Trichomoniasis

Definition

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually-transmitted disease. It often affects the lower genital tract in women and inside of the penis in men. Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics.

Causes

Trichomoniasis is caused by a specific parasite. The parasite is passed through sexual contact. It mainly affects genital tissue.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of trichomoniasis include:

Multiple sexual partners
Sex without a condom
History of sexually transmitted diseases

Symptoms

Trichomoniasis does not always cause symptoms. Men are less likely to have symptoms than women.

Symptoms in women may include:

A foul-smelling, greenish-yellow or gray discharge from the vagina (often in large amounts)
Irritation, itching, and/or soreness in the genitals
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Pain or discomfort with sex

Vagina

Symptoms in men may include:

Discharge from the penis
Itching and/or irritation in the urethra
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Burning sensation after ejaculation

Urethra

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Vaginal fluid or discharge will be examined from women. Urine, semen, or penis discharge will be examined from men. The samples can be sent to a lab to confirm trichomoniasis.

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is can be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic may be given in a single dose or for a week long course.

Trichomonisasis is easily passed back and forth between sexual partners. Your partner(s) should also be treated, even if symptoms are not present. An infected person can infect their sexual partners even if they do not have symptoms.

For best results:

Avoid sex until your treatment is done and your symptoms are gone.
Do not drink alcohol while taking antibiotics.

Prevention

To help prevent STDs like trichomoniasis:

Use condoms during sexual intercourse
Be monogamous or limit the number of sexual partners

RESOURCES

The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology http://www.acog.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov STD hotline: 1-800-227-8922

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Sex Information and Education Council of Canada http://www.sieccan.org

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada http://www.sexualityandu.ca

References

Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm. Updated August 3, 2012. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Trichomoniasis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated September 4, 2012. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Trichomoniasis. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/trichomoniasis/Pages/default.aspx. Updated March 28, 2013. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Workowski KA, Berman S, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR 2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 05/2013
Update Date: 05/16/2013

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.