15958
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.
Dr.Deyn | 9 August 2019, Reviewed and updartred on 3 March 2021
Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected.
Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection. However, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected with trichomoniasis.
The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It can also spread from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not. It probably depends on factors like a person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.
About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected. Others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go.
Men with trichomoniasis may notice:
Women with trichomoniasis may notice:
Having trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.
Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with HIV, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner.
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to have their babies too early (preterm delivery). Also, babies born to infected mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds).
It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. For both men and women, your health care provider can examine you and get a laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis can be treated with medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole). These pills are taken by mouth. It is safe for pregnant women to take this medication. It is not recommended to drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this medication.
People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after receiving treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated. Also, wait 7- 10 days after you and your partner have been treated to have sex again. Get checked again if your symptoms come back.
The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis:
Another approach is to talk about the potential risk of STDs before you have sex with a new partner. That way you can make informed choices about the level of risk you are comfortable taking with your sex life.
If you or someone you know has questions about trichomoniasis or any other STD, talk to a health care provider.
PULSE Clinic is here to help, not to judge. Our doctors have vast experience in making diagnosis, lab testing and treatment on Trichomoniasis infections.
PULSE CLINIC Malaysia
PULSE Clinic Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur info.kl@pulse-clinic.com Tel: +60321102122, Whatsapp +601165388678
PULSE Clinic Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur info.kl@pulse-clinic.com Tel: +60321102122, Whatsapp +601165388678
PULSE CLINIC Hong Kong
PULSE Clinic Central, Hong Kong info.hk@pulse-clinic.com Tel: +852 2389 8250
PULSE CLINIC Singapore
PULSE Clinic Tanjong Pagar, Singapore info.sg@pulse-clinic.com
PULSE CLINIC Thailand
PULSE Clinic Silom Bangkok info.silom@pulse-clinic.com Tel: +66959156385
PULSE Clinic Nana Bangkok info.nana@pulse-clinic.com Tel: +66959156385
PULSE Clinic Patong Beach, Phuket info.phuket@pulse-clinic.com Tel: +66076633368, +66952615282
PULSE Clinic Sukhumvit 37, Bangkok info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com Tel: +66 92497 9353
PULSE Clinic Airport Link Phayathai, Bangkok info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com Tel: +66 95515 2826
PULSE Clinic Asoke, Bangkok info@eu-health.org Tel:+66 64 742 6528
EU Health – Executive Health center Ploenchit, Bangkok info@eu-health.org Tel:+66 2 2559599
Other Countries Without PULSE CLINICS and EU Clinic, contact #BuyPrEPonline
download PULSE CLINIC mobile application here
Trust PULSE CLINIC to take care of your health like other 45000 people from over 130 countries. We provide discreet professional service with high privacy. Here to help, not to judge.
Add us on Line and stay in touch.