Trichomoniasis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis (trik-oh-moh-NEYE-ah-sis), also called "trich," is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). An STD is an infection that is spread between people during sexual intercourse (sex). Trichomoniasis can also be spread through genital-to-genital contact, even without sexual intercourse. It is usually spread between a man and a woman, or between two women. Trichomoniasis is more common in people who have more than one sexual partner. Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite. A parasite is an animal that lives off another living being. The parasite that causes trichomoniasis is too small to be seen with your eyes alone. You will need to be checked by a caregiver to find out for sure if you have trichomoniasis.

What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis? Symptoms of trichomoniasis, if they happen, usually appear within 5 to 28 days after you caught the infection. Young children and teenagers may get trichomoniasis, and it may be a sign of sexual abuse. Tell a caregiver immediately if you suspect sexual abuse. Adult women are more likely to have symptoms than men are.

• In men: You may feel irritation, burning, or pain in your penis during or after urinating or ejaculating (releasing semen). You may have an unusual discharge or drainage from your penis. Many men do not see or feel any signs or symptoms of trichomoniasis infection. You are still able to spread the infection to your partner, even if you have no symptoms.
  
  
• In women: You may notice a discharge from your vagina that is bad smelling, frothy (bubbly), or yellow or green in color. Your vagina may itch, look red, or hurt. You may have pain when you urinate, and feel like you need to urinate often. You may also have lower stomach pain, or pain during sex.

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed and treated?

• Only a caregiver can tell for sure if you have trichomoniasis. You will be asked questions about your sexual history, and about any history of STDs you may have. You will have a physical exam. Women will have a pelvic exam so that your caregiver can see your vagina and internal sex organs. You may need to have a urine test or blood test. If you are having a discharge, your caregiver may take a sample of it to send to the lab for tests.
  
  
• You will need to take a special type of antibiotic medicine to kill the parasite, even if you have no symptoms. Tell all of your sex partners that you have trichomoniasis. Anyone you have had sex with must also be treated. If your partner is not treated, they may give the infection back to you or infect someone else. Take your medicine as ordered until it is gone, even if you feel better. Do not have sex until you and your partner have taken all of your medicine, and your symptoms are gone. Ask your caregiver when it is safe to have sex again.

How can I decrease my chance of getting an STD again? You can get trichomoniasis more than once. The best way to avoid getting trichomoniasis or any other STD is to not have sex. If you are sexually active, having just one sexual partner who has sex only with you also decreases your risk. Do not have unprotected sex (including oral sex) with someone who has trichomoniasis or any other STD. Always wear a latex condom correctly during sex to prevent trichomoniasis and other STDs. Use a new condom after each ejaculation.

Risks: Tell your caregiver if you are pregnant or think you might be. A trichomoniasis infection can be dangerous for a pregnant woman. It may cause you to have your baby too early, your water to break early, or cause your baby to be born too small. Having trichomoniasis puts you at a higher risk of spreading other STDs, including HIV. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

For more information: For more information about trichomoniasis and other STDs, contact the following organizations:

• Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd.
  Atlanta, GA 30333
  Phone: 1-800-227-8922
  Phone: 1-800-232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/std
  

• American Social Health Association (ASHA)
  P.O. Box 13827
  Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
  Web Address: http://www.ashastd.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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