Can Trichomoniasis Be Transferred From One Partner To Another During Protected Intercourse?

Posted on Wed, 13 Sep 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 Answered on

Thu, 5 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I will be very brief. This question involves 3 individuals. Girl A, Girl B, and me(a male). So here is the story. 2 months ago I had sex with Girl A. Before placing the condom on, I hit her clit (was wet) with my erect penis. I immediately placed the condom, and had sex. I also touched her wet clit with both hands and without washing my hands put the condom on. We started having sex and after 20 minutes I noticed a fishy smell and stopped. The condom did not break at all. I then had sex with Girl B 5 hours later, did not use protection(long time girlfriend, we are off and on). 3 weeks later girl B developed a fishy smell, but she has not itching(think it may be bv). Its been 2 months and I have no signs or symptoms. Im very nervous and I know Trichomoniasis can live outside the body for a long time. So hears my questions listed below:

1. Is it possible that I may have transmitted Trichomoniasis from girl A to girl B with this episode?
2. on the CDC it states condoms protect against Trichomoniasis, but only the part of the skin that its covered. Does this mean condoms don't protect against Trichomoniasis? Could you please let me know what this means?
3.What are the chances of passing Trichomoniasis from girl A to girl B on this episode?
4. My penis came in contact with her wet clit, could the parasite crawl from the outside of my penis to the urethra once I put the condom on? If so, what are the chances of this occurring.

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possible transmission

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir , I have gone through your question and i understand your concerns.. Fishy vaginal odour can be due to either trichomonas or bacterial vaginosis infection.. It is possible that you have passed the infection from Girl A to Girl B since your penis touched the clitoris of Girl A and the vagina of Girl B even if it was a brief touching in case of Girl A..
Trichomonas is a parasitic infection that cause a yellowish to greenish discharge while bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection that cause a white or grey discharge..
Both can be diagnosed by a cervical swab and culture and both can be treated with metronidazole extended release tablets 750 mg once daily for one week or 250 mg tablets three times daily for one week .. I would recommend that both of you take the medication even if you are not showing any symptoms in the time being .. I hope I answered your question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (23 minutes later)

Could you please answer the questions 1 through 4? Also the clotoris t touch the bottom of the penis. It did not touch the urethra opening.

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answered from 1 to 4

Detailed Answer:
1) yes , it is possible
2,3) This means that condoms decrease the risk of passing the infection but doesn't prevent it 100% as uncovered skin may be a source of passing the infection.. also in your case you touched the clitoris before wearing the condom , so this increases the risk of passing the infection between the two girls .. The fact that the wet clitoris touchéd the bottom of the penis could explain why you are not showing any symptoms yet you have passed the infection between the two girls..
4) yes , it could spread through the skin of your penis to the urethra although unlikely ..
I hope you find this helpful

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (51 minutes later)

Also my skin was intact around my entire penis. Whats the longest a male can go without developing symptoms. I am very nervous.

Did you ever get my last question?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
5-28 days

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

The incubation period of trichomonas can range from 5-28 days, this is the period that you can be infected but still did not show any symptoms...

However, some persons become only carriers of the infection and never show any symptoms... That is why I recommend that you take the medication despite the fact that you are not experiencing any symptoms so far...

I hope you find this helpful...
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (2 hours later)

This leads to my final question. If girl A had it and it touched the surface of my penis and there was no breakage in the skin, how can it get transmitted inside of me?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
From your hands

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, it is unlikely to get the infection from the behind of your penis to your urethra but it is more likely that you have touched the tip of your penis which your hand that has previously touched her clitiros .. Trichomonas can live on your skin for up to an hour, so it could have transmitted from your hands to your urethra.. I hope you find this helpful..

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana