Trichomoniasis

Caused by a protozoa called Trichomonas vaginalis

Also known as “Trich”

An estimated 7.4 million new cases occur each year in women and men

Reproductive Organs Affected

Women

Vagina

Men

Urethra

Transmission

• Transmitted through sexual intercourse (vaginal) with an infected partner
• If fluids from one partner are passed to the genitals of the other

Signs/Symptoms

It takes from 3 to 28 days for symptoms to develop

Women

• Frothy, often unpleasant-smelling discharge
• Itching in and around the vagina
• Blood spotting in the discharge
• Swelling in the groin
• Urinating more often than usual — often with pain and burning

Men

Most men with Trichmoniasis do not have symptoms

• Some may temporarily have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation

Treatment

• Cured with the prescription drug given by mouth in a single dose
• Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in infected men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment
• 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

Prevention

• The best way to avoid contracting Trichomoniasis is abstaining from sexual contact
• Latex condoms can reduce the risk of infection