Trichomoniasis is a commonly sexually transmitted disease that’s caused by a single-cell parasitic protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis.It affects both women and men, although the symptoms are more common in women. It is often diagnosed in patients who are already infected with other STDs like gonorrhea and nongonococcal urethritis.

The vagina is the most common site of infection in women and the urethra is the most common site of infection in men. The parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva (the genital area outside of the vagina) contact with an infected partner. Women can get infected by the disease from infected men or women. Men usually contract it only from infected women.

In women

• blood spotting in vaginal discharge
• heavy, yellowish-green or gray, frothy vaginal discharge
• infection in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body
• itching, burning or pain in the vagina
• lower abdominal pain
• musty vaginal odor
• pain and/or burning when urinating
• pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
• swelling in the groin
• swollen and irritated vagina and cervix
• urinating more than usual
• vaginal or vulval redness

In Men

• infection of the urethra or prostate gland
• painful and/or difficult urination
• thin, whitish discharge from the penis
• tingling inside the penis

Genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis can increase a woman’s susceptibility to HIV infection if she is exposed to the virus. Also having trichomoniasis may increase the chance that an HIV infected woman passes it to her sex partner(s).

A healthcare provider must perform a physical examination and laboratory test to diagnose for both men and women. A pelvic examination in women can reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix.

Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with the prescription drug, metronidazole, given by mouth in a single dose. Symptoms in men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment, but an infected man, even a man who shows no symptoms or whose symptoms have stopped, can continue to infect or re-infect a female partner until he has been treated. Therefore, both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite. Those being treated should avoid sex until they and their sex partners complete treatment and have no symptoms.

The surest way to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and known to be uninfected. Latex male condoms, used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission.

• Pregnant women with trichomoniasis may have babies who are born early or with low birth weight
• Having trichomoniasis once does not protect you from getting it again. Following successful treatment, you can still be susceptible to re-infection
• Any genital symptom such as discharge or burning during urination or an unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop having sex and to consult a health care provider

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