Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, sometimes called trich (or “trick”), is caused by a tiny parasite and spread by sexual contact. It is more common in women than in men and can cause problems in a pregnancy, including premature delivery. It’s rare, but a mother with trich can pass the infection on to her baby during a vaginal delivery. Trich may also cause infertility in both women and men.

Trichomoniasis symptoms

You can have trich without knowing it because often there aren’t any symptoms, especially in men.

But symptoms in women can include:

• Abnormal odor or color in vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching or burning
• Painful sex or urination

Symptoms usually appear from 5 to 28 days after contact with the parasite.

Symptoms in children might indicate sexual abuse and must be checked by a doctor.

Diagnosing trichomoniasis

If you have symptoms, your doctor may order lab tests to look for the parasite that causes trich. Sometimes trich is found during a routine Pap test.

Treating trichomoniasis

It’s important to treat trich with either metronidazole or tinidazole. These are oral medications used to kill the parasite that causes trich and prevent you from spreading trich to others. Your partner should also be treated at the same time. Avoid sexual contact until you’ve finished taking the medicine and your symptoms are gone.

Preventing trichomoniasis

Trich can be spread by people without knowing they have it. Always protect yourself and others by taking these steps:

• Use condoms to reduce your chance of getting or spreading trich.
• Remember, every time you have sex with a new partner, you’re being exposed to all the infections their partners may have.
• Don’t share personal items, such as underwear or towels. The trich parasite can’t live on these items for long, but it’s possible the parasite may be spread this way.

Be responsible. Don’t have sex if you have symptoms or are being treated for trich.