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Trichomoniasis -- sometimes referred to as "trich" for short -- is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Protozoans are one-celled animals. Trichomonas causes an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina and the urethra. This is a common STD for people between the ages of 16 to 30.
Symptoms
Symptoms in females include a yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge, often frothy, with a strong, foul odor, and severe itching in the vagina. Males can often have no symptoms at all, although the organism does live in the urethra and prostate gland, and a few might experience a slight amount of discharge or burning with urination. According to the CDC, symptoms -- if they occur -- will occur between 5 and 28 days after exposure.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made microscopically by identification of the parasite on a "wet-mount" slide that your health care provider prepares from your 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.
Treatment
This STD can be treated and cured by a drug that kills parasites, usually either metronidazole or tinidazole, which is given in one oral dose. You and your sexual partner must both be treated at the same time so you do not get reinfected. If you have more than one sexual partner, abstinence during treatment and for one week after completing the Flagyl is recommended.
Prevention
As with other STDs, abstinence, sticking with one monogamous partner, or using condoms will all help to prevent trichomoniasis.
