Trichomonis can be transmitted through sexual
intercourse. In many instances, however, a history
compatible with sexual transmission cannot be
documented.It occurs more often in individuals who
have multiple sexual partners.
Symptoms
Women:
-
Discomfort with intercourse
-
Vaginal itching
-
Greenish-yellow, frothy or foamy, vaginal discharge
with a foul or strong smell
-
Labial swelling or vulvar itching
-
Itching of the inner thighs
Men:
Screening and Diagnostics
In women:
A pelvic examination reveals red blotches vaginal wall
or cervix. A wet prep (microscopic examination of
discharge) shows the infection-causing organisms in
vaginal fluids. A pap smear may also detect the
presence of the organism.
In men:
The disease can be hard to diagnose in men. Men are
treated if the infection is diagnosed in any of their
sexual partners. Men may also be treated if they have
ongoing symptoms of urethral burning or itching
despite treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Treatment
The most effective drug for treatment of
trichomonas is metronidazole. Before taking this
medication, it is very important to let your doctor
know if there is any chance that you could be
pregnant, since the drug could harm the baby. Your
partner should also be treated at the same time to
prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.
Prognosis
With proper treatment, the outcome is likely to be
excellent.
Complications
Long-term infection may cause changes in the tissue on
the cervical surface. These changes may be seen on a
routine Pap smear. In such cases, treatment should be
started and the Pap smear repeated 3 to 6 months
later.
Treatment of trichomoniasis helps prevents the spread
of the disease to sexual partners. Trichomoniasis can
also increase the chance of getting HIV from an
infected partner.
Prevention
A monogamous sexual relationship with a known healthy
partner can help reduce the risk of sexually
transmitted diseases, including trichomoniasis.
Other than total abstinence, condoms remain the best
and most reliable protection against sexually
transmitted diseases. Condoms must be used
consistently and correctly.
