Trichomoniasis Vaginal Infection

• What is trichomoniasis and how do you get it?
• What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
• Is there a test for trichomoniasis?
• How is trichomoniasis treated?
• Does trichomoniasis cause problems during pregnancy?
• How is trichomoniasis prevented?

What is trichomoniasis and how do you get it?

Trichomoniasis (pronounced trih-kuh-muh-nye-uh-sus), also called "trick," is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by a parasite that can be passed from one person to another. The parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner. The vulva is the genital area outside the vagina. Women can get the disease from infected men or women.

While trichomoniasis is usually passed sexually, it may be picked up from contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or a toilet seat, if the genital area gets in contact with these damp or moist objects.

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Many women do not have any symptoms, but still have the STD. If women do have symptoms, they usually appear 5 to 28 days after exposure and can include:

• yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge (often foamy) with a strong odor
  
  
• discomfort during sex and when urinating
  
  
• irritation and itching in the genital area
  
  
• lower abdominal pain in rare cases

If you have any of these symptoms, stop having sex and contact your doctor right away.

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