How can I prevent getting trichomoniasis?

Abstaining from intercourse and from direct genital-to-genital contact will prevent the transmission of trich.

Using male condoms will decrease but not eliminate the transmission of trich. Use new condoms on shared sex toys for each partner, or preferably, do not share sex toys.

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Take measures to reduce your risk of becoming infected with trichomoniasis (trich) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, or syphilis. You can also reduce the risk of transmitting an STI to your sex partner(s).

Practice safer sex

Preventing an STI is easier than treating an infection after it occurs.

• Talk with your partner about STIs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out if he or she is at risk for an STI. Remember that it is quite possible to be infected with an STI without knowing it. It can take up to 6 months before some STIs, such as HIV, are detected in the blood.
• Be responsible.
  • Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STI or are being treated for an STI.
  • Avoid all intimate sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STI.
• Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. Your risk of getting an STI increases if you have several sex partners at the same time.

Male condom use

Using condoms use may reduce the risk of becoming infected with an STI. Condoms must be put on before beginning any sexual contact. Use condoms with a new partner until you are certain he or she does not have an STI. It is important that you use a condom properly to prevent the risk of trich infection.

Female condom use

Even if you are using a birth control method to prevent pregnancy, you may wish to use female condoms to reduce your risk of getting an STI.