Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that causes an infection of the genital and urinary organs.


Causes/associated factors
Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan (a single-celled parasite that can move) called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is most common among young and middle-aged adults, but it can affect people of any age group. The risk of contracting trichomoniasis is higher if you have other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or multiple sexual partners.

Transmission
Trichomoniasis typically spreads through sexual contact. Although rare, other means of transmission are also possible because the protozoa can survive for several hours in moist places outside the body (on a damp towel or clothing, for example). If you're concerned about transmission, ask your doctor for details. You can spread trichomoniasis as long as you're infected, which may be years if the condition is left untreated.
The incubation period (time from exposure until symptoms appear, if they appear at all) is four to 20 days.


Signs/symptoms
About half of all women who have trichomoniasis have no symptoms. Others may experience:
itching and burning of the vagina and vulva
heavy, foul-smelling, yellow-green or gray vaginal discharge
painful urination
painful sexual intercourse
For women, symptoms are often worse just before menstruation.

Men who develop symptoms may experience:

white penile discharge
epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis, a male reproductive organ that collects sperm cells and provides the space for them to mature)
prostatitis (an inflammation or bacterial infection of the prostate, a male gland located at the base of the bladder)
sores on the penis

Diagnosis
The doctor will ask questions about your medical and sexual history and do a physical exam. To identify the organism, samples from your genital area (usually swab samples of the discharge or secretions) will be examined under a microscope. Because you can have several STDs simultaneously, you may be screened for other conditions at the same time.

Treatment
Trichomoniasis is typically treated with a single dose of metronidazole (Flagyl, for example). If you're pregnant, nursing or have a drug allergy, your doctor may prescribe another medication. To prevent reinfection, your sexual partner(s) must be treated at the same time. It's important to avoid alcohol while you're taking this medication through at least 24 hours after treatment is complete. Drinking alcohol while youh which urine and semen passes to the outside of the body.

Pregnancy-specific information
Trichomoniasis during pregnancy can result in a premature delivery or low birthweight. Consult your doctor early in your pregnancy, and keep all prenatal appointments.

Senior-specific information
Growing older is not a risk factor for this condition.

Prevention
Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent trichomoniasis. If you're sexually active, mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner will reduce the risk of contracting trichomoniasis and other STDs. If you're not in a monogamous relationship, reduce the risk of contracting trichomoniasis and other STDs by:
limiting your number of sexual partners
making sure each sexual partner is tested for STDs and completes proper treatment, if necessary, before you have sexual contact
using a latex or polyurethane condom consistently during any vaginal, oral or anal sexual contact<.li>
Keep in mind that a condom doesn you choose latex condoms -- the most effective in preventing the spread of STDs -- use only water-based lubricants. The chemicals in other lubricants may break down the latex in the condom.

If you or your partner(s) are infected, avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete.