Quick Facts
Type:
Parasitic STD
Status:
Curable with medication
Incubation:
5-28 days
Contagious:
Yes, through sexual contact
About This Disease
Trichomoniasis (or "trich") is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It's one of the most prevalent curable STIs, affecting both men and women, though symptoms are more common in women. The infection can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections.
Possible Causes
- Unprotected vaginal sex with an infected partner
- Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning
- Rarely, transmission from mother to baby during childbirth
- Contact with damp or moist objects (towels, wet clothing) if contaminated (very rare)
Symptoms
Many people with trichomoniasis experience no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
In Women:
- Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with strong odor
- Itching, burning, or redness of genitals
- Pain during urination or sex
- Lower abdominal pain (rare)
In Men:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- Burning after urination or ejaculation
- Thin, white discharge from penis
- Usually asymptomatic (no symptoms)
Prevention
Medical Prevention
- Consistent and correct use of condoms
- Regular STI testing for sexually active individuals
- Treatment of all sexual partners to prevent reinfection
- Proper cleaning of sex toys between uses
Natural Prevention
- Limiting number of sexual partners
- Mutual monogamy with uninfected partner
- Good genital hygiene
- Avoiding douching which can increase risk
Treatment Options
Trichomoniasis is curable with the proper antibiotics. Both sexual partners should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.
Medical Treatment
- Metronidazole (Flagyl) or Tinidazole (single dose or 7-day course)
- Alternative medications for resistant cases
- Treatment of all recent sexual partners
- Follow-up testing if symptoms persist
Supportive Care
- Avoiding alcohol during treatment (with metronidazole)
- Abstaining from sex until treatment is complete
- Wearing loose, cotton underwear
- Probiotics to restore healthy vaginal flora
Potential Complications
If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to:
- Increased risk of acquiring other STIs (including HIV)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women
- Pregnancy complications (preterm delivery, low birth weight)
- Prostatitis in men
- Chronic discomfort or irritation