Trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected. It affects women more than men, older women more than younger ones, and African American women more than white or Hispanic women.
The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus.
- Risk factors:
- Multiple sex partners
- A history of other STDs
- Previous episode of trichomoniasis
- Sexual intercourse without protection
- Signs and symptoms:
In women:
- A change in their vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with an unusual fishy smell.
- Discomfort with urination;
- Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals;
- Bleeding after sex;
- Frequent urination;
In men:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis;
- Burning after urination or ejaculation;
- Discharge from the penis;
- Complications: (mainly in women)
- Premature delivery
- Low birth weight baby
- Transmit the infection to the baby
- Diagnosis: Can not be done on symptoms alone
- Fluid or urine sample to be tested (a culture is done too)
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATS)
- Rapid antigen tests
- Treatment: (avoid sexual intercourse until the infection is cured - a week)
- metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) – orally & safe during pregnancy