Trichamoniasis, also known as “Trich”, is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects approximately 7.4 million men and women in America each year. This STD is caused by a parasite called Trichamonas vaginalis. Trich is most commonly found in uncircumcised women and men. Trich is the most common curable STD in sexually active men and women today. Trichamoniasis is primarily an infection of the reproductive organs and the urinary system (or genitourinary system). In men, the most common site of infection would be the urethra; the urinary tract. In women, the most common site of infection would be the vagina. In uncircumcised men, the most common site would be the tip of the penis.
Trich is one of the most common STDs caused by a Trichamonas vaginalis parasite. This parasite can live in the urinary and reproductive system of both males and females. Trich is sexually transmitted through penis-vagina sex or vulva-vulva contact with an infected partner, especially if he does not use any form of protection. It is more common for women to contract the disease from an infected man or woman than for a man to catch it from an infected woman/man. Some people try to say it’s possible to get Trich from a toilet seat, wet towel, or hot tub. Let me say this now…it’s not true. The Trichamoniasis parasite cannot live long enough on inanimate objects and surfaces to spread from person to person.
Sorry to say, but the most logical way to avoid getting Trich or any other STD is to abstain from sex. If this is not possible, then abstain from sexual activity with more than one partner or with someone who has more than one partner. This will surely reduce the risk of contracting any STDs including Trich. Additionally, the correct and consistent use of a latex condom or a polyurethane female condom also decreases the risk of contracting STDs. Lady’s DO NOT shower after having sex, it can actually increase your risk of getting STDs. This is because douching can actually alter the natural flora of the vagina and possibly bring bacteria further up the genital tract, increasing the risk of STDs.
Symptoms usually appear in women between 4 and 28 days after having sex with an infected person. However, 50% of women are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) when it comes to Trich and never receive treatment. Usually, if left untreated for six months, women then begin to experience some of the symptoms listed below.
* Vaginal discharge that varies in color from gray to green to yellow.
* Foul smell, fishy smell.
* Acidity, sensitivity and itching if the genital area.
* Pain during urination.
* Uncomfortable during sexual intercourse.
* Itching or pain in the lips and inner thighs.
* Swollen lips.
Just make sure your teenage daughter knows that normal female discharge is usually clear or whitish and odorless. This will ensure that she will know if something is wrong.
Men who have trichamoniasis tend to be more asymptomatic than women. Of the men who seek treatment, they usually do so because of an infected partner, not necessarily because they have symptoms. Among men who show symptoms of Trich, they would experience:
* Urethral itching.
* Burning after urination or ejaculation.
* Urethral discharge, foamy or pus-like.
*Painful/difficult urination.
* Inflammation of the prostate.
If you think some of the symptoms you are experiencing may be Trich, see your doctor. The doctor will determine if it is trichamoniasis by doing a pelvic or genital exam and testing a sample of vaginal or urethral discharge. Sometimes a doctor will detect Trich through a Pap test.
Trich can be treated with prescription medications and both partners should be treated at the same time, even if one has no symptoms.
