Trichomoniasis Information and Pictures

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

TRICHOMONIASIS

Information and pictures on trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease. Information including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, transmission, prevention and other general information.

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TRICHOMONIASIS

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Trichomonas is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a single-cell parasitic protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis, which was first discovered in 1836.
About 5 million Americans develop trichomoniasis every year. It has been found in:

5%-15% of women at gynecology clinics

50%-75% of prostitutes in the United States

It is often diagnosed in patients who are already infected with other STDs such as:

gonorrhea

nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)

Symptoms
Trichomoniasis infection frequently has no symptoms. There have been rare cases where the incubation period of the infection has covered years, but usually symptoms appear within 4-20 days of exposure, and include:
In women

blood spotting in vaginal discharge
heavy, yellowish-green or gray, frothy vaginal discharge

infection in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body

itching, burning or pain in the vagina

lower abdominal pain

musty vaginal odor

pain and/or burning when urinating

pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)

swelling in the groin
swollen and irritated vagina and cervix

urinating more than usual

vaginal or vulval redness

worsening symptoms when menstruating

In Men
Men rarely have any symptoms, however, if symptoms do occur they include:

infection of the urethra or prostate gland, which is involved in semen production

painful and/or difficult urination

thin, whitish discharge from the penis

tingling inside the penis

* Men mostly do not show symptoms but it is advisable to seek treatment if their partner has Trichomoniasis as infection is likely.

Transmission
The parasite rarely causes symptoms in men and re-infection of women by untreated partners can often occur.
It can be spread during:

anal sex

mutual masturbation when bodily fluids from one partner come in contact with the other's genitals (in rare cases)

oral sex

vaginal sex

Unlike most STDs, Trichomonas can survive for some hours outside the body on infected objects and can be transmitted by sharing:

bodily fluids

contaminated bedding

damp towels

sheets

toilet seats

Diagnosis
Trichomonas is a pear-shaped protozoa with a tail (flagellate).
Diagnosis can be made by:
Culture Tests
A culture of the organism or an antibody test may be done, especially in men, as relatively few of the parasites are found in discharges from the penis
Examination under a Microscope
Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis are examined under a microscope
Laboratory Testing
Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis may be sent to a laboratory to see if Trichomonas is present and may take up to 2 weeks for the results
Pap smears
Pap Smears are sometimes used to confirm diagnosis

Treatment
Antibiotics are usually successful (cure rate 95%) even though this infection is not a bacteria. It is usually administered in a single dose.
Procedure
Sexual partners need treatment at the same time to eliminate the parasite and to prevent re-exposure and re-infection.
Antibiotics used are:
Metronidazole
This antibiotic is also called Flagyl
Caution
If taken with alcohol it can cause severe:

nausea

vomiting

Azithromycin
This antibiotic is also called Zithromax and has fewer side effects but is more expensive
5-notroimidazoles
These drugs are successful for both partners
If left untreated Trichomoniasis can:

be spread to your sexual partner(s)

cause infections in the urethra or prostate gland in men

continue to cause uncomfortable symptoms

Prevention

Transmission of this parasite from one person to the next may be reduced by:

Abstinence from sex until the infection is cured

Consistent and correct male, latex condom use, put on before starting sex and worn until the penis is withdrawn

Spermicides and diaphragms which may provide some protection

Treatment of the male partner

Help Factors

If you have come in contact with trichomoniasis see your doctor, health professional or urologist immediately

Know your partner's sexual history

Limit one's sexual relationship to a single, uninfected partner

Note

Douching or urinating after sex does not prevent STDs

Frequent use of spermicides can cause vaginal inflammation

Prognosis

Complications

It has been shown that Trichomoniasis:

is associated with increased risk of transmission of HIV

may cause a woman to deliver a low-birth-weight or premature infant

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Information and pictures on this site are provided for informational purposes and are not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.