Trichomoniasis, commonly known as “trich”, is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections of the urinary system, often caused by bacteria. While trich and UTIs are distinct conditions, there is some overlap in risk factors and symptoms that lead many to wonder – can you get trich from a UTI?
The Short Answer
No, trichomoniasis is not caused by the same bacteria that cause UTIs. However, both trich and UTIs share some common risk factors, such as unprotected sex and multiple partners. Some of the symptoms are also similar between the two conditions, like pain during urination. But trich is specifically caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, which is different from the bacteria that lead to UTIs. So while you cannot directly get trich from a UTI, some overlapping risk factors may increase the chances of contracting both infections.
What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis, or “trich”, refers to a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This single-celled protozoan parasite infects the genitourinary tract of both men and women. However, symptoms are usually only experienced by women.
Trich is extremely common – it is the most prevalent non-viral STI in the world. An estimated 3.7 million cases occur each year in the United States alone. However, only about 30% of cases show symptoms, so many infections go undiagnosed.
Transmission
Trichomoniasis is typically transmitted through unprotected vaginal intercourse with an infected partner. The Trichomonas vaginalis parasite is passed from an infected penis or vagina to an uninfected vagina. The parasites then colonize the genitourinary tract of the newly infected person.
Less commonly, trich can also be spread through contact with infected semen or vaginal fluids. Using shared sex toys without protection or cleaning can increase the risk of contracting trich this way.
Signs and Symptoms
Trichomoniasis symptoms can develop 5-28 days after exposure in women. However, only about 30% of infected women show any signs. When present, trich symptoms include:
- Green, yellow, or gray vaginal discharge – sometimes frothy and foul-smelling
- Vaginal itching, burning, redness, and soreness
- Pain or discomfort during sex and urination
- Lower abdominal pain
Men who are infected with trich rarely show symptoms. When trich in men does cause symptoms, they may include:
- Clear, white, yellow, or green urethral discharge
- Burning or itching inside the penis
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Irritation of the head of the penis
Complications
If left untreated, trichomoniasis infections can lead to long-term complications, especially in women. Potential issues include:
- Increased risk of HIV and HPV infections
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Infertility
- Higher risk of premature delivery in pregnant women
Treating trich promptly with prescription anti-parasitic medication can help prevent these complications.
What is a UTI?
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, refers to an infection caused by bacteria that gets into any part of the urinary system. This includes the urethra, ureters, bladder or kidneys. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection, also called cystitis.
UTIs are extremely prevalent, accounting for around 8 million doctor’s visits each year in the U.S. alone. About 50 to 60% of women will develop at least one UTI requiring antibiotics in their lifetime.
Transmission
Bacteria that cause UTIs typically come from the digestive tract or skin around the anus. These bacteria can then spread to the urethra and travel upwards into the urinary tract, leading to infection.
Some activities that can facilitate the spread of UTI-causing bacteria include:
- Sexual intercourse
- Using diaphragms or spermicide
- Delaying urination after feeling the urge to go
- Failing to properly wipe after using the restroom
Women tend to be more prone to UTIs than men due to their shorter urethras. This allows bacteria quick access to the bladder.
Signs and Symptoms
Classic UTI symptoms include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Cloudy, strong smelling urine
- Pelvic pain or lower abdominal discomfort
- Blood in the urine
Complications
Most uncomplicated UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, without proper treatment, the infection can spread to the kidneys and lead to more severe problems such as:
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Permanent kidney damage and scarring
- Sepsis
Pregnant women with UTIs also have a higher risk of delivering low birth weight or premature babies.
The Relationship Between Trich and UTIs
Although trich and UTIs are distinct conditions, there is some overlap between the two that leads people to wonder about a connection. Here are some key points about the relationship between trichomoniasis and urinary tract infections:
Different Causes
The most important difference between trich and UTIs is the type of pathogen involved. Trich is caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite while most UTIs are caused by bacteria like E. coli, Klebsiella or Proteus mirabilis.
So while it is possible to have both trich and a UTI at the same time, the UTI itself cannot directly give you trich. The parasitic infection would need to be acquired through sexual contact with an infected partner.
