What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is an infection of the vagina and penis. It is a sexually transmitted disease that can be treated and does not cause any serious permanent damage.

How does it occur?

A type of tiny organism called Trichomonas vaginalis causes the infection. Sexual partners not using condoms can spread these organisms in sexual secretions.

What are the symptoms?

Many women infected with Trichomonas do not have any symptoms. When they do have symptoms, the most common ones are a large amount of vaginal discharge and vaginal itching. Women may also notice a frothy, discolored discharge from the vagina and discomfort during urination.

Most men do not have symptoms. When they do, the symptom is usually an irritation at the tip of the penis.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will get a sample of fluid from the vagina or penis. The fluid will be examined under a microscope. The organism that causes trichomoniasis may be seem swimming in the fluid. Your health care provider also may culture the fluid for Trichomonas. Results of the culture will be available in 2 to 7 days.

Your health care provider may test you for other sexually transmitted diseases. Your sexual partner(s) should also be tested.

How is it treated?

Trichomoniasis is treated with the drug metronidazole (Flagyl). If you may be or are pregnant, tell your health care provider. This medicine should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Your sexual partner(s) should also be treated. Do not have sex until your health care provider says you both are cured.

How do I take care of myself while I'm being treated?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking metronidazole. If you do, you may have severe nausea and vomiting.

What can be done to help prevent trichomoniasis?

If you are sexually active, latex condoms (male or female) are the only way to protect against trichomoniasis.