What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis, also known as trich (pronounced “trick”), is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) found in both men and women, although symptoms are more commonly seen in women. Trich is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, which most commonly infects the vagina in women and the urethra (tube through which urine passes) in men. In pregnant women, trich is known to increase the risk of preterm and low birth weight babies. Trich is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women, and it is estimated that 7.4 million new cases of trich occur each year.
How is trich passed from person to person?
- The parasite that causes trich can be passed through penis-to-vagina intercourse without the use of a condom or other protection.
- It can also be passed through vulva-to-vulva (the genital area outside of the vagina) contact with an infected partner.
- Women can acquire the disease from men or women, but men usually get it from women.
What are the signs and symptoms of trich for guys?
- Most men with trich don’t have signs or symptoms.
- Some men, however, might have:
- Irritation inside the penis
- Mild discharge
- Slight burning after urination or ejaculation
What are the signs and symptoms of trich for girls and women?
- In females, symptoms usually appear within 5 to 28 days after exposure. These can include:
- Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Swelling, itching, or burning in the vagina
- Irritation and itching of the genital area
- Abdominal pain (in rare cases)
What are the complications of trich?
- Pregnant women who have trich are more likely to give birth to preterm or low birth weight babies (weighing less than 5.5 pounds).
- In women, trich can cause PID, which can lead to permanent infertility (inability to have a baby) and chronic pelvic pain.
- A trich infection can increase a women’s susceptibility to HIV when exposed to the virus. Additionally, it increases the chance that an HIV-infected woman passes HIV to her sex partner(s).
Am I at risk for getting trich?
You are at a greater risk for contracting trich if you:
- Have multiple sex partners
- Do not use a condom during sex
- Have a sex partner with a past history of any STDs
- Have sex a partner and do not know his or her sexual/STD history
- Douche frequently
- Have sex with someone who has visible signs or symptoms of trich
How can I get tested for trich?
- For men and women, a health care provider must perform a physical exam and laboratory test to diagnose trichamoniasis.
- The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women, so false negative tests might occur in men.
- In women, a pelvic examination can reveal small sores in the vagina or on the cervix.
What is the treatment for trich?
- Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with prescription drugs, either metronidazole or tinidazole, given by mouth in a single dose.
- The symptoms of trichomoniasis in infected men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment. However, an infected man, even a man who has never had symptoms or whose symptoms have stopped, can continue to infect or re-infect a female partner until he has been treated.
- Both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite. Persons being treated for trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they and their sex partners complete treatment and have no symptoms.
- Metronidazole can be used by pregnant women with trich.
How can I prevent myself from getting trich?
- Have a monogamous sexual partner and know his or her STD status and sexual history
- Use a latex condom consistently and correctly during sex
- Stop having sex if you notice any symptoms of trich in yourself or your partner.
- Know that you can still contract the disease even if you’ve had it and been cured of it in the past.
- Ask your doctor before douching.
- Abstain from sexual intercourse.
If you have any other questions on HIV/AIDS or any sexually transmitted disease, please call the Virginia HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis Hotline: (800) 533 - 4148.
