A Simple Guide to Trichomoniasis

A Simple Guide to Trichomoniasis
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What is Trichomoniasis?
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Trichomoniasis is a common curable sexually transmitted disease caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.

How is Trichomoniasis spread?
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The parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse with an infected partner.
In women, the vagina is the most common site of infection.
In men the urethra is the most common site of infection.
Women can contract the disease from infected men or women.
Men usually contract it only from infected women.

What are the symptoms of Trichomoniasis?
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Most men with trichomoniasis are symptomless.
Some men may temporarily have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.

Women have symptoms of infection which consists of a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell.
There may be discomfort during intercourse and urination and irritation and itching of the female genital area.
Cystitis and urethritis can also occur with increased frequency and pain during urination.
Rarely lower abdominal pain can occur.

Pregnant women with trichomoniasis may have babies who are born early or with low birth weight.

How do you diagnose Trichomoniasis?
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A physical examination and laboratory test is needed to diagnose trichomoniasis.
The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women.
In women, a pelvic examination can reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix.
A Pap smear may sometimes show the presence of the trichomonas protozoa.

What is the treatment of Trichomoniasis?
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Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with the prescription drug, metronidazole, given by mouth in a single dose or daily for one week.
It is important for the patient to avoid alcohol with metronidazole and abstain form sex until they and their sex partners complete their treatment and have no symptoms.
Once treated the infection can be cured.

It is important therefore that both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite.

Metronidazole can be used to treat pregnant women.
Having trichomoniasis once does not protect a person from getting it again. Following successful treatment, people can still be susceptible to re-infection.

How do you prevent Trichomoniasis?
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The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact.

A long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected is important.

Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of trichomoniasis.

A person diagnosed with trichomoniasis (or any other STD) should receive treatment and should notify all recent sex partners so that they can be treated. This reduces the risk that the sex partners will develop complications from trichomoniasis and reduces the risk that the person with trichomoniasis will become re-infected.

Sex should be stopped until the person with trichomoniasis and all of his or her recent partners complete treatment for trichomoniasis and have no symptoms.

There is no vaccine for Trichomoniasis.