Trichomoniasis in Men｜Asymptomatic Spread, Risks, Testing & Treatment Guide

What Is Trichomoniasis? | An STI Caused by a Protozoan Parasite

Trichomoniasis (also referred to as vaginal trichomoniasis) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Unlike most other STIs, which are caused by bacteria or viruses, trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite – a key distinction.

Because the Japanese name for the disease translates literally as “vaginitis,” many people assume it only affects women. In reality, men are also infected. Trichomonas vaginalis can colonize the urogenital tract (urethra, bladder, prostate, vagina, etc.) in both sexes and cause inflammation. It is one of the most common STIs worldwide, and a steady number of cases are reported in Japan as well.

A key feature of trichomoniasis is that men often experience few or no noticeable symptoms when infected. As a result, many men assume “this doesn’t apply to me because I’m a man” or “I have no symptoms, so I’m not infected,” and unknowingly pass the infection on to their partners. Men, in particular, need to understand trichomoniasis correctly.

What Is Trichomonas vaginalis, the Parasite Behind the Infection?

Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled parasite about 0.1 mm in size. Invisible to the naked eye, it uses several flagella to move around and infects the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract.

What matters here is that trichomoniasis is caused by a “protozoan.” Many other STIs are caused by bacteria (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea) or viruses (such as herpes), but trichomoniasis is one of the few STIs caused by a protozoan parasite. When the pathogen is different, the effective treatment is different too. Antibiotics designed to target bacteria do not work against trichomoniasis; instead, “anti-protozoal” drugs that act on the parasite are required. This is a fundamental point of trichomoniasis treatment.

Trichomonas vaginalis is vulnerable to drying out and to high temperatures, but it can survive for some time in moist environments. This characteristic is what makes non-sexual routes of transmission – such as wet towels and bathtubs – possible.

Trichomoniasis Is an STI That Affects Men Too

It is a misconception that “trichomoniasis is a women’s disease.” Because Trichomonas vaginalis is passed back and forth between men and women through sexual contact, men are equally susceptible. In men, the parasite mainly enters the urethra, prostate, and bladder, and may cause urethritis or prostatitis.

However, men are less likely than women to develop symptoms after infection. This is thought to be because the male urethra is flushed with urine each time a man urinates, making it harder for the parasite to settle and limiting inflammation. The absence of symptoms doesn’t mean the absence of infection – the parasite can remain in the body and act as a source of infection for partners.

Beyond trichomoniasis, there are many STIs that affect men, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma infections, and genital herpes. Co-infection with multiple STIs is not unusual, so if trichomoniasis is suspected, it is a good idea to be tested for other STIs at the same time.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis | Men Are Often Asymptomatic

A defining feature of trichomoniasis is that men frequently develop no symptoms even when infected. When symptoms do occur, men typically experience urethral discomfort, itching, or an unpleasant sensation during urination. Women, by contrast, may notice yellow-green frothy discharge and intense itching.

Because men often have mild symptoms or none at all, many continue their daily lives unaware that they are infected. For this reason, it is important not to rely on symptoms alone, and to get tested if you have any reason to suspect exposure. Below, we explain typical symptoms in men and in women, as well as the fact that the infection can be transmitted to partners even when no symptoms are present.

Symptoms in Men | Urethral Discomfort, Discharge, Itching, and Odor

When symptoms of trichomoniasis do appear in men, they tend to be relatively mild, and many cases pass without any clear-cut signs at all. When men do experience symptoms, the following are most common:

• Urethral discomfort and itching: A tingling or itching sensation deep inside the urethra. This is the most common early symptom of trichomoniasis in men.
• Mild pain or discomfort when urinating: A stinging or slightly painful sensation may occur during urination.
• Urethral discharge (pus): A small amount of pus or discharge may appear at the urethral opening. The volume is typically less than with chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Frequent urination and a feeling of incomplete emptying: If inflammation spreads to the urethra or bladder, you may need to urinate more often or feel you can’t fully empty your bladder.
• Unusual genital odor: Inflammation and discharge may cause an odor that differs from normal.

