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Key takeaways
The most common treatment for trichomoniasis is an antibiotic such as metronidazole or tinidazole.
Common side effects of trichomoniasis antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You should avoid alcohol during treatment and for several days after.
There are no over-the-counter medicines or natural remedies that treat trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is spread through unprotected vaginal sex with an infected sexual partner. Infecting both men and women, trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis (or T. vaginalis), that colonizes the vagina, urethra, and prostate gland. Trichomoniasis, often referred to as trich, is frequently mistaken for other conditions, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. If you have symptoms of trichomoniasis, such as yellow/green or gray vaginal discharge, pain during sex or urination, or itching, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
Not everyone with trichomoniasis has symptoms. Women may have symptoms such as vaginal burning, itching, odor, discharge, and pain during sex. Men who have symptoms may experience burning, itching, or discharge.
For women, a healthcare provider will conduct a pelvic exam and collect a sample of vaginal discharge for testing. A Pap test is not used to diagnose trichomoniasis. If you have trichomoniasis, you will also be tested for other STIs.
Trichomoniasis is harder to diagnose in men because they do not always have symptoms. Men may be tested if they have symptoms or if their sexual partner is diagnosed with trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis treatment options
Trichomoniasis is usually treated with metronidazole or tinidazole. A follow-up visit may be required to test for reinfection. Your sexual partner(s) should also be treated. In many states, healthcare providers are allowed to prescribe medication for you and your partner(s), without a separate office visit. You can ask your provider if this is an option.
Types of trichomoniasis medication
The treatment of choice for trichomoniasis is a nitroimidazole antibiotic. However, drug-resistant strains of Trichomonas, patient allergies, and HIV infection may complicate treatment.
Trichomoniasis antibiotics
Trichomoniasis is typically treated with oral metronidazole or tinidazole.
For metronidazole, the usual dose for women is 500 mg every 12 hours for seven days. Men are typically prescribed a one-time dose of 2,000 mg. Further treatment may be required if the infection persists or recurs.
Tinidazole is typically prescribed as a one-time dose of 2,000 mg. Further treatment may be required if the infection persists or recurs.
Even after completing treatment, reinfection may occur within three months. It is important that your sexual partner(s) receive treatment at the same time. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance as to when you can have sex again. Women should be tested again about three months after treatment.
Over-the-counter trichomoniasis medicine
There are no over-the-counter medicines that can be used to treat trichomoniasis. A prescription antibiotic, such as metronidazole or tinidazole, is required to treat the infection.
What is the best medication for trichomoniasis?
The drugs of choice for trichomoniasis are nitroimidazole antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will determine which drug is best to treat trichomoniasis.
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Best Medicine for Trichomoniasis
| Drug name | See SingleCare price |
|---|---|
| Metronidazole | Get free coupon |
| Tinidazole | Get free coupon |
This is not an exhaustive list of trichomoniasis medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for trichomoniasis based on your health condition and medical history.
Common side effects of trichomoniasis medicine
Side effects will vary based on the medication. This is not a complete list, and you should consult with a healthcare professional for possible side effects and drug interactions based on your specific situation. Metronidazole and tinidazole typically cause gastrointestinal problems such as an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. While taking these medicines and for several days after, it is important to avoid alcohol.
Home remedies for trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis symptoms may resemble symptoms of a yeast infection, which many patients treat using over-the-counter medications and natural remedies. Home treatment of T. vaginalis, however, is ineffective. Trichomoniasis will require antibiotic treatment to clear the infection and reduce the risk of transmission.
Frequently asked questions about trichomoniasis
What antibiotics can be used to treat trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is typically treated with metronidazole or tinidazole. Sexual partners should also be treated.
Can doxycycline treat trichomoniasis?
No, doxycycline is not a treatment for trichomoniasis.
What will happen if trichomoniasis is left untreated?
Untreated trichomoniasis can be spread to other sexual partners even without symptoms. Also, untreated trichomoniasis in pregnant women is linked to premature delivery and low birth weight. A T. vaginalis infection also increases the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
How long does it take for trichomoniasis to go away after treatment?
Trichomoniasis symptoms usually start to clear up within a few days after the initiation of trichomoniasis antibiotic treatment. As with any antibiotic, it is important to finish the full course of treatment, even if you start to feel better. Women are typically retested within 12 weeks. It is important that sexual partners are treated too, in order to prevent reinfection.
How can I treat trichomoniasis at home?
There are no natural remedies that are proven to treat trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics and requires follow-up with a healthcare provider.
Can garlic cure trichomoniasis?
No, garlic is not a treatment for trichomoniasis. If you think you may have trichomoniasis, see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment. All sexual partners should be treated.
Can trichomoniasis go away on its own?
In some cases, trichomoniasis may go away on its own, but in many cases, antibiotic treatment is required. Without treatment, trichomoniasis can spread between partners, even if you do not have symptoms. If you think you have trichomoniasis, see a healthcare provider.
Is it possible to still have trichomoniasis after treatment?
Yes, some people will get reinfected within a few months after treatment. You and your sexual partner(s) should be treated, and it’s important to follow the guidance from your healthcare provider about avoiding sex and retesting.
Sources
Trichomoniasis, StatPearls (2026)
Trichomoniasis, MedlinePlus (2024)
Trichomoniasis test, MedlinePlus (2025)
Trichomoniasis, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health (2025)
About trichomoniasis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2025)
Trichomoniasis, Cleveland Clinic (2022)
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