How Can I Contract Trichomoniasis When My Partner And I Have Been Loyal To Each Other?

Posted on Sun, 1 Apr 2018

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

Sun, 1 Apr 2018 Answered on

Tue, 30 May 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to the doctor for a yeast infection, who then tested me postive for an STI called trichomoniasis, and I took the recommended treatment. I asked my boyfriend of 5 years to get tested, and he came back clean. If neither of us have ever been with anyone else, how did I get an STI?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rarely infection can be transmitted through contaminated fomites

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Trichomoniasis is almost exclusively transmitted by sexual intercourse. Rarely transmission by contaminated fomites like toilet seats, wash clothes and bath water can occur.

You might have caught the infection from infected fomites.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (4 hours later)

So it is possible that I got it NOT by having sex with an infected person (because I didn’t) but rather a awful case of I used a bath room or a wash cloth that was infected?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you got infection from infected toilet seat or wash cloth

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Yes, you got the infection from an infected bathroom or a wash cloth and not from sexual contact.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj