Trichomoniasis Vaginal Infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Slideshow Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Menopause and Perimenopause Slideshow

• 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.

Is there a test for trichomoniasis?

To tell if you have trichomoniasis, your doctor or nurse will do a pelvic exam and lab test. During the pelvic exam, your doctor may be able to see small red sores inside the vagina or on the cervix. Your doctor will also take a fluid sample from the vagina and look for the parasite under a microscope or send the sample to a lab for analysis. Other tests, like a vaginal culture or DNA test can also be used for testing.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• metronidazole, Flagyl - Explains the medication metronidazole (Flagyl) an antibiotic drug used against anaerobic bacterteria and certain parasites like giardia and ameba that can infect parts of the human body. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
• Pelvic Exam - Learn about a pelvic exam, a routine exam used to evaluate organs in a woman's body including the gential organs, ovaries, uterus, cervix, Fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.

Read more Trichomoniasis related articles »

Latest Medical News

• STDs Common Among Sexually Active Teen Girls in Cities
• STD Linked to Prostate Cancer
• E-Cards Notify Sex Partners About STDs