Intro
Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is a parasitic infection
that occurs in both men and women. In men, symptoms occur in the
urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body). In women, the
vagina and cervix are affected. Infected, asymptomatic men commonly
infect their partners, though women carriers can also be symptom
free. Trichomoniasis often occurs with other STDs, such as gonorrhea
and nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), particularly in women.
What
is it?
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis,
which is transmitted principally through direct sexual contact.
It also can be spread during mutual masturbation and by sharing
sex toys.
Diagnosis
Culturing a sample of discharge is the most reliable method of
diagnosis. A swab is passed through a man’s urethra or a
woman’s vagina to collect a sample. It takes 10 days to obtain
results. In
women, a microscopic examination of vaginal fluid, Pap smear,
and urinalysis are performed. The cervix is examined for hemorrhaging.
Because trichomoniasis often occurs with other STDs, patients
are screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
Symptoms
Symptoms generally appear 4 to 20 days after infection. Women
may experience a profuse, frothy, yellow-green or gray vaginal
discharge, sometimes with bleeding, an unpleasant vaginal odor,
and vulvovaginal itching and discomfort. Painful and frequent
urination, vulvovaginal swelling, discomfort during sexual intercourse,
and abdominal pain may also occur. Cervical hemorrhaging is uncommon.
Symptoms
in men are rare and include a pale white discharge from the penis
and painful or difficult urination.
How
do you get it?
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis,
which is transmitted principally through direct sexual contact.
It also can be spread during mutual masturbation and by sharing
sex toys.
How
to treat it?
Metronidazole is used to treat trichomoniasis. All sexual partners
should be treated. Anyone with trichomoniasis should also be checked
for other STDs and treated appropriately.
Prevention
A condom is your best friend here. Safer sex practices can minimize
a person's risk for trichomoniasis. The best way to prevent the
infection is to use a condom.
Prevalence
Incidence of trichomoniasis in the United States is higher in
women than men. An estimated 5 million new cases occur each year
and it is present in about 10% of women who seek treatment for
an STD.
In
2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) repored
that trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD in young sexually
active women.
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