Overview Of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis.
Commonly Associated With
Trichomonas vaginitis; STD – trichomonas vaginitis; STI – trichomonas vaginitis; Sexually transmitted infection – trichomonas vaginitis; Cervicitis – trichomonas vaginitis
Causes Of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (“trich”) is found worldwide. In the United States, most cases occur in women between ages 16 and 35. Trichomonas vaginalis is spread through sexual contact with an infected partner, either through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact. The parasite cannot survive in the mouth or rectum.
The disease can affect both men and women, but the symptoms differ. The infection usually does not cause symptoms in men and goes away on its own in a few weeks.
Symptoms Of Trichomoniasis
Women may have these symptoms:
- Discomfort with intercourse
- Itching of the inner thighs
- Vaginal discharge (thin, greenish-yellow, frothy or foamy)
- Vaginal or vulvar itching, or swelling of the labia
- Vaginal odor (foul or strong smell)
Men who have symptoms may have:
- Burning after urination or ejaculation
- Itching of urethra
- Slight discharge from urethra
Occasionally, some men with trichomoniasis may develop:
- Swelling and irritation in the prostate gland (prostatitis).
- Swelling in the epididymis (epididymitis), the tube that connects the testicle with the vas deferens. The vas deferens connects the testicles to the urethra.
Exams & Tests
In women, a pelvic examination shows red blotches on the vaginal wall or cervix. Examining the vaginal discharge under a microscope may show signs of inflammation or infection-causing germs in vaginal fluids. A Pap smear may also diagnose the condition, but is not required for diagnosis.
The disease can be hard to diagnose in men. Men are treated if the infection is diagnosed in any of their sexual partners. They may also be treated if they keep having symptoms of urethral burning or itching, even after getting treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Treatment Of Trichomoniasis
Antibiotics are commonly used to cure the infection.
DO NOT drink alcohol while taking the medicine and for 48 hours afterward. Doing so can cause:
- Severe nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Avoid sexual intercourse until you have finished treatment. Your sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you should be screened for other STIs.
