Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.Trichomonas is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease in young, sexually active women. An estimated 7.4 million new cases occur each year in women and men (Centers for Disease Control).
The most common site of infection in women is the vagina and the urethra (urine canal) is the most common site of infection in men. The parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva (the genital area outside the vagina) contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women, but men usually contract it only from infected women.
Most men with trichomoniasis do not have signs or symptoms; however, some men may temporarily have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation. Some women have signs or symptoms of infection which include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor. Discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the female genital area may also be associated with infection. In rare cases, patients may experience lower abdominal pain. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days following exposure.
The genital inflammation caused by this illness can increase a woman’s susceptibility to HIV infection if she is exposed to the virus. Pregnant women with trichomoniasis may have babies who are preterm (born early) or delivered with a low birth weight (less than five pounds at birth).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that the surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of trichomoniasis.
A person diagnosed with trichomoniasis ( or any other sexually transmitted disease) should receive treatment from their health care provider and notify all recent sex partners so that they can see a health care provider and be treated.
For more information contact the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/std), the American Social Health Association (www.ashastd.org), or call the Owens-Franklin Student Health Center at (936) 857-2511. The information contained in this article was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.