Trichomonas Infection

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 isn’t 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.

Abstain from sexual intercourse; or,

Use a latex condom properly, every time you have sexual intercourse, with every partner.
Limit your sexual partners. The more sex partners you have, the greater your risk of encountering someone who has this or other STDs.
If you are infected, your sexual partner(s) should be treated. This will prevent you from getting reinfected.
Once I am infected, am I immune?
No. You can get infected again.

Information provided by the CDC