These symptoms are hard to tell apart from urethritis caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other STIs, so self-diagnosis is risky. If you dismiss them as “just a slight discomfort, I’ll wait and see,” the infection may drag on and you may continue passing it to your partner. If anything feels off, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Symptoms in Women | Yellow-Green Frothy Discharge and Itching

Women tend to develop symptoms more often than men, and the symptoms are usually more obvious. Typical symptoms in women include:

• Yellow-green to yellow frothy discharge: Considered characteristic of trichomoniasis. Discharge volume increases and may take on a foamy texture.
• Intense itching or burning: Strong itching or a burning sensation in the vulva or vagina.
• Unpleasant odor: A distinct, fishy odor in the discharge.
• Pain during urination or intercourse: Pain may occur during urination or sexual activity.

For men, the important takeaway is that if your female partner has these symptoms, there is a high chance you are also infected. When a woman complains that “my discharge is off” or “the itching is unbearable,” her male partner may well be the source of infection or also infected, even without symptoms. Both partners need to be tested and treated together.

You Can Still Pass It to a Partner While Asymptomatic

The most important point about trichomoniasis is that men can carry the parasite without symptoms and still transmit it to partners through sexual contact. The assumptions “no symptoms = no infection” and “no symptoms = no transmission” are both incorrect.

If a man harbors Trichomonas vaginalis without symptoms, a vicious cycle can develop. With no symptoms, he sees no need to be tested or treated. He passes the infection to his partner during sex. Even if she is treated, he is not – so he reinfects her. This is what is known as “ping-pong transmission,” a major reason trichomoniasis is hard to clear.

For this reason, if your partner has been diagnosed with trichomoniasis, or if you have any reason to suspect exposure, you should be tested regardless of whether you have symptoms. If men avoid testing on the grounds that they have no symptoms, the partner treatment will ultimately go to waste. Mycoplasma infection follows a similar asymptomatic course in men, so caution is needed there too.

How Trichomoniasis Spreads | Non-Sexual Transmission Is Possible

Trichomoniasis is mainly spread through sexual contact, but it may also be transmitted via wet towels, bathtubs, toilet seats, or other non-sexual routes. Because both men and women can be asymptomatic, the source of infection is often hard to pinpoint.

Most STIs almost never spread through anything other than sexual contact, but because Trichomonas vaginalis can survive for some time in moist environments, infection sometimes occurs through other routes. The phenomenon of “I have no idea how I got it” often comes back to this peculiarity. Below we explain each route in more detail.

Sexual Transmission (The Most Common Route)

The most common route for trichomoniasis is sexual contact. Direct mucous membrane contact between the genitals – vagina and urethra – allows the parasite to pass from one partner to another. The risk is higher during sexual activity without a condom.

A point to keep in mind is that the infection passes both ways – from men to women and from women to men. The notion that “trichomoniasis can’t be passed from men” is wrong; an asymptomatic male partner often becomes the source of infection for a female partner. Of course, infection from a positive woman to a man also occurs.

The probability of transmission per encounter varies, but trichomoniasis is considered a relatively contagious STI. A single sexual encounter is enough to cause infection, so the mindset of “it was only once, I’ll be fine” is dangerous. Condom use lowers the risk but doesn’t eliminate it, so if you have any reason to suspect exposure, get tested.

Can It Spread Through Shared Baths, Towels, or Toilet Seats?

“Can my family catch it through shared baths or towels?” is one of the most common questions about trichomoniasis. The short answer is that non-sexual transmission is unlikely, but not impossible.

Trichomonas vaginalis is sensitive to drying and high temperatures, but it can survive for a while in moist environments. The following routes have rarely been reported:

• Shared wet towels or underwear: If wet towels or underwear used by an infected person are immediately used by someone else, transmission is possible.
• Bathtubs and bathwater: Bathing in the same water immediately after an infected person has done so may rarely result in transmission.
• Toilet seats: Transmission via a wet toilet seat used by an infected person has also been reported.

