Trichomoniasis
En Español (Spanish Version)Trichomoniasis is a relatively common sexually-transmitted disease.
Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-celled protozoan called
Trichomonas vaginalis
. It is transmitted through sex.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
- Sex: female
- Age: 16 to 35
- Many sexual partners
- Sex without a condom
- Smoking
Trichomoniasis may cause no symptoms, especially in men. Symptoms may include:
- A foul-smelling, greenish-yellow discharge from the vagina (often in large amounts)
- Irritation, itching, and/or soreness in the vulva, perineum, and (less often) the thighs
- In severe cases, inflammation of the vulva and perineum
- Red spots on the vaginal walls and surface of the cervix
- Pregnant women who are infected with trichomoniasis may have premature or low-birth weight babies
Vagina
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- Discharge from the penis (usually in the morning)
- Itching and/or irritation in the urethra and (less often) the thighs
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- Burning sensation after ejaculation
- Men may have no symptoms, or symptoms may disappear after several weeks—However, even without symptoms, an infected man may continue to infect his sexual partners.
Urethra
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The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This may include the following:
- Exam of vaginal walls and cervix
- Microscopic exam of vaginal fluid or discharge
- Pap smear
or urine test may indicate
Trichomonas
, but are not deliberately used to diagnosis the infection
- Microscopic exam of urethral discharge (collected prior to first void in the morning)
- Urine test
- Semen culture
Trichomoniasis is usually treated successfully with antibiotics. It is easily passed back and forth between sexual partners, so both should be treated, even if only one has symptoms.
The most common antibiotic used is
metronidazole
(Flagyl). The currently recommended treatment options are either a large single dose of oral metronidazole (2 grams), or a smaller dose (500 mg) taken twice daily for seven days. It is important that both partners are treated simultaneously. Failure to treat trichomoniasis can increase the risk of premature birth in pregnant women.
While you are on this medicine:
- Avoid sexual intercourse.
- Do not drink alcohol.
Measures to prevent trichomoniasis include:
- Using condoms during sexual intercourse
- Being monogamous or limiting the number of sexual partners
- Avoid smoking
The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
STD hotline: 1-800-227-8922
Sex Information and Education Council of Canada
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010.
MMWR
2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information
. 18th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2006.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information
. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.
Last Reviewed March 2011