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Trichomoniasis Vaginal Infection

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What Is Trichomoniasis and How Do You Get It?

Trichomoniasis (TRIK-uh-muh-NEYE-uh-suhss) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. It is sometimes called "trich." Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI found in young, sexually active women.

The parasite is spread through sexual contact. Women can get it by having penis -- to -- vagina intercourse with an infected man or vulva -- to -- vulva contact with an infected woman. Men usually get it only from infected women.

What Are The Symptoms of Trichomoniasis?

Some women have no symptoms. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 28 days after exposure and can include:

• Yellow-green (sometimes frothy) vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Discomfort during sex and when passing urine
• Irritation and itching in the genital area
• Lower abdominal pain in rare cases

If you have any symptoms, stop having sex and contact your doctor right away.

Is There a Test For Trichomoniasis?

To tell if you have trichomoniasis, your doctor will do a pelvic exam and lab test. During the pelvic exam, your doctor may be able to see small red sores inside the vagina or on the cervix. Your doctor will also take a fluid sample from the vagina to look for the parasite under a microscope or to send to a lab. Other tests, like a vaginal culture or DNA test can also be used for testing.

If you have trichomoniasis, ask your doctor if you should be tested for other STIs too.

How Is Trichomoniasis Treated?

Trichomoniasis usually can be cured with these antibiotics:

Metronidazole (me-truh-NYD-uh-zohl), or Tinidazole (teye-NID-uh-zohl)

These drugs usually are given by mouth in a single dose. If you are allergic to the medicines normally used, your doctor might suggest topical medicines, which are medicines applied to the skin. But the topical medicines don't work as well and may not cure you. They might, however, ease the symptoms.

People being treated for trichomoniasis should not have sex until they and their sex partners complete treatment and have no symptoms.

What Happens If I Don't Get Treated?

If you don't get treated, the infection stays in your body. Even without symptoms, it can be passed to others. Having trichomoniasis also can increase a woman's risk of getting HIV if she is exposed to the virus.

Should I Tell My Partner If I Have Trichomoniasis?

Yes, your partner could have the infection too. You and your partner should be treated at the same time to keep from infecting each other again. Be sure to tell all of your recent sex partners also, so they can get tested and treated.