Because of these routes, trichomoniasis can sometimes spread within a household (between parents and children, spouses, or siblings). While the probability of non-sexual transmission is low, in the home it helps to avoid sharing towels and underwear, have the infected person bathe last, and keep toilet seats consistently clean. That said, the primary route of trichomoniasis remains sexual contact.

Can It Spread Through Kissing or Oral Sex?

“Can trichomoniasis spread through kissing?” is another common question. Because Trichomonas vaginalis mainly infects the urogenital tract (urethra, vagina, etc.), it is generally not transmitted by ordinary kissing. The oral cavity is not a typical environment for the parasite to take hold.

On the other hand, sexual contact that includes oral sex can carry a risk of transmission. Any activity that involves contact with the genitals can transmit the parasite, so “just kissing” or “only oral sex” is not necessarily safe.

If you are concerned, tell your doctor exactly what kind of sexual contact occurred and have the appropriate tests. Because different STIs have different transmission profiles, it is safer to confirm with a specialist clinic than to try to judge for yourself.

Recurrence After Treatment (Reinfection From Residual Parasites)

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is prone to reinfection and recurrence even after treatment. There are two main patterns of recurrence.

The first is “ping-pong transmission” from a partner who was not treated. If you are treated but your partner isn’t, you can be reinfected during sex once you have recovered. The second pattern is recurrence due to parasites remaining in the body after the patient stops taking the medication early. The disappearance of symptoms doesn’t mean all parasites have been cleared, and stopping the medication on your own can let surviving parasites multiply again.

To prevent this kind of reinfection or recurrence, it is essential to have both partners treated at the same time and to complete the prescribed course of medication exactly as the doctor instructs. Follow-up testing to confirm cure is also an important step in making sure the infection is fully resolved.

Incubation Period | How Many Days Before Symptoms Appear

The incubation period for trichomoniasis is generally around 10 days (anywhere from a few days to about a month). However, because men rarely develop symptoms, the concept of an incubation period applies less neatly, and it is often difficult to pinpoint when the infection was acquired.

The incubation period is the time from infection to the onset of symptoms. For trichomoniasis, symptoms typically begin around 10 days after infection – but only when symptoms occur at all. Many men remain asymptomatic well past the typical incubation window, making it hard to identify the moment of infection.

No symptoms – or delayed symptoms – means there is a risk of unknowingly transmitting the infection to a partner the whole time. If you suspect exposure, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, get tested after waiting a defined interval (roughly 1 to 2 weeks) from the suspected exposure for more reliable results. We cover the timing of testing in more detail in the “Testing” section below.

Also keep in mind that the parasite is in your body even during the incubation period, so the absence of symptoms is no guarantee of safety. If you fit the description of “no symptoms recently, but I have a reason to suspect exposure,” that is exactly when testing should be considered.

What Happens If Trichomoniasis Is Left Untreated?

If trichomoniasis is left untreated, men may develop complications such as urethritis or prostatitis, and the risk of continuing to infect a partner remains. Spontaneous resolution is rarely expected, so early testing and treatment are important.

Dismissing the infection because “the symptoms are mild” or because “men can’t catch or spread it” allows it to drag on, with consequences for both your own health and your partner. Below we cover the risks of leaving the infection untreated in men and in women, as well as its impact on other STIs.

Risks of Leaving It Untreated in Men | Urethritis, Prostatitis, Infertility

If a man leaves trichomoniasis untreated, the parasite can spread deeper from the urethra and lead to complications such as the following:

• Trichomonas urethritis: Persistent urethral inflammation may cause chronic pain or discomfort during urination and ongoing discharge.
• Prostatitis: If the parasite reaches the prostate, it can cause prostatitis, leading to discomfort in the lower abdomen or perineum and urinary problems.
• Epididymitis: In rare cases, inflammation extends to the epididymis, causing swelling and pain in the scrotum.
• Impact on male fertility: Chronic inflammation has been associated with reduced sperm motility and other potential effects on reproductive function.

