Trich
Key points
- Trichomoniasis is a vaginal infection caused by a sexually-transmitted parasitic organism.
- Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single cell protozoan parasite with a whip-like tail that it uses to propel itself through vaginal and urethral mucus.
- Signs and tests A pelvic examination reveals red blotches on the vaginal wall or cervix.
- Treatment with antibiotics is used to cure the infection.
Alternative names
Trichomonas vaginitis; Trichomoniasis
Definition
Trichomoniasis is a vaginal infection caused by a sexually-transmitted parasitic organism.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single cell protozoan parasite with a whip-like tail that it uses to propel itself through vaginal and urethral mucus. This sexually-transmitted disease (STD) is found worldwide.
In the United States the highest incidence is in women between 16 and 35 years of age. This disease-causing protozoan cannot survive in the mouth or rectum, and therefore must be transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner.
The symptoms of the disease are quite different in men than in women.
In men, the infection is often without symptoms (asymptomatic), and clears spontaneously in a few weeks. Symptomatic men may experience a mild urethral itching or discharge, mild burning after urination or ejaculation, and, on occasion, may develop prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection.
Women develop a frothy, foul smelling, green-white or yellowish vaginal discharge. The volume of discharge may be large. Itching may occur on the labia and inner thighs and the labia may appear swollen.
Data on the incidence and prevalence of trichomoniasis is not as complete as that for gonorrhea and Syphilis. Figures suggest that it is a frequently encountered infection. More than half of all females with gonorrhea also have trichomonas. Frequently, individuals with one diagnosed STD have one or more additional sexually-transmitted infections.
Symptoms
Females:
- discomfort with intercourse
- vaginal itching
- profuse, greenish-yellow, frothy or foamy, vaginal discharge with a foul or strong smell (malodorous)
- labial swelling or vulvar itching
- itching of the inner thighs
Males:
- burning after urination or ejaculation
- itching of urethra
- slight discharge from urethra
Signs and testsA pelvic examination reveals red blotches on the vaginal wall or cervix. It may also reveal a distinctive, inflamed "strawberry cervix."
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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