Trichomoniasis Health Article

Definition

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Alternative Names

Trichomonas vaginitis; Trich

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Trichomoniasis is found worldwide. In the United States, the highest number of cases are seen in women between age 16 and 35. Trichomonas vaginalis is spread through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner. The parasite cannot survive in the mouth or rectum.

The disease can affect both men and women, but the symptoms differ between the two groups. The infection usually does not cause symptoms in men and goes away on its own in a few weeks.

Symptoms

Women:

• Discomfort with intercourse
• Itching of the inner thighs
• Vaginal discharge (thin, greenish-yellow, frothy or foamy)
• Vaginal itching
• Vulvar itching or swelling of the labia
• Vaginal odor (foul or strong smell)

• Burning after urination or ejaculation
• Itching of urethra
• Slight discharge from urethra

Occasionally, some men with trichomoniasis may develop prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection.

Signs and tests

In women:

A pelvic examination reveals red blotches vaginal wall or cervix. A wet prep (microscopic examination of discharge) shows the infection-causing organisms in vaginal fluids. A pap smear may also diagnose the condition.

In men:

The disease can be hard to diagnose in men. Men are treated if the infection is diagnosed in any of their sexual partners. Men may also be treated if they have ongoing symptoms of urethral burning or itching despite treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Treatment

The antibiotic metronidazole is commonly used to cure the infection. An alternative drug is called Tinidazole You should not drink alcohol while taking the medicine and for 48 hours afterwards. Doing so can cause severe nausea and vomiting.

Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment has been completed. Sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

With proper treatment, the outcome is likely to be excellent.