What Is It?
Trichomoniasis (pronounced: trih-kuh-muh-nye-uh-sus), sometimes also
called "trich," is caused by a parasite (a tiny, one-celled
organism). The parasite can cause vaginitis, which is the medical
term for inflammation of the vagina. The parasite that causes trichomoniasis
can be passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse.
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs). Unlike most STDs, it can live for a few hours on damp towels,
washcloths, and bathing suits. If someone uses these towels or washcloths
or puts on the bathing suit, the disease may be passed on that way.
The good news is that trichomoniasis is curable.
How Does a Girl Know She Has It?
A young woman who has trichomoniasis will usually have a thick vaginal
discharge that can be gray or yellowish green. This discharge may
have a foul odor. The vagina may feel very itchy, and it may be
very painful to urinate. Trichomoniasis can also cause an achy abdomen
and pain during sexual intercourse.
How Does a Guy Know He Has It?
In most cases, a guy won't notice any symptoms. However, a guy who
has trichomoniasis may notice some temporary irritation inside his
penis or a mild burning feeling when he pees.
How Long Until You See the Symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear 3 to 28 days after a person has been exposed.
What Can Happen?
Trichomoniasis by itself isn't very dangerous to a person's health,
but it can be uncomfortable, and it can make you more susceptible
to getting other STDs. In pregnant women, a Trichomonas infection
can cause the baby to be born early or to be born with a low birth
weight. If a patient has trichomoniasis a doctor will typically
also test for gonorrhea and chlamydia because these STDs sometimes
occur together.
How Is It Treated?
If you think you may have trichomoniasis or if you have had a partner
who may have trichomoniasis, you need to see your family doctor,
adolescent doctor, or gynecologist. He or she will do an exam and
swab the vagina or penis for secretions, which will then be tested.
If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis, the doctor will prescribe
antibiotics. Sexual partners should be treated at the same time
and individuals being treated should not have sex until they have
finished their treatment and no longer have symptoms.
It's better to prevent trichomoniasis than to treat it, of course.
The only way to completely prevent infection is to abstain from
all types of sexual intercourse. If you do have sex, use a latex
condom every time. This is the only birth control method that will
help prevent trichomoniasis.
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