Trichomoniasis (often called "trich") is a sexually transmitted disease
(STD).
What Are STDs?
STDs (also called sexually
transmitted infections or STIs) are infections that spread through sex (vaginal, oral,
or anal). Some STDs can spread through close contact with the genitals or body fluids.
How Do People Get Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis (trik-uh-muh-NEYE-uh-siss) spreads between men and women through
vaginal sex. Women can spread trich to other women through sexual contact. Men do
not usually get trich from other men.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Trichomoniasis?
Many people with trich have no symptoms. They can spread the infection to others
without knowing it.
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
How Is Trichomoniasis Diagnosed?
To find out if someone has trich, health care providers do tests on:
discharge taken from the vagina or cervix (opening to the womb) in girls
discharge taken from the urethra in guys
pee
How Is Trichomoniasis Treated?
Health care providers treat trichomoniasis with
. All sexual partners from the past 2 months need treatment too, even
if they don't have signs of trichomoniasis.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the antibiotic and for 3 days after finishing
it. Drinking alcohol while taking the antibiotic for trich can cause a fast heart
rate, nausea, and vomiting.
People can get trichomoniasis again if:
their partners aren't treated
they get treated but then have sex with someone else who has trichomoniasis
What Problems Can Happen?
Females who don't get treatment for trichomoniasis have a greater chance of:
fertility problems (trouble getting pregnant)
developing cervical cancer
getting HIV if they
have sex with someone who has HIV
Males who don't get treatment for trichomoniasis have a greater chance of:
swelling and irritation of the tubes at the back of the testicles
swelling and irritation in the prostate
fertility problems (trouble getting a woman pregnant)
developing prostate cancer
Can Trichomoniasis Be Prevented?
The only way to prevent trichomoniasis and other STDs is to not
have sex (oral, vaginal, or anal). If you decide to have sex, using a latex condom
every time can prevent most STDs.
If you're sexually active, get
tested for STDs every year, or more often if recommended by your health care provider.