A risk that cannot be ignored is that even an asymptomatic man may continue passing the infection to his partner throughout this time. Understanding that this is an issue not only of personal health but of your partner’s health as well, please seek testing and treatment promptly if you suspect exposure.

Risks of Leaving It Untreated in Women | Pelvic Inflammation, Preterm Birth

For women, leaving trichomoniasis untreated raises even greater concerns than for men. Representative risks include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Inflammation may spread from the vagina to the uterus and fallopian tubes, reaching the pelvic cavity.
• Impact on pregnancy: Infection during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
• Impact on fertility: Chronic inflammation may affect the reproductive organs.
• Chronic distressing symptoms: Abnormal discharge, itching, and pain may persist over the long term, eroding quality of life.

For men, the important takeaway is that leaving your own trichomoniasis untreated also exposes your female partner to these risks. Even if your symptoms are mild, do not forget that the impact on her health may be serious.

Increased Risk of HIV and Other STIs

Another important risk of leaving trichomoniasis untreated is that it makes you more susceptible to other STIs, including HIV.

When trichomoniasis causes inflammation in the urogenital mucous membranes, the mucosal barrier function is reduced. Inflammation can damage the membrane and attract immune cells, creating an environment in which HIV and other pathogens can more easily enter the body.

In other words, leaving trichomoniasis untreated is not just a trichomoniasis problem – it increases your risk of acquiring other STIs as well. Co-infection with multiple STIs is not unusual, so if trichomoniasis is suspected, we recommend testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and other STIs as well. With STIs, early detection and early treatment are paramount.

Testing for Trichomoniasis | A Urine Test for Men

Testing for trichomoniasis in men mainly uses a urine sample to check for the parasite. Women are typically tested using vaginal discharge samples. Testing is minimally invasive and can be performed even without symptoms.

Many men hesitate to get tested because they assume “the test will hurt” or “it’s embarrassing,” but testing for trichomoniasis in men is essentially just a urine collection, with very little physical burden. Below we explain testing methods for men and women, as well as the right timing for testing.

Testing in Men | Urine Test

Testing for trichomoniasis in men centers on a urine test. The urine sample is examined for the presence of the parasite or its genetic material.

• Urine test: You urinate into a special container. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes. It looks for Trichomonas vaginalis or its DNA/RNA (using nucleic acid amplification tests, NAAT/PCR).
• Discharge sample: If discharge is present at the urethral opening, a sample may also be collected and analyzed.

Specific methods vary by clinic, but highly sensitive tests that detect parasite DNA have become more widespread in recent years. Before the test, holding off on urination for a few hours, if possible, makes the parasite easier to detect. When you go in for testing, let your doctor know when you last urinated and the timing of any sexual contact. Testing for trichomoniasis is available even without symptoms, so if you suspect exposure, consider being tested regardless of how you feel.

Testing in Women | Vaginal Swab Test

For women, testing focuses on a vaginal swab to collect discharge, which is then examined under a microscope to look for moving parasites or analyzed by culture or genetic testing.

For men, the important point is that if your female partner is diagnosed with trichomoniasis at a gynecology clinic, you need to be tested and treated as well. If only she is treated while you remain asymptomatic but infected, you will simply reinfect each other after her treatment. Don’t avoid testing because “I have no symptoms”; visiting a clinic together is the fastest route to a complete cure.

When to Get Tested (Timing After Possible Exposure)

Tests for trichomoniasis are more reliable when performed after a defined interval from the suspected exposure. Immediately after infection, the number of parasites in the body is low, and the test may miss them (a false negative).

A general guideline is to wait about 1 to 2 weeks after the possible exposure before testing. However, if you already have symptoms such as urethral discomfort, you may be tested right away.

