Information From Your Health Care Provider

TRICHOMONIASIS

Basic information

description

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that affects both sexes, but usually causes symptoms only in women. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is sometimes called "trich."

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Women:
- Discomfort varies greatly from woman to woman and from time to time in the same woman.
- Foul-smelling, frothy vaginal discharge that is most apparent several days after a menstrual period.
- Vaginal itching and pain.
- Pain with intercourse.
- Redness of the vaginal lips (labia) and vulva.
- Painful and frequent urination.
Men:
- Infected men usually have no symptoms.
- Rarely may have painful urination and a pale white discharge from the penis.

causes

Infection from a tiny parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The infection is spread from person to person during sexual intercourse. Symptoms may start 4 to 28 days after being exposed. The parasite may also live in the body for years without producing symptoms. Since it thrives in both men and women, both sexual partners must receive treatment.

risk increases with

Having multiple sexual partners.
Having sex with someone who has, or had, multiple sexual partners.
Engaging in unsafe sex.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Use latex (rubber) condoms during sexual intercourse.
Limit your sexual partners or practice abstinence. The more sex partners you have, the greater your risk of any sexual transmitted disease.

expected outcomes

Can be cured with treatment.

possible complications

If the infection is untreated, it can lead to other problems. Women may be more at risk for HIV infection (if exposed). If pregnant, it may cause early delivery and low birth weight baby. In men, prostate, bladder, or urethra problems may occur.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and a pelvic exam in women. Medical tests may include Pap smear and studies of vaginal discharge and urine. Tests to check for other STDs are often done.
Treatment is with a drug. Your sexual partner(s) must be treated at the same time. This will prevent you from getting reinfected.
Don't douche unless prescribed for you.
Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
Take showers instead of tub baths.
Don't sit around in wet clothing, especially in a wet bathing suit.
To learn more: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) National STD Hotline (800) 227-8922; website: www.cdc.gov/std.

medications

Metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) are usually prescribed for you and your sexual partner. They may be given as a single dose. Don't drink alcohol when you take the drug. If combined, they interact and cause a reaction with nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, and other symptoms.
Topical drugs may be prescribed.

activity

Avoid sexually activity until you and your sexual partner complete treatment and have no symptoms.