitted infection (STI). | A vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast (fungus), typically candida. |
| Cause | Caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. | Caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast due to imbalance in vaginal flora. |
| How it spreads | Transmitted through sexual fluids (semen, pre-cum, vaginal fluids), vulva-to-vulva contact, sharing sex toys, or touching genitals with infected fluids. | Not considered an STI; can occur without sexual activity. May be triggered by changes in vaginal pH or environment. |
| Who can get it | Both men and women can get trichomoniasis. | Primarily affects women or people with a vagina. |
| Symptoms |
|
|
| Symptom patterns | Often asymptomatic, which contributes to spread. | Usually presents with noticeable and consistent symptoms. |
| Risk factors | Sexual activity with infected partners. |
|
| Diagnosis | Diagnosed through testing, including lab analysis of samples. | Diagnosed through symptoms, exam, or testing of discharge. |
| Treatment | Treated with antibiotics and is fully curable. | Treated with antifungal medications; often available over the counter. |
| Key differences | An STI caused by a parasite and transmitted through sexual activity. | Not an STI; caused by fungal overgrowth and often linked to internal imbalance. |
What Is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a common, curable sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a microscopic parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis, a type of single-celled protozoan organism. How do you get trichomoniasis and how easily does it spread?
This parasite travels easily through sexual fluids, including semen, pre-cum, and vaginal secretions, but it can also pass via vulva-to-vulva contact, sharing sex toys, or touching genitals while you have infected fluids on your hands.
One challenging aspect of this sexually transmitted disease is that it often does not present with any noticeable symptoms. About 7 out of 10 people with trichomoniasis don’t exhibit any symptoms. This is one of the key differentiators between having trichomoniasis as opposed to bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.
What Is a Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast within the vaginal flora (the community of microbes that live within the vagina). A normal, healthy vagina naturally has a relatively small yeast population, but changes to genital chemistry, vaginal pH, and hormones can cause that yeast to grow out of control, resulting in a fungal infection. Yeast infections are medically known as vaginal candidiasis because they are most often caused by a type of fungal yeast known as candida.
Vaginal yeast infections can be quite irritating and uncomfortable. It can include symptoms such as itching, burning, and redness—all of which may only get worse if the infection remains untreated, further disrupting the vaginal flora. Yeast infections can also lead to:
- Vaginal discharge that appears thick, white, and clumpy (though usually odorless)
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Burning or stinging sensation when urinating
- Sores and fissures on the vagina and vulva (in severe cases)
What is the Difference Between Trichomoniasis and a Yeast Infection?
At first blush, vaginal trichomoniasis and yeast infections caused by candida overgrowth appear similar, and they do share similarities, particularly in the symptoms that they present. However, they also have distinct differences that determine how they should be handled and treated.
Presence of Symptoms
As mentioned above, trichomoniasis does not often present noticeable vaginal symptoms, which is partly why this sexually transmitted infection is so easily spread. By comparison, yeast infections present very obvious vaginal symptoms in nearly every case.
Causes and Modes of Transmission
Trichomoniasis is caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, while yeast infections are caused by a fungus (usually the candida yeast). These are two distinct types of organisms that exist and reproduce in different ways.
Trichomoniasis is also a strictly sexually transmitted infection. This means that it can only be transmitted through sexual intercourse and related activities. Yeast infections, on the other hand, can be caused even without having sex. Yeast infections occur when your vaginal pH goes out of balance, allowing for candida overgrowth. Changes to your vaginal chemistry can be caused by:
- Hormonal fluctuations (such as during menstrual cycles)
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Certain drugs, including cortisone and certain antibiotics
Yeast infections often aren’t sexually transmitted, but sexual contact can naturally alter the vaginal environment and potentially trigger the overgrowth of yeast. A yeast infection can also potentially affect parts of the body such as the tongue, throat, and mouth as a result of oral sex.
Treatments
In most cases, trichomoniasis can be effectively treated with certain antibiotics. Yeast infections can be treated with an antifungal medication. Medicated creams and suppositories for yeast infections are readily available and can be obtained without a prescription.
Next steps
If you’re experiencing symptoms that could be related to trichomoniasis or a yeast infection, getting tested is an important next step. Because these conditions can feel similar, the right diagnosis is key to getting the appropriate treatment and feeling better faster.
You can choose to get tested through a healthcare provider or from the comfort of home with options like Everlywell’s at-home testing kits. If you’re looking to explore treatment quickly and discreetly, online care options are also available. You can explore online sexual health treatment options to connect with a licensed provider and get the care you need.
Taking a proactive approach to your sexual health can help you get clarity, protect your well-being, and move forward with confidence.
Related Content
UTIs vs. Yeast Infections: What's the Difference?
Can You Get Trichomoniasis Without Being Sexually Active?
How Do You Get Trichomoniasis?
References
1. Trichomoniasis - CDC Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Accessed January 21, 2021.
2. Yeast infection (vaginal): Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. URL. Accessed January 21, 2021.
3. Yeast infection (vaginal): Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. URL. Accessed January 21, 2021.
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