If you are not sure when to be tested, simply tell the doctor when the suspected exposure took place and they will advise you on the best timing. Even if the result is negative because the test was done too early, you can repeat it later if symptoms persist or you remain worried. When in doubt, don’t self-diagnose – consult a clinic.

Treatment for Trichomoniasis | OTC Drugs Are Not Effective

Treatment for trichomoniasis is based on oral anti-protozoal drugs such as metronidazole; over-the-counter medications won’t cure it. The medication is taken for several days up to about 10 days as directed by a physician, and you should not stop on your own simply because symptoms improve.

Because trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite, antibacterial agents and the topical or anti-itch medications sold at drugstores won’t cure it. The infection must be treated with specialized drugs that target the parasite, prescribed and managed by a physician. Below we cover the specific treatment options and key precautions.

Treatment With Oral Medication (Metronidazole / Flagyl, etc.)

The first-line treatment for trichomoniasis is oral anti-protozoal medication, typified by metronidazole (brand name Flagyl and others). Drugs in the same class, such as tinidazole, may also be used. These medications act directly on the parasite and clear it from the body.

Treatment in men centers on oral medication. The physician determines the type of drug, dosage, and duration based on the patient’s condition. Dosing regimens vary, including courses lasting several days, but in every case it is essential to take the medication exactly as the doctor directs.

No anti-protozoal medications are sold over the counter – these drugs require a doctor’s prescription. Trying to self-treat with OTC products or buying medication online is risky both in terms of efficacy and safety. Always visit a clinic and obtain a prescription after a proper consultation.

Vaginal Tablets Used for Women

For women, treatment may include vaginal tablets (inserted into the vagina) alongside oral medication. The vaginal tablets act locally on parasites that have colonized the vagina.

Men do not use vaginal tablets – oral medication is the mainstay of treatment. The important point here is that even if your female partner is being treated with vaginal tablets, you still need oral treatment as a man. If only she is treated, you will reinfect her during sex once the treatment is over.

Treatments differ between men and women, but the principle of “treat both partners together” is the same. If your partner has been diagnosed with trichomoniasis, please visit a clinic yourself as well.

Will OTC or Topical Medications Cure It?

The bottom line: there are no over-the-counter medications effective against trichomoniasis. Anti-itch creams or feminine-care products sold at drugstores cannot eliminate the underlying Trichomonas vaginalis parasite.

Trying to handle the infection with OTC medications creates the following problems:

• The cause goes untreated and care is delayed: Topical creams may temporarily ease itching, but the parasite remains in the body.
• Symptoms worsen or become chronic: Without proper treatment, inflammation can spread and the risk of complications rises.
• You keep infecting your partner: Because you are not actually treated, the infection continues to pass during sex.
• Other diseases get missed: If symptoms are actually from a different STI, OTC drugs can neither identify nor treat the cause.

Instead of thinking “I’ll try to manage with OTC drugs” or “I’ll buy something online,” visit a clinic and get the correct prescription treatment from a doctor if you have symptoms or suspect exposure. This is ultimately the fastest and most reliable path to recovery.

Treatment Duration and Precautions (Avoid Alcohol and Sex)

The treatment course for trichomoniasis typically involves taking oral medication for several days up to about 10 days as directed by the physician. “How many days until cure” depends on the drug, dosing schedule, and individual condition, so always follow your doctor’s instructions. After treatment, we recommend a follow-up test to confirm that the parasite has been fully cleared.

During treatment, please observe the following:

• Avoid sexual activity: Refrain from sex until treatment is complete. While the parasite remains, you risk infecting your partner or being reinfected yourself.
• Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking anti-protozoal drugs such as metronidazole can cause nausea, palpitations, and other adverse reactions. Avoid alcohol during the course and shortly before and after.
• Complete the full course: Parasites may remain even after symptoms subside, so don’t stop on your own.
• Treat your partner at the same time: If only one of you is treated, ping-pong transmission will cause recurrence.

