Trichomoniasis, commonly known as “trich,” is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite. It is the most common curable STI, affecting millions globally each year. While many individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms, the infection is treatable with medication.
Recommended Waiting Period
Following successful treatment for trichomoniasis, it is recommended to abstain from sexual activity for a minimum of seven days. This waiting period applies after all medication has been completed and any sexual partners have also been treated and are symptom-free. Adhering to the full course of prescribed medication is important, even if symptoms resolve before the treatment is finished. Engaging in sexual activity too soon can compromise treatment effectiveness and lead to re-infection.
Why Waiting is Essential
The waiting period after trichomoniasis treatment allows the body time to fully clear the infection. The medication, typically an antibiotic, requires time to eradicate the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite.
Abstinence during this period prevents re-infection or onward transmission. Engaging in sexual activity before the infection is fully resolved risks re-infection from an untreated partner or transmission to a new partner. The waiting time ensures the treated individual is no longer infectious, breaking the chain of transmission.
Confirming Treatment Success
Ensuring treatment success involves more than just completing medication and waiting. Concurrent treatment of all sexual partners is important. Untreated partners can harbor the parasite, leading to a “ping-pong” effect and repeated re-infections. Guidelines suggest treating all sexual partners from the last 60 days, even if they show no symptoms.
A follow-up Test of Cure (TOC) is often recommended to confirm the infection has been eradicated. For some, such as pregnant people, a TOC is routinely performed three weeks to three months after treatment completion. While symptom resolution is a positive sign, it does not guarantee the complete absence of the parasite, making partner treatment and, in some cases, a TOC important for full confirmation.
Preventing Future Infections
Consistent prevention strategies reduce the risk of future trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted infections. Using condoms correctly every time during sexual activity significantly lowers the risk of transmission. While condoms offer substantial protection, they may not cover all areas where the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite can reside.
Open and honest communication with sexual partners about STI status is an important preventative measure. Regular STI testing is advisable, particularly for sexually active individuals with multiple partners or when starting a new sexual relationship. Limiting the number of sexual partners can also reduce STI risk.