Yes, a man can give a woman trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a parasite, known as Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is typically spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
When a man has the infection, the parasite can be passed to a woman during unprotected sex. The infection is more likely to be passed from a man to a woman, as the parasite lives longer and is more likely to survive in the warm, moist environment of a woman’s vagina.
Once the parasite enters the body, it can cause trichomoniasis. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women may include a thin white or yellow vaginal discharge with a strong odor, itching in the genital area, discomfort when urinating, and pain during sex.
If left untreated, trichomoniasis can increase a woman’s risk of developing other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. It can also cause complications during pregnancy, such as premature birth or low birth weight.
The good news is that trichomoniasis is treatable with antibiotics. If you think you may have been infected, it is important to see a doctor right away. The doctor can test for the infection and prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. Both you and your partner should be treated simultaneously to avoid passing the infection back and forth.