Trichomoniasis

Overview

Trichomonas--sometimes referred to as "trick"--is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by the organism that is called Trichomonas baginalis. The organism is a protozoa (a one-celled animal) and is also classified as a parasite. This organism causes an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina and of the urethra in both males and females. This is a common STD for people between the ages of 16 to 30.

Symptoms

Symptoms in females include a yellow vaginal discharge with a strong, foul odor, and severe itching in the vagina. Males can have it with no symptoms at all, although the organism does live in the urethra and prostate gland. Diagnosis is made microscopically by identification of the parasite on a "wet-mount" slide that your health care provider prepares from vaginal discharge. This test does not hurt and you don't have to wait for the results of the test for days. You will know as soon as the slide is examined under the microscope. This protozoa can also be cultured. The incubation period for trichomonas is 4 to 20 days, with the average incubation (period of time from exposure to infection) being 7 days.

Treatment

This STD can be treated and cured by a strong drug that kills parasites. You and your sexual partner must both be treated at the same time so you do not get reinfected. The drug of choice is a pill called Flagyl (metronidazole is its generic name). You cannot have any alcohol during treatment with this drug. That also includes the period of 24 to 48 hours after treatment, or you will have severe vomiting, among other nasty symptoms, as Flagyl is also used as a medicine to help those addicted to alcohol by causing severe and unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is ingested by a person taking Flagyl. If you have more than one sexual partner, abstinence during treatment and for 1 week after completing the Flagyl is recommended.

Prevention

As with other STDs, using condoms will help to prevent Trichomoniasis.