Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a single-cell parasitic protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis, which was first discovered in 1836.

It is often diagnosed in patients who are already infected with other STDs such as:

gonorrhea
nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)

Symptoms

Trichomoniasis infection frequently has no symptoms. There have been rare cases where the incubation period of the infection has covered years, but usually symptoms appear within 4-20 days of exposure, and include:

In women

blood spotting in vaginal discharge
heavy, yellowish-green or gray, frothy vaginal discharge
infection in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body
itching, burning or pain in the vagina
lower abdominal pain
musty vaginal odor
pain and/or burning when urinating
pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
swelling in the groin
swollen and irritated vagina and cervix
urinating more than usual
vaginal or vulval redness
worsening symptoms when menstruating

In Men

Men rarely have any symptoms, however, if symptoms do occur they include:

infection of the urethra or prostate gland, which is involved in semen production
painful and/or difficult urination
thin, whitish discharge from the penis
tingling inside the penis

* Men mostly do not show symptoms but it is advisable to seek treatment if their partner has Trichomoniasis as infection is likely.

Transmission

The parasite rarely causes symptoms in men and re-infection of women by untreated partners can often occur.

It can be spread during:

anal sex
mutual masturbation when bodily fluids from one partner come in contact with the other's genitals (in rare cases)
oral sex
vaginal sex

Unlike most STDs, Trichomonas can survive for some hours outside the body on infected objects and can be transmitted by sharing:

bodily fluids
contaminated bedding
damp towels
sheets
toilet seats

Diagnosis

Trichomonas is a pear-shaped protozoa with a tail (flagellate).

Diagnosis can be made by:

Culture Tests

A culture of the organism or an antibody test may be done, especially in men, as relatively few of the parasites are found in discharges from the penis

Examination under a Microscope

Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis are examined under a microscope

Laboratory Testing

Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis may be sent to a laboratory to see if Trichomonas is present and may take up to 2 weeks for the results

Pap smears

Pap Smears are sometimes used to confirm diagnosis

Treatment

Antibiotics are usually successful (cure rate 95%) even though this infection is not a bacteria. It is usually administered in a single dose.

Procedure

Sexual partners need treatment at the same time to eliminate the parasite and to prevent re-exposure and re-infection.

Antibiotics used are:

Metronidazole

This antibiotic is also called Flagyl

Caution

If taken with alcohol it can cause severe: