Trichomoniasis

What is it?

Trichomoniasis, or Trich (“trick”) is a fairly common STI that is caused by very tiny parasites that can be passed from one person to another. It can infect the vagina, urethra, bladder and cervix. In men, it is usually found in the urethra or under the foreskin of the penis (if uncircumsized). Men can get Trich only from women but women can get it from having sexual contact with women or men.


How do you get it?

• From penis-to-vagina intercourse with an infected partner.
• From vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner.
• From contact between the genitals and wet towels, wet clothing or toilet seats (these parasites can live outside of the body in warm, damp or moist environments).

How do you avoid it?

• Abstain from sex.
• Use male and female condoms for vaginal and anal sex.
• Keep clean – wash or bathe daily.
• Wear clean cotton underwear.
• Sleep without underwear to air out your genitals.
• For women, wipe from the front of the vulva to the back after going to the bathroom.
• Peeing after you have sex.
• Avoid bath oils, bubble bath, feminine deodorant sprays, strong soaps, scented tampons, tight pants or underwear, and nylon underwear or pantyhose.

Symptoms

Many people, will not have any symptoms of trich.. If you do get symptoms, they will usually appear within a week of infection (though they can take a month or longer to appear).

Symptoms for women can include:

• A foamy yellow or green discharge from the vagina.
• A foul or musty smelling discharge from the vagina.
• Burning or itching around the vagina.

Symptoms for men can include:

• Burning when you pee.
• A mild discharge from the penis.
• Irritation or redness at the top of the penis.

Testing

To test for trich, your doctor or nurse will give you a physical examination to look for signs of the infection. He or she will also take a sample of fluid from the vagina or penis to send to the lab for testing.


Treatment

Luckily Trich is fairly easy to treat with antibiotics. While on medication, avoid having sex and make sure your partner also receives treatment.