TRICHOMONIASIS

Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted disease that affects both men and women. It is passed from person to person during sex. The average age of people affected is between 16 and 35 years. Teenagers and young adults are at the highest risk, because this is the age group where there is a chance of having multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex. An estimated 5 million cases occur each year.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. In women, trichomoniasis is usually found in the vagina, but it can also infect other areas such as the urethra (the tube that urine flows in from the bladder to the outside of the body). In Men, trichomoniasis is usually found in the urethra.

Many women who become infected do not have symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they usually appear about 4 to 28 days after becoming infected. Symptoms include pain when having sex, pain when urinating, a yellow-green sometimes foamy discharge, vaginal itching, or vaginal odor. Men usually do not have symptoms, but if they do, they usually have a slight discharge from the penis or burning after urinating. The male sex partner is often infected, but may not have symptoms, and can pass this infection from partner to partner without even knowing it.

If you have these problems, your healthcare provider can help. You will need an exam to test the discharge and to make sure that there are no other infections present. Treatment will be needed for both you and your partner.

Trichomoniasis is treated with a prescribed medication call metronidazole. This medication comes in all types of forms, such as pills, capsules, and tablets. It also comes as a vaginal suppository or a cream. Taking the medication by mouth works the best. Infected pregnant women can take metronidazole. But if a woman has already given birth and is breastfeeding, she needs to be aware that this medication is passed through the breast milk. Metronidazole needs to be taken with food to decrease stomach upset. Some patients have complained of a metal taste and urine can turn dark red or brown in color. If you are taking metronidazole, it is critical that you do not drink any alcohol for at least 3 days after your last dose of medication. Alcohol use with this medication causes nausea, vomiting, and severe upset stomach problems.

You will be told not to have sex until your treatment is complete. For most people, the symptoms disappear in less than one week after treatment. A woman can become infected again if her partner is not treated, or if she does not finish the course of medication. Be sure to call your provider if your symptoms do not resolve.

To stay smart and healthy, it is important to remember that trichomoniasis is transmitted like other sexual diseases through sexual intercourse. Good ways to stay safe include avoiding unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, using condoms, or not having sex at all. If you are in a relationship, have sex only with one faithful committed partner.

For more information about sexually transmitted diseases, call the 24-hour National STD and AIDS Hotline at (800) 227-8922 or (800) 342-2437. The Spanish speaking Hotline at (800) 344-7432 is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 AM eastern standard time 7 days a week. The TTY line for the hearing impaired is (800) 243-7889 between 10:00 am and 10:00 PM Monday through Friday eastern standard time. These hotlines are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information can also be obtained from their website at www.cdc.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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