 
Trichomonas Infection
(TRICK-oh-MOE-nass)
What is Trichomonas infection?
Trichomonas vaginalis
is a microscopic parasite found worldwide. Infection with trichomonas is
called trichomoniasis (trick-oh-moe-nye-uh-sis). Trichomoniasis is one of
the most common sexually transmitted diseases, mainly affecting
16-to-35-year old women. In the United States, it is estimated that 2
million women become infected each year.
How is trichomoniasis spread?
Trichomoniasis is
spread through sexual activity. Infection is more common in women who have
had multiple sexual partners.
A common misbelief is
that infection can be spread by a toilet seat; this isnt likely, since
the parasite cannot live long in the environment or on objects.
What are the signs and symptoms
of infection?
Women:
Signs and symptoms of
infection range from having no symptoms (asymptomatic) to very
symptomatic. Typical symptoms include foul smelling or frothy green
discharge from the vagina, vaginal itching or redness. Other symptoms
can include painful sexual intercourse, lower abdominal discomfort, and
the urge to urinate.
Men:
Most men with this
infection do not have symptoms. When symptoms are present, they most
commonly are discharge from the urethra, the urge to urinate, and a
burning sensation with urination.
How long after infection do
symptoms occur?
Most women who develop
symptoms do so within 6 months of being infected.
What should I do if I think I
have trichomoniasis?
See your health care
provider who can test you for infection.
How is infection diagnosed?
Women:
Your health care
provider will perform a pelvic exam to collect vaginal samples for
examination. Diagnosis is most commonly made by viewing the parasite
under a microscope. Culturing for the parasite is the best way to
diagnose infection; results may take 3-7 days.
Men:
Diagnosis is made by
collecting specimens from the urethra.
No diagnostic test is
100% accurate; mistakes can be made. Your health care provider may order
additional testing to confirm the diagnosis.
I have trichomoniasis and am
pregnant; can I spread infection to my baby?
Yes, but this is rare.
Babies born to infected mothers may contract infection during delivery.
Infants may develop fever; girls may develop vaginal discharge. Children
should be treated if diagnosed. See your health care provider about
treatment of trichomoniasis during pregnancy.
How can a child get
trichomoniasis?
Infants:
If an infant is infected, it is possible that the mother spread infection
during childbirth. The mother should be checked for infection.
Young children:
Because trichomoniasis is an STD, infection in a young child may indicate
sexual abuse. If sexual abuse is suspected, an evaluation for other STDs
is recommended.
Teenagers:
Because trichomoniasis is a STD, infection in a teenager may indicate
sexual activity or sexual abuse. An evaluation for other STDs is
recommended.
Is infection treatable?
Yes. Your doctor will
prescribe an antibiotic for you and all sexual partners you have had since
becoming infected. If all current sexual partners are not treated, it is
possible to become reinfected. Infants and children who are infected
should be treated.
Treatment failed, is there
another recommendation?
Yes. However, you may
be treated with the same drug, for a longer time and at a higher dose.
Your doctor may prescribe more than one drug to treat you. All sexual
partners should be treated at the same time. Use a latex condom or avoid
having sexual intercourse to prevent reinfection during treatment.
Can infection be prevented?
Yes. Follow these
guidelines.
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