Your doctor will explain detailed precautions when prescribing the medication. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to ask the doctor or pharmacist.

Prevention and Avoiding Reinfection (Ping-Pong Transmission)

To prevent reinfection with trichomoniasis, it is essential that both partners be tested and treated together. If only one of you is treated, “ping-pong transmission” recurs back and forth, so abstain from sex until the treatment is complete.

Trichomoniasis is curable with treatment, but neglecting prevention and reinfection measures can cause repeated bouts. Here we cover preventive measures you can take in daily life and key points for stopping ping-pong transmission.

Preventive Measures You Can Take Every Day

Prevention requires attention both to sexual transmission and to non-sexual routes. Daily prevention tips include:

• Use condoms correctly: Using a condom from start to finish during sex reduces the risk of infection (though it doesn’t eliminate it entirely).
• Avoid sexual contact with many partners: The more partners, the higher the infection risk.
• Do not share towels or underwear: Even within the household, avoid reusing wet towels or underwear.
• Get tested early if you notice symptoms: Don’t ignore symptoms; test promptly if you suspect exposure.
• Routine STI testing: If you are sexually active, regular testing – even in the absence of symptoms – provides peace of mind.

Because trichomoniasis often progresses without symptoms, taking the mindset of “prevent and test before symptoms appear” – rather than “deal with it once symptoms appear” – is what protects both your own and your partner’s health.

The Importance of Treating Both Partners (Preventing Ping-Pong Transmission)

The single most important reinfection countermeasure for trichomoniasis is testing and treating both partners at the same time. Skip this and you fall into the vicious cycle known as “ping-pong transmission.”

Ping-pong transmission refers to a pattern in which only one partner in an infected couple receives treatment while the other remains infected, so the infection bounces back during post-treatment sex. The name comes from the way the infection ping-pongs back and forth, like in table tennis.

Key points for preventing ping-pong transmission are:

• Get tested and treated as a couple: If one of you is diagnosed, the other should also see a doctor regardless of symptoms.
• Complete treatment on the same schedule: Synchronizing treatment timing reduces the risk of reinfection.
• Abstain from sex until treatment is complete: Avoid sex until both partners have finished treatment and, where indicated, confirmed cure.

Some people find it awkward to talk to a partner about an STI, but trichomoniasis can’t be reliably cured without treating both of you. For each other’s health, it is important to be honest and get treated together.

How Trichomoniasis Differs From Other STIs

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan, chlamydia and gonorrhea by bacteria, and candidiasis by a fungus – each requires a different treatment. Even when the symptoms look similar, the causes differ, so it is important to identify the cause through testing rather than self-diagnosis.

Urethral discomfort and discharge are common to STIs beyond trichomoniasis. Because different causes require different medications, assuming “this is probably trichomoniasis” and reaching for an OTC drug won’t cure it. Start by reviewing the comparison table below to see the differences.

As the table shows, although the symptoms may look alike, the underlying pathogens and treatments are different. Accurate diagnosis requires testing at a medical facility. Detailed explanations of each disease are available via the internal links in the sections below.

Differences From Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Unlike trichomoniasis, which is caused by a “protozoan,” chlamydia is caused by a “bacterium” – a fundamental difference.

A commonality is that men with either infection are often asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, and may unknowingly transmit the infection to a partner. However, the treatments differ: chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, and trichomoniasis with anti-protozoal drugs. When the cause is different, the effective medication is different too, so identifying the cause through testing is the first step of treatment.

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in Japan and a frequent cause of urethritis in men. For more, see our detailed explanation of chlamydia symptoms in men. Because trichomoniasis and chlamydia are hard to tell apart by symptoms alone, we recommend testing for both when men have urethral discomfort.

Differences From Candidiasis

Candidiasis is caused by Candida, a type of fungus (yeast). Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan, candidiasis by a fungus – entirely different categories of pathogen.

