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Trichomoniasis

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Illustrations

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)
Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Alternative Names    Return to top

Trichomonas vaginitis; Trich

Definition    Return to top

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Causes    Return to top

Trichomoniasis is found worldwide. In the United States, the highest number of cases are seen in women between age 16 and 35. Trichomonas vaginalis cannot survive in the mouth or rectum, and therefore must be transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner.

The disease can affect both men and women, but the symptoms differ between the two groups. The infection usually does not cause symptoms in men and goes away on its own in a few weeks. In some cases, a man might have burning, itching, or a discharge. Occasionally, some men with trichomoniasis may develop prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection.

Women with trichomoniasis have a itching and a heavy, foul-smelling, green-white or yellowish vaginal discharge.

Symptoms    Return to top

Women:

Men:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

In women:

A pelvic examination reveals red blotches vaginal wall or cervix. A wet prep (microscopic examination of discharge) shows the infection-causing organisms in vaginal fluids. A pap smear may also detect the presence of the organism.

In men:

The disease can be hard to diagnose in men. Men are treated if the infection is diagnosed in any of their sexual partners. Men may also be treated if they have ongoing symptoms of urethral burning or itching despite treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Treatment    Return to top

The antibiotic metronidazole is commonly used to cure the infection. You should not drink alcohol while taking the medicine and for 48 hours after the antibiotics are completed.Use of alcohol with metronidazole can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment has been completed.

Sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

With proper treatment, the outcome is likely to be excellent.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Long-term infection may cause changes in the tissue on the cervical surface. These changes may be seen on a routine Pap smear. In such cases, treatment should be started and the Pap smear repeated 3 to 6 months later.

Treatment of trichomoniasis helps prevents the spread of the disease to sexual partners. Trichomoniasis can also increase the chance of getting HIV from an infected partner.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any unusual vaginal discharge or irritation is noted.

Also call for an appointment if you suspect that you have been exposed to the disease.

Prevention    Return to top

A monogamous sexual relationship with a known healthy partner can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including trichomoniasis.

Other than total abstinence, condoms remain the best and most reliable protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms must be used consistently and correctly.

Update Date: 10/9/2006

Updated by: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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