Can You Get
Trichomoniasis Without
Having Sex?

Does trichomoniasis only happen through sexual contact?

Good question! Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STIs out there, and while it’s almost always passed through sex, a lot of people wonder if it’s possible to get it another way.

The short answer? It’s very unlikely—but not totally impossible. Trich is caused by a tiny parasite and spreads through intimate contact, usually during vaginal sex. According to the CDC, millions of people in the U.S. have it, and many don’t even realize it.

If you’ve got questions about testing, symptoms, or treatment, we’ve got your back. Understanding how STIs work helps you make the best choices for your body—no shame, no judgment, just facts.

Understanding Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis (or trich, for short) is a super common sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It likes to hang out in moist areas of the genitals, like the vagina and urethra, but here’s the tricky part—most people don’t even know they have it. In fact, trich often spreads silently from person to person without any obvious symptoms.

Women are diagnosed more often than men, but that doesn’t mean men don’t carry it. They can have trich without realizing it, making unintentional transmission pretty common. The good news? Trich is treatable, and getting tested is the first step toward protecting yourself and your sexual partners.

How Trichomoniasis Spreads

Trichomoniasis is usually passed from one person to another during unprotected sex. Since symptoms can be mild—or completely absent—it’s easy for people to spread the parasite without knowing they have it. That’s why testing and open conversations about sexual health are key to stopping the cycle.

Sexual Transmission

Trichomonas vaginalis thrives in vaginal fluids and semen, making skin-to-skin genital contact the most common way it spreads.

Using latex condoms correctly (every single time!) is the best way to help lower your risk of trichomoniasis and other STIs during sex—however, keep in mind they’re not completely foolproof. The only way to be completely risk-free from STIs is to abstain from sexual activity altogether. We know, it sucks.

Many people assume that if they don’t notice symptoms, they’re in the clear, but be aware that trich can be sneaky. Men, in particular, often carry it without any symptoms, which is why regular STI screenings are so important for anyone who’s sexually active.

Non-sexual Transmission

Although rare, trich can potentially survive on damp surfaces for a short time, leading to occasional concerns about transmission outside of sexual intercourse. In theory, shared items like wet towels or washcloths could carry the parasite temporarily, but this isn’t a major route of infection.

The best way to avoid any remote risk? Wash shared fabrics in hot water and dry them thoroughly. While non-sexual transmission is unlikely, practicing good hygiene is always a smart move.

So, can you get Trichomoniasis without having sex?

The short answer is: not really—but there are a few rare exceptions. Trichomoniasis is almost always transmitted through sexual contact, but because the parasite can survive briefly in warm, damp environments, people sometimes wonder about other possible ways to get it. Let’s clear up the facts.

Rare Cases of Non-sexual Transmission

While highly unusual, there have been reports of trich spreading through shared wet towels or washcloths.

The parasite doesn’t survive well outside the body, but in just the right conditions—like a damp fabric used immediately after an infected person—there’s a small chance it could be passed along.

The same goes for sharing sex toys or swimsuits that aren't cleaned properly. To stay safe, washing your personal items in hot water and properly sanitizing your sex toys in between uses can help eliminate any lingering risk.

Common Myths

Despite what some might think, trichomoniasis doesn’t spread through toilet seats, casual contact, or sitting in a public pool. The parasite needs warmth and moisture to survive, and dry surfaces don’t provide that.

Another big myth? That a trich diagnosis automatically means infidelity. Trichomoniasis can go undetected for months, sometimes even longer, so it’s possible for someone to have it without realizing it. That’s why regular STI testing and open, judgment-free conversations about sexual health are so important.

Can you get trichomoniasis if no one cheats?

A common thought to have if your partner gets trich or any other common sexually transmitted infection is, are they cheating on me? You start to spiral, wondering how this happened, who’s going to take the dog, and it's so strange considering you’re in a fully monogamous relationship… STOP, take a breath.

As mentioned above, it’s very possible to be asymptomatic or to have extremely mild symptoms from trich that are easy to ignore. It’s possible that your partner has had trich for a while (maybe from a past partner) and is only showing symptoms now, or has now tested positive. The important thing is for both of you to get tested and to get the appropriate treatment. Trichomoniasis is easily treated with a course of antibiotics.

Taking Charge of Trich

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STIs, but myths about how it spreads can lead to unnecessary sexual stress. While some people fear they can catch it from public restrooms or shared bedsheets, trich is almost always passed through sexual contact.

In rare cases, the parasite can survive on damp surfaces like towels, but experts emphasize that the real risk lies in unprotected sex. That’s why routine testing, open communication with your partners, and practicing safer sex are the best ways to stay in control of your health.

Because trich often causes no symptoms, it can go undetected for months—or even years—silently passing between partners. The good news? Testing is simple and only requires a swab or urine sample. If trich is detected, antibiotics like metronidazole or tinidazole effectively clear the infection. Whether you visit a provider in person or use a more discreet telehealth service, getting treatment can be fast, easy, and stress-free.

Sexual health isn’t just about treating infections—it’s about feeling empowered, informed, and in control. By normalizing conversations about STIs, staying proactive with testing, and seeking care when needed, you can confidently take charge of your well-being. Trichomoniasis is completely treatable, and with the right habits, you can keep it from becoming a recurring concern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can trichomoniasis be contracted non-sexually?

Trich is almost always spread through sexual contact, but in rare cases, it can survive on damp towels or other moist surfaces. Keeping personal items clean minimizes this already slim possibility.

Can trich develop on its own?

Nope! Trichomoniasis doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—you can only get it from an infected partner.

Can trich be passed by a toilet seat?

Highly unlikely. The parasite doesn’t survive well on dry, cool surfaces, so toilets aren’t a real risk.

Can a faithful couple get trichomoniasis?

Yes. Trich can go unnoticed for a long time, so a partner might have had it before the relationship started. Testing regularly and between sexual partners is the best way to catch and treat it early.