A defining feature of candidiasis is that it is not necessarily an STI. Candida is already a normal resident of the body, and it can multiply and cause disease in response to illness, weakened immunity, or antibiotic use. In other words, candidiasis can develop without sexual contact. Trichomoniasis, by contrast, is generally acquired from outside the body through sexual contact or similar exposure.

Treatment differs as well: candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications, while trichomoniasis requires anti-protozoal drugs. Some candidiasis treatments are available OTC, but self-diagnosis is still risky. For more, see symptoms and treatment of male candidiasis. Even when itching looks similar, the cause and treatment differ between trichomoniasis and candidiasis, so testing for differential diagnosis is needed.

Differences From Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium. In addition to the protozoan-versus-bacterium distinction, the way symptoms present is also markedly different.

While trichomoniasis is often asymptomatic in men, gonorrhea tends to produce relatively obvious symptoms in men. Men with gonorrhea frequently experience severe painful urination and a copious yellowish pus discharge – generally more intense symptoms than with trichomoniasis. The incubation period for gonorrhea is also shorter, with symptoms typically appearing 2 to 7 days after infection.

Gonorrhea is treated mainly with antibiotic injections or IV infusions. For more, see our detailed explanation of gonorrhea. Beyond trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, several other STIs – including mycoplasma infection and genital herpes – can produce similar symptoms. Co-infection with multiple STIs is also common, so if you have urethral symptoms, don’t self-diagnose; have a comprehensive panel done at a clinic.

Trichomoniasis Testing and Treatment at Men’s Care Clinic

Men’s Care Clinic is a men’s-only clinic with three locations: Shimbashi, Akihabara, and Omotesando, providing testing and treatment for trichomoniasis and other STIs in men. Whether you “have no symptoms but suspect exposure,” whether “my partner was diagnosed,” or whether you are “worried because OTC drugs won’t work,” we offer a privacy-conscious environment where you can comfortably talk things over.

Why Patients Choose Men’s Care Clinic

Reasons Men’s Care Clinic is chosen for STI testing and treatment, including trichomoniasis, include the following:

• A men’s-only clinic: Because we specialize in men, we have built an environment that makes it easier for men to consult. You won’t have to worry about being seen by women in the waiting area.
• Three convenient locations: We operate three clinics – Shimbashi, Akihabara, and Omotesando – so you can choose the one closest to your workplace or home.
• Pay-as-you-go available: No need to commit to expensive course contracts. You can pay each time for only the tests and treatment you receive, with peace of mind around cost.
• Medical partnership with Toyosu Hospital: Through our medical partnership with Toyosu Hospital (affiliated with Showa University), we have built a reliable care framework.
• Privacy considerations: We make every effort to provide an environment that respects patients’ privacy.

Many men feel that going to a clinic for STI care is “embarrassing” or “hard to face,” but trichomoniasis can lead to complications and infect a partner if left alone. If you have any concerning symptoms or reasons to suspect exposure, please do not hesitate to consult with us early.

Flow of a Trichomoniasis Test and Treatment Visit

A typical visit for trichomoniasis testing and treatment at Men’s Care Clinic looks like this:

• STEP 1 Booking: Book online or by phone. Sharing the suspected timing of exposure and any concerning symptoms, to the extent you are comfortable, helps the visit go smoothly.
• STEP 2 Interview and consultation: The physician asks about symptoms, history, suspected exposure, and any other concerns.
• STEP 3 Testing: For men, a urine test is the main method. It is virtually painless and quickly done. Other STI tests may be added as needed.
• STEP 4 Results and treatment: Based on your results, if trichomoniasis is diagnosed, treatment with oral anti-protozoal medication begins. The physician will also explain precautions during treatment (avoiding alcohol and sex, etc.).
• STEP 5 Confirming cure: Where indicated, a follow-up test confirms that the parasite has been cleared.

If you have a partner, we recommend that they also be tested and treated together to prevent ping-pong transmission. If you have concerns about your visit, please feel free to mention them when you book or during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)