Trichomoniasis Symptoms: What Trich Discharge Looks and Smells Like
Quick answer
Trich (trichomoniasis) can cause a thin, clear, white, yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge, sometimes frothy, often with a fishy smell, plus itching, burning or soreness. But the CDC says about 70% of people with the infection have no signs or symptoms, and it can't be diagnosed from symptoms alone. A test is needed to know for sure.
Do your symptoms fit trich?
Tick the field marks that match.
The more of these match, the more reason to order a test online. This is not a diagnosis. Many other conditions cause similar symptoms, and only a test can confirm trich.
A new discharge with an odd smell is unsettling, and it’s natural to wonder if it’s an STI. Trichomoniasis, or “trich,” is one possible cause. It is common, treatable, and caused by a tiny parasite. Here is what it can look and smell like, and why you can’t tell for sure without a test.
What does trich smell like?
The smell most often linked to trich is fishy. The CDC lists a vaginal discharge “with a fishy smell” among the symptoms in people with a vagina, and the NHS says the discharge may “smell like fish.”
Two cautions. First, not everyone with trich notices a smell, or any discharge. Second, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also known for a fishy smell, especially after sex. So a fishy smell points toward trich or BV, but it can’t separate them. Our guide on BV, fishy smell and symptoms covers the BV side.
What does trich discharge look like?
In people with a vagina, trich discharge can be:
- clear, white, yellowish or greenish
- thinner than usual, or more in volume
- frothy (the NHS describes this)
Colour on its own isn’t a reliable clue. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, and a test is how they are told apart. If your discharge changed colour, see yellow or green discharge for the other common causes.
What other symptoms can trich cause in people with a vagina?
Alongside discharge, the CDC lists itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, and discomfort when peeing. The NHS also lists pain during vaginal sex and swelling around the vagina.
These symptoms overlap with yeast infections, BV and chlamydia. If burning when you pee is your main symptom, see burning when peeing: STD or UTI.
What are the symptoms in people with a penis?
Most men have no symptoms, according to MedlinePlus. When symptoms do occur, the CDC lists itching or irritation inside the penis and burning after peeing or ejaculating. The NHS also lists discharge from the penis, needing to pee often, and pain or soreness in the penis or testicles. Our guide on trich in men goes into testing and treatment.
Can you have trich with no symptoms?
Yes, and it is the usual situation. The CDC says about 70% of people with the infection do not have any signs or symptoms, and the treatment guidelines put it at 70% to 85% with minimal or no genital symptoms.
People with trich can pass it on even when they feel completely fine. That is why a partner testing positive is a good reason to order a test yourself, even if nothing seems wrong.
How soon do trich symptoms start?
The CDC, NHS and MedlinePlus all give the same window: some people notice symptoms within 5 to 28 days after getting the infection. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Because of that range, you can’t work out when or from whom you got it based on when symptoms began.
How do I know for sure it’s trich?
You need a test. The CDC states that it is not possible to diagnose trich based on symptoms alone. Testing uses a swab from the vagina or a urine sample. The CDC guidelines say the newer molecular tests (NAATs) are highly sensitive and detect more infections than microscopy among women.
You can order a test online. See at-home STD tests for how testing works, and which STD test do I need to decide what to include.
What happens if it is trich?
The CDC says a healthcare provider can treat the infection with medicine taken by mouth, prescribed by a clinician. Sexual partners need to be treated at the same time, and the CDC advises people with trich to avoid sex until they and their sex partners have been treated.
Reinfection is common. The CDC says it occurs in about 1 in 5 people within 3 months of treatment, which is why partner treatment and retesting matter. Trich is very common and treatable, and it doesn’t say anything about you as a person.
If you are pregnant and have symptoms, tell your clinician. The CDC guidelines say symptomatic pregnant women should be tested and treated, at any stage of pregnancy.
Get care today if
- You are pregnant and have unusual discharge, itching or burning
- You have a fever, pelvic or lower belly pain, or feel generally unwell along with discharge
- The pain when peeing is severe, or you can't pee
- You have testicle pain or swelling
- Your symptoms are getting worse quickly, or haven't improved after you finished treatment
Call 911 for a medical emergency. Otherwise, urgent care or your doctor can see you today.
When to test
- As soon as you notice symptomsOrder an STD test online that includes trich. A test on a vaginal swab or a urine sample is needed to confirm it. Symptoms alone can't tell trich from other causes.
- If you had sex without a condom with someone who has trichOrder a test even if you feel fine. The CDC says people can pass trich on without having symptoms, and many people never notice any.
- About 3 months after treatmentThe CDC recommends retesting sexually active women around 3 months after treatment, because reinfection is common. Your partners need treatment too, or you can pass it back and forth.
Common questions
What does trich smell like?
The smell people usually report is fishy. The CDC lists a clear, white, yellowish or greenish discharge with a fishy smell as a trich symptom. Not everyone with trich has any smell, though, and bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes a fishy smell too, so smell alone can't tell them apart.
What does trich discharge look like?
It can be thin, clear, white, yellowish or greenish, and there may be more of it than usual. The NHS adds that it may look frothy. Some people with trich have no unusual discharge at all.
Can you have trich and not know it?
Yes. The CDC says about 70% of people with trich do not have any signs or symptoms. Some people notice symptoms within 5 to 28 days of getting it, while others don't until much later.
Is trich the same as BV or a yeast infection?
No. They are different conditions with some overlapping symptoms. Trich is a sexually transmitted parasite, while BV and thrush (yeast) are not classed as STIs by the NHS. Our lookalike guide on trich, BV and yeast infections compares them side by side.
Sources
This guide is general information written by a patient advocate using public health sources. It is not a diagnosis. Only a clinician who examines you, or a lab test, can tell you what you have. Read how we write and check our guides.