Overview
Definition
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by a one-cell organism (protozoan). It is sometimes called a Trichomonas infection or trich (pronounced "trick").
Both men and women can get a trich infection, but it is more common in women. Trich in pregnant women can cause problems with the pregnancy.
Symptoms
Many women and most men do not have any symptoms of trich. But if there are symptoms, they usually start within 1 week after infection. In some cases, it can take 1 to 6 months for symptoms to start.
In women, symptoms include a greenish-yellow, frothy vaginal discharge with a different odour, vaginal itching, and pain during urination or sex.
In men, symptoms include discharge from the penis, irritation at the tip of the penis, and a burning feeling during urination.
Causes
Trich is caused by a one-cell protozoan. It is usually spread when a person has unprotected sex with an infected partner.
In women, the protozoan usually infects the vagina, urethra, cervix, bladder, and glands in the genital area.
In men, the protozoan infects the urethra or under the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis.
Complications
- may be associated with infertility or lower sperm count in men
- trichomoniasis infection is associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition.
Tests and Diagnosis
Your doctor can tell if you have trich by asking about your symptoms and doing a physical examination.
He or she may order lab tests to find the parasite that causes trich.
In women, the parasite may sometimes be found during a routine Pap test. This test is done as part of a regular pelvic examination.
Treatment and Drugs
Your doctor will prescribe medicine called metronidazole to kill the parasite that causes the trich infection. The medicine is usually taken by mouth as pills, tablets, or capsules. Medicine given in the vagina will not cure trich.
It is important to treat trich. Treatment can:
- Cure the infection and the symptoms.
- Prevent you from spreading the infection to your sex partner(s).- Reduce the risk of pelvic infections.
- Reduce the risk of infection after any pelvic surgery.
- Reduce the risk of getting other STIs.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of spreading or becoming infected with trichomoniasis by practicing safe sex:
- Use condoms.
- Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STI or are being treated for an STI.
- Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STI or who may have been exposed to an STI.
- Your risk for an STI increases if you have several sex partners.
Last Updated: July 12, 2010
