Infection and Discharge
Trichomoniasis
Related terms · Trichomoniasis
Trichomonas vaginitis is a protozoan infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact, and may present with discharge, odor, itching, and urinary discomfort.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is Trichomoniasis?
Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but it can still be transmitted to partners even without symptoms. Trichomonas Vaginitisis a protozoan infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact and may cause discharge, odor, itching, and urinary discomfort.
- Easily confused terms
- Candida or Bacterial Vaginosisthe treatment is different and partner evaluation may be necessary, so it must be confirmed through testing.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- The priority is to ensure the cause is treated. Once safety is confirmed, remaining discomfort and recovery will be addressed.
- What to record for your visit
- Please write down the test results, medication names, completion dates, scheduled re-test dates, partner treatment status, whether sexual intercourse occurred before and after treatment, pregnancy status, pelvic pain, fever, and other STI test results, along with the dates, and show this during your medical evaluation.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.VaginitisVaginitis is a condition characterized by discharge, odor, itching, or stinging; treatment varies depending on the cause, such as Candida, bacterial vaginosis, or Trichomonas.Bacterial VaginosisBacterial vaginosis is a condition where the bacterial balance in the vagina changes, which may lead to watery discharge and odor.Vaginal DischargeVaginal discharge is fluid produced in the vagina; clear or white discharge without a strong odor can change naturally according to the menstrual cycle.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideTrichomoniasisTrichomoniasis often presents without symptoms even when infected, so infection cannot be ruled out simply because discharge appears normal. If symptoms are present, vaginal discharge may increase, become thinner, or appear frothy and yellow-green or gray in color, and may have a fishy odor. Itching, burning, redness, soreness, or swelling of the vagina and vulva, as well as pain during urination and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), may also occur. Since other types of vaginitis are similar, you should be tested rather than judging based on color or smell alone; a recent diagnosis alone cannot determine the timing of infection or the source of transmission. Please review your test results and exposure history with your medical provider.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf itching and discharge recur after treatment for vaginitisRather than repeating the same medication when vaginitis becomes uncomfortable again, please bring a record of the cause identified in previous tests, the name of the medication, and the duration of improvement. Treatment differs for Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomoniasis; if fever, lower abdominal pain, and pain during intercourse occur together, other evaluations including PID must come first.→
- Women's Health ColumnCan Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas be distinguished by symptoms alone?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.
- CDC: Vaginal DischargeReasons why the cause of vaginitis cannot be determined by symptoms alone and the necessary tests