Overlapping Risk Factors
Although UTIs and trich have different origins, they do share some similar risk factors. These include:
- Sexual activity – Having unprotected sex with multiple partners increases the risk of both UTIs and STIs like trich.
- Douching – This disrupts the normal vaginal flora and makes women more prone to pelvic infections.
- Spermicides – Chemical contraceptives kill beneficial lactobacilli in the vagina and increase vulnerability to pathogens.
- Poor genital hygiene – Failing to properly clean the genital area after sex or bowel movements can facilitate bacterial transfer.
So while one condition does not directly cause the other, certain high risk sexual behaviors make people more likely to contract both trich and UTIs.
Similar Symptoms
There is also overlap in some of the symptoms between trichomoniasis and UTIs, including:
- Burning during urination
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Foul genital odor
- Genital soreness, irritation, and inflammation
- Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
These shared symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish between trich and UTIs based on clinical presentation alone. Lab testing of urine, blood or genital samples is needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Potential for Co-Infections
Due to similar modes of transmission, it is possible for someone to contract trich and a UTI together. One large study found that women diagnosed with trichomoniasis were 2.17 times more likely to also have a UTI compared to women without trich.
If co-infection is suspected, patients should receive treatment for both the STI and UTI to fully resolve symptoms and prevent complications. This will involve prescription anti-parasitic medication as well as antibiotics.
Diagnosis
Distinguishing between trichomoniasis and UTIs based on symptoms alone can be challenging. Definitive testing is needed to confirm which condition is causing the symptoms.
Diagnosing Trich
Trich can be definitively diagnosed through:
- Microscopic examination – Samples of vaginal discharge are looked at under a microscope for signs of motile trichomonads.
- Culture testing – Vaginal swabs are cultured to grow and identify Trichomonas vaginalis.
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) – Fluid samples are tested for genetic material of the parasite.
- STD panel – Blood tests check for antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis.
Diagnosing UTIs
To confirm a UTI, doctors use tests like:
- Urinalysis – Checks urine sample for signs of infection like leukocytes, nitrites, and bacteria.
- Urine culture – Laboratory growth of bacteria from urine sample identifies causative pathogen.
- Cystoscopy – Visual exam of the urethra and bladder with a thin, lit scope.
- Imaging – An ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to check for abnormalities of the urinary tract.
Based on test findings and clinical presentation, doctors can differentiate between trich versus UTIs and select appropriate treatment.
Treatment
The treatment for trichomoniasis differs from the treatment for UTIs because the infections are caused by different pathogens.
Treating Trich
Trich is treated with prescription anti-parasitic medications including:
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Tinidazole (Tindamax)
These are usually taken as a single, high dose pill. Sexual partners should also be treated even if they do not show symptoms to prevent reinfection.
Treating UTIs
UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics that target the bacteria causing the infection. Common UTI antibiotics include:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
These medications are taken over 3-7 days. Be sure to finish the entire course even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence.
Dual Treatment
For patients with both trich and a UTI, dual therapy is recommended. This involves taking both antiparasitic medication as well as the prescribed antibiotics. Treating both conditions ensures all symptoms resolve and prevents complications.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of contracting both trichomoniasis and UTIs through similar preventative measures:
- Use condoms correctly every time you have sex
- Limit sexual partners and avoid contact with infected individuals
- Practice good genital hygiene, especially after sex
- Avoid douching, which disrupts normal vaginal flora
- Stay hydrated and urinate frequently to flush out bacteria
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet
- Take showers instead of baths
- Change out of wet swimming suits and underwear promptly
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes
Women at high risk of recurrent UTIs may also take antibiotic prophylaxis after sexual activity or use topical vaginal estrogen to treat atrophic changes.
Conclusion
In summary, while trichomoniasis and UTIs are distinct conditions, they do have some overlapping qualities. Both infections share similar risk factors and preventative steps. Some of the symptoms are also comparable, like painful urination, which can make differentiating between them difficult based on clinical presentation alone.
However, the key point is that trich is caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite while most UTIs are bacterial infections. So it is not possible to directly contract trich from a UTI, since the pathogens are different. Still, it is possible to have co-infections, so appropriate testing and dual treatment is needed in those cases.
By being aware of the relationship between trich and UTIs, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing either condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of both infections is also key to resolving symptoms and preventing serious complications.
