Trichomoniasis

General Information

Trichomoniasis (“Trich”) is the most common curable STI among young sexually active women.  The Center for Disease Control estimates a total of 7.4 million new cases of Trich occur annually in women and men.  Trich can live inside a woman's vagina and inside a man's genital tract, as well as on warm, moist surfaces and therefore, is not always sexually transmitted.  Trich can also be transmitted by sharing bathing suits, linens, bath water, sex toys, and douching equipment with someone who is infected.  Because Trich lives naturally in the intestinal system, it is also possible to transport the organism from the rectal area to the vagina by wiping improperly after a bowel movement (proper wiping is from front to back).

 Symptoms

The most common symptoms of Trich include:

• A foul-smelling greenish discharge
• Intense itching of the vulva and vagina
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal soreness, swelling, redness
• Discomfort with urination
• Sometimes swollen glands in the groin area

A woman's symptoms may be sudden in onset and range from very severe to almost unnoticeable.  Other vaginal infections can combine with Trich or act like it, so it's important to be tested.

Many Men who are infected with Trich have no symptoms.  Men whose female sex partner(s) is diagnosed with Trich should assume they are also infected and should get treatment.   

Testing

Your clinician will take a sample of vaginal secretions and look at it under a microscope to see if there are Trichomonads present.  Pap smears can report the presence of Trichomonads as well. 

Treatment

Trich is most often treated with the antibiotic Metronidazole, which can be given both orally and vaginally. 

• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before beginning the medication and for 24 hours after it is completed.
• Condoms should be used during treatment.
• If you think you may be pregnant, or if you have a blood or immunological disorder or a history of seizures, check with your health care provider before taking Metronidazole.