Trichomoniasis

Also called: Trich

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. You get it through sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Many people do not have any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually happen within 5 to 28 days after being infected.

It can cause vaginitis in women. Symptoms include

Yellow-green or gray discharge from the vagina
Discomfort during sex
Vaginal odor
Painful urination
Itching in or near the vagina

Most men do not have symptoms. If they do, they may have a whitish discharge from the penis and painful or difficult urination and ejaculation.

Lab tests can tell if you have the infection. Treatment is with antibiotics. If you are infected, you and your partner must be treated. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading trichomoniasis.

NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

The following features are indicative of Trichomoniasis:

yellow-green or gray discharge from the vagina
discomfort during sex
vaginal odor
painful urination
itching in or near the vagina

It is possible that Trichomoniasis shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Trichomoniasis

The following are the most common causes of Trichomoniasis:

Trichomonas vaginalis parasite

Risk Factors for Trichomoniasis

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Trichomoniasis:

multiple sexual partners
history of other sexually transmitted infections
previous episode of trichomoniasis
having sex without a condom

Prevention of Trichomoniasis

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Trichomoniasis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:

use condoms correctly every time you have sex

Occurrence of Trichomoniasis

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Trichomoniasis cases seen each year worldwide:

Common between 1 - 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Trichomoniasis most commonly occurs in the following age group:

Aged between 20-50 years

Common Gender

Trichomoniasis can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Trichomoniasis:

Pelvic exam:
Vaginal fluids testing: To confirm the presence of parasite

Doctor for Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Trichomoniasis:

Gynecologist

Complications of Trichomoniasis if untreated

Yes, Trichomoniasis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Trichomoniasis is left untreated:

deliver prematurely
have a baby with a low birth weight
transmission of infection to the baby

Self-care for Trichomoniasis

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Trichomoniasis:

Avoid sexual intercourse: Avoid sexual intercourse until the infection is cured
Avoid alcohol: Don't drink alcohol during the treatment

Time for Treatment of Trichomoniasis

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Trichomoniasis to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:

Within 1 week

Is Trichomoniasis Infectious?

Yes, Trichomoniasis is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:

during sex

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.

This page provides information for Trichomoniasis.

Vaginal Diseases

Vaginitis