Because trichomoniasis is an STD, both partners should be treated at the same time, even if one does not have symptoms or if symptoms have cleared up. Although men infected with trichomoniasis are often asymptomatic, evidence shows that in order to prevent re-infection and to improve cure rates in females, partners should be treated.
The prevalence of trichomoniasis in the male sexual partners of women with trichomoniasis is 72%.1
In a study by Lyng, 149 patients with T. vaginalis were treated with a 2g dose of tinidazole. Partners were randomized to the same treatment or a placebo. There was a statistically significant difference in relapse rates at one month between patients whose partners were treated with tinidazole (5.1% relapse) vs. partners treated with placebo (23.7% relapse).2
To make sure trichomoniasis is completely cured, sex should be avoided until both sex partners have completed therapy and both partners no longer have any symptoms.
- Hobbs MM, Lapple DM, Lawing LF, Schwebke JR, Cohen MS, Swygard H, Atashili J, Leone PA, Miller WC, Seña AC. Methods for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in the male partners of infected women: implications for control of trichomoniasis. J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Nov;44(11):3994-9. Epub 2006 Sep 13.
- Lyng J, Christensen J. A double-blind study of the value of treatment with a single dose tinidazole of partners to females with trichomoniasis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1981;60(2):199-201.
