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Trichomoniasis
(microscopic parasite - treatable with medication)
What is
Trichomoniasis?
Trichomonas vaginalis is a microscopic parasite
found worldwide. Infection with Trichomonas is called
trichomoniasis (trick-oh-moe-nye-uh-sis). Trichomoniasis is
one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, mainly
affecting sexually active women. In North America, it is
estimated that more than 8 million new cases are reported
yearly.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually
transmitted disease that is spread through penis-to-vagina
intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected
partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or
women. Men usually contract it only from infected women.
Trichomoniasis affects about 2
to 3 million Americans every year. The vagina is the most
common site of infection in women, and the urethra is the most
common site of infection in men. Trichomania can survive on
infected objects such as sheets and towels, and could possibly
be transmitted by sharing those objects.
How is Trichomoniasis Spread?
Trichomoniasis is spread through sexual activity. Infection
is more common in women who have had multiple sexual partners.
A common misconception is that infection can be spread by a
toilet seat; this isn't likely, since the parasite cannot live
long in the environment or on objects.
What Causes Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is caused by
infection with a flagellated protozoan. The protozoan is
called Trichomonas vaginalis.
What are the
signs and symptoms of Trich?
Women:
Signs and symptoms of infection range from having no
symptoms (asymptomatic) to very symptomatic. Typical
symptoms include foul smelling or frothy green discharge
from the vagina, vaginal itching or redness. Other symptoms
can include painful sexual intercourse, lower abdominal
discomfort, and the urge to urinate.
Men:
Most men with this infection do not have symptoms. When
symptoms are present, they most commonly are discharge from
the urethra, the urge to urinate, and a burning sensation
with urination.
How is
Trichomoniasis diagnosed?
Women:
Your health care provider will perform a pelvic exam to
collect vaginal samples for examination. Diagnosis is most
commonly made by viewing the parasite under a microscope.
Culturing for the parasite is the best way to diagnose
infection; results may take 3-7 days.
Men:
Diagnosis is made by collecting specimens from the
urethra.
No diagnostic test is 100% accurate; mistakes can be made.
Your health care provider may order additional testing to
confirm the diagnosis.
Can Trichomoniasis be Treated?
Yes. Trichomoniasis can be
treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Persons
being treated for trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they
and their sex partners complete treatment and have no
symptoms.
If you have recently been
treated or are being treated for trichomoniasis, you must make
sure your sex partner also receives treatment in order to
prevent getting infected again. Your sex partners should
receive treatment even if they do not have any symptoms.
Can I spread Trich to my baby if I
am pregnant?
Yes, but this is rare. Babies born to infected mothers may
contract infection during delivery. Infants may develop fever;
girls may develop vaginal discharge. Children should be
treated if diagnosed. See your health care provider about
treatment of trichomoniasis during pregnancy.
How can a child get
trichomoniasis?
Infants:
If an infant is infected, it is possible that the mother
spread infection during childbirth. The mother should be
checked for infection.
Young children:
Because trichomoniasis is an STD, infection in a young child
may indicate sexual abuse. If sexual abuse is suspected, an
evaluation for other STDs is recommended.
Teenagers:
Because trichomoniasis is an STD, infection in a teenager may
indicate sexual activity or sexual abuse. An evaluation for
other STDs is recommended.
Can an infection be prevented?
Yes. Follow these guidelines.
- Abstain from sexual intercourse; or,
- Use a latex condom properly, every time you have sexual
intercourse, with every partner.
- Limit your sexual partners. The more sex partners you
have, the greater your risk of encountering someone who has
this or other STDs.
- If you are infected, your sexual partner(s) should be
treated. This will prevent you from getting reinfected.
Once infected, am I immune?
No! You can become infected with trichomoniasis
again.
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