{"id":8514,"date":"2025-01-10T10:30:22","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T10:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/?p=8514"},"modified":"2025-04-29T12:40:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T12:40:46","slug":"can-you-get-trichomonas-without-having-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/can-you-get-trichomonas-without-having-sex\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you get Trichomonas without having sex?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Can you get Trichomonas without having sex?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tX6wqKcLC_Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The vast majority of public knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is based on the most common infections: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/chlamydia\"><strong>Chlamydia<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/hiv\"><strong>HIV<\/strong><\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/gonorrhoea\"><strong>Gonorrhoea<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A less-common infection, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/std-sti-testing\/trichomonas\"><strong>Trichomonas<\/strong><\/a>, can be even more problematic in this regard. The lack of detailed public information aboutthis infection, can sow mistaken impressions about how it spreads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, Better2Know\u2019s phone lines have come alight with questions recently about whether someone can get Trichomonas <em>on their own<\/em> \u2013 without any sexual activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is this possible? Keep reading to find out<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-1024x518.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8515\" width=\"768\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-1024x518.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-768x388.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-1536x777.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-2048x1036.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>It can be difficult to know if you have an STI. If you\u2019re concerned, you should get tested with one of Better2Know\u2019s Full STI Screens.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/shop\/products\/home-testing-kits\/full-screen\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>What is Trichomonas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s start with the basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <em>Trichomonas vaginalis<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When contracted, this parasite infects the vagina in women and the urinary tract in both women and men. It can cause symptoms like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Pain during urination<\/li><li>In women:<ul><li>A frothy vaginal discharge with a \u201cfishy\u201d odour<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Vaginitis<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Discomfort or pain during sex in the vagina and vulva<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>In men:<ul><li>Increased urination<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Abnormal thin white discharge that can irritate the head of the penis<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Balanitis (redness around the head of the penis)<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Inflammation of the prostate, and difficulty urinating<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people who get Trichomonas usually develop symptoms about a month after the initial infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it\u2019s possible to get a Trichomonas infection and not experience any symptoms at all, making identification without testing very difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting Trichomonas can also make you more susceptible to getting other STIs, like HIV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How do you get Trichomonas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The vast majority (north of 99%) of Trichomonas infections are contracted through sexual activity, with vaginal sex being the main route of transmission, but sharing sex toys vaginally can also cause cross infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s extremely unlikely for anyone to contract Trichomonas during oral sex unless there has been sex in groups and transmission has occurred from one vagina to a mouth and then from that mouth to another vagina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>If you\u2019re worried about Trichomonas, get tested with our affordable Trichomonas Home Test Kit.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/shop\/products\/home-testing-kits\/trichomonas-test\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>Can you develop a Trichomonas infection without having sex?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are documented cases of people getting Trichomonas without having sex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0016310\"><strong>study<\/strong><\/a> of women in Zambia found that Trichomonas likely spread among a community of young women through shared bathwater and inconsistent soap use. Bathing and showering alone would therefore eliminate this risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Trichomonas parasite <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12920996\/\"><strong>can live outside the body for several hours<\/strong><\/a> on absorbent (towels) and non-absorbent (plastics) surfaces. That\u2019s why it would be a consideration not to share items like towels or swimsuits and <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8580611\/\"><strong>to be careful when sitting on damp benches in public swimming areas or baths<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trichomonas parasites have also been <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17949719\/\"><strong>shown<\/strong><\/a> to remain viable and infective in swimming pool water samples for several hours. But recorded cases of transmission of this type are extraordinarily rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All these methods of transmission are technically possible but also very unlikely. Sexual activity remains, by far, the most common mode of transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>If my partner has Trichomonas, did they cheat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your sexual partner develops symptoms of any STI, it\u2019s understandable that your first thought will jump to infidelity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this may not necessarily be the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t display any symptoms. Around 50% of men and 75% of women who have Chlamydia don\u2019t know it. Some people who contract HIV may not know they have the infection until years or decades later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not possible to prove how someone got an STI, except to say that at some point they have been sexually active. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Call the phone number at the top of this page to speak to one of Better2Know\u2019s trained Sexual Health Advisors, who can recommend a test that will fit your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also book a confidential appointment at a sexual health clinic near you. Click the button below to start your online booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-2-1024x518.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8516\" width=\"768\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-2-1024x518.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-2-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-2-768x388.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-2-1536x777.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/can-a-woman-get-trichomonas-on-her-own-2-2048x1036.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Don\u2019t leave your sexual health to chance. Get tested with Better2Know today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/clinics\/book-online\/choose-clinic\">Get tested<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- Simple Share Buttons Adder (8.1.2) simplesharebuttons.com --><div class=\"ssba-classic-2 ssba ssbp-wrap left ssbp--theme-1\"><div style=\"text-align:left\"><span class=\"ssba-share-text\">Share this...<\/span><br\/><a data-site=\"\" class=\"ssba_facebook_share\" href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8514\"  target=\"_blank\" ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/facebook.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Share on Facebook\" \/><div title=\"Facebook\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Facebook<\/div><\/a><a data-site='pinterest' class='ssba_pinterest_share' href='javascript:void((function()%7Bvar%20e=document.createElement(&apos;script&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;type&apos;,&apos;text\/javascript&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;charset&apos;,&apos;UTF-8&apos;);e.setAttribute(&apos;src&apos;,&apos;\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinmarklet.js?r=&apos;+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)%7D)());'><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/pinterest.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Pin on Pinterest\" \/><div title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Pinterest<\/div><\/a><a data-site=\"\" class=\"ssba_twitter_share\" href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8514&amp;text=Can%20you%20get%20Trichomonas%20without%20having%20sex%3F%20\"  target=&quot;_blank&quot; ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/twitter.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Tweet about this on Twitter\" \/><div title=\"Twitter\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Twitter<\/div><\/a><a data-site=\"linkedin\" class=\"ssba_linkedin_share ssba_share_link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8514\"  target=&quot;_blank&quot; ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/simple-share-buttons-adder\/buttons\/somacro\/linkedin.png\" style=\"width: 35px;\" title=\"LinkedIn\" class=\"ssba ssba-img\" alt=\"Share on LinkedIn\" \/><div title=\"Linkedin\" class=\"ssbp-text\">Linkedin<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article has been medically reviewed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/page\/dr-steve-chapman\"><strong>Dr. Steve Chapman<\/strong><\/a>, 29\/04\/2025.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":""},"categories":[16,2606,19,10],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[653,568,608,654,637,570,1093,563,560,571,725,705,1035,1368,2872,629],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8514"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8514"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8514\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8635,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8514\/revisions\/8635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8514"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.better2know.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=8514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}