Can You Get Trichomoniasis Without Being Sexually Active?

Yes, you can contract trichomoniasis without sexual activity, though it's extremely rare. Sexual transmission accounts for over 99% of cases, but the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis can survive outside the body for several hours on moist surfaces. Non-sexual transmission may occur through contaminated towels, washcloths, toilet seats, or bathing suits, particularly in shared facilities like gyms or pools. The CDC reports that fewer than 1% of infections result from non-sexual contact. Newborns can also acquire the infection during childbirth if the mother is infected. While these alternative routes exist, healthcare providers typically investigate sexual transmission first when diagnosing trichomoniasis due to its overwhelming prevalence as the primary mode of infection.