Trichomoniasis "Trich"

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis or “trich” is a common and curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) with more than 7 million cases occurring each year. Trichomoniasis affects both men and women, although symptoms are more common in women. Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-cell parasite called “Trichomonas vaginalis.”
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How do I know if I or my partner has trichomoniasis?

In women, the signs of a trichomoniasis infection often include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor. The infection may also cause discomfort during urination or intercourse. There may be some irritation and itching of the genital area, and in some rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur.

Most men with trichomoniasis do not have any signs or symptoms. Some men may temporarily have irritation on the inside of the penis and a mild discharge or slight burning after urinating or after ejaculation. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in infected men may disappear in a few weeks even without treatment, but he continues to be infectious until he receives treatment.
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How do women get trichomoniasis and how is it diagnosed?

A woman can become infected with trichomoniasis through vaginal sex with an infected person. The parasite is sexually transmitted by means of penis-to-vagina intercourse, or vulva-to-vulva (the genital area outside the vagina) contact with an infected partner.

A health care provider must perform a physical examination and lab test to diagnose trichomoniasis. Most of the time trichomoniasis is diagnosed by examining a sample of vaginal or penile discharge under a microscope.
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What are the complications of untreated trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis can cause inflammation in the tissues of the genital area. This inflammation increases a woman’s vulnerability to becoming infected with HIV when exposed by an HIV positive sex partner. Having trichomoniasis may also increase the chance that an HIV-infected woman will pass HIV to her sex partner(s). Women with trichomoniasis who are pregnant are at increased risk for having an infant with low birth weight, as well as early labor and delivery. Trichomoniasis has also been associated with an increased risk of inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
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What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. However, until both partners have been treated they can pass the parasite back and forth to each other. Therefore, both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite. Having trichomoniasis once does not protect a woman from getting it again, so women must protect themselves against reinfection by abstaining from sex with an infected partner until treatment is completed and/or consistently and correctly using latex condoms.
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