Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a protozoan parasite called “Trichomonas Vaginalis.” While symptoms of the disease can be different for everyone, many people infected with the parasite are unaware that they’re infected.
Trichomoniasis, or “Trich,” is the most common curable STD in the United States, yet acquiring the infection tends to be more common in women than men. The genitals are the most likely area for the infection to live. In men, Trich lives in the urethra and in women, it can be found in the vagina, cervix, urethra, or vulva.
While the overall number of infections is considered very high, it is estimated that only 30% of individuals will display any common symptoms of trichomoniasis.
“Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection.”— CDC.GOV
What Causes Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis travels from infected individuals to uninfected individuals during unprotected sex. Trich is most successful at passing between the genital tracts of sexual partners, such as from penis to vagina and from vagina to penis—and can also be transferred from vagina to vagina—but is not likely to infect the mouth or anus during sex.
While exposure to Trichomoniasis is common and in many cases leads to infection, we do not fully understand why certain individuals exposed to the parasite do not develop symptoms. The medical community believes that various health factors, such as age and overall well-being indicate the likelihood of whether or not an individual will show symptoms—for this reason, trichomoniasis is more common among older women than younger women even if they are more sexually active.
Despite the fact that an individual is not showing any physical symptoms of Trichomoniasis, they may be a carrier of the parasite and pass it during sex.
“The prevalence of Trich in the United States is 2.1% among women ages 14-59, yet 9 times more likely to affect African American women.”— CDC.GOV
How Do I Know If I Have Trichomoniasis?
Because the majority of those infected with Trichomoniasis don’t show any physical symptoms, they are far more likely to spread the parasite by maintaining their normal sexual behavior. On the other hand, while experiencing a trichomoniasis infection, sex is generally a very uncomfortable experience. If left untreated, the infection can endure for years and lead to an increased risk of health complications.
Common symptoms of trichomoniasis:
In Men
- Irritation or itchiness inside the penis
- A burning sensation following urination or ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis
In women
- Burning, itchiness, irritation and soreness of the vagina and urinary tract
- Burning or discomfort while urinating
- A noticeable change in the style of vaginal discharge: it may be more thin or increased in volume. The discharge may be clear, white, yellow, or green with a fishy smell
What Happens If Trichomoniasis Is Not Treated?
While short-term discomfort, described above, is the most common symptom of trich, other serious health risks can occur. If trichomoniasis goes untreated, it will increase your risk of acquiring STDs, such as HIV—it is also easier to spread sexually transmitted diseases due to inflammation of the genitals.
Pregnant women and their babies are also at increased risk of complications related to birth. Trichomoniasis can cause a baby to be born preterm, as well as have a low birth weight of 5.5 pounds or less.
How Do I Know If I Have Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis cannot be self-diagnosed and requires doctor consultation to deliver an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will consider the symptoms you are experiencing, and if they feel it is likely trichomoniasis, they will a lab test to diagnose for sure.
How Do I Get Rid Of Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis should be treated with prescription antibiotics to ensure it is safely cleared from your system. If the full course of antibiotics are not taken, the trichomoniasis infection can reoccur and lead to the return of your symptoms.
Trichomoniasis can be treated with medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole). These pills are taken by mouth. It is safe for pregnant women to take this medication. It is not recommended to drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this medication.
People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after receiving treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, all sex partners should get treated with antibiotics at the same time. Wait to have sex again until everyone has been treated and any symptoms go away (usually about a week). Get checked at 3 months to make sure you have not been infected again, or sooner if your symptoms come back before then.
- Metronidazole is a doctor-prescribed, FDA-approved antibiotic used to Treat Trichomoniasis
- Daily Probiotics may be taken by anyone on antibiotics for trichomoniasis. Lactobacillus acidophilus can help repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria.
