2. Trichomoniasis Defined
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted
disease and is caused by the single-
celled protozoan parasite trichomonas
vaginalis producing mechanical stress on
host cells and then ingesting cell
fragments after death.
3. Symptoms of Trich
Women
- frothy, often unpleasant-smelling discharge
- blood spotting in the discharge
- itching in and around the vagina
- smelling in the groin
- the urge to urinate frequently – often with pain and
burning
- Men
- discharge from the urethra
- the urge to urinate frequently – often with pain and
burning
4. The Causes
In women, trich organisms usually infect the vagina,
urethra, cervix, bladder, and glands in the genital area,
such as Bartholin's and Skene's glands.
In men, infections develop in the urethra or under the
foreskin of an uncircumcised penis.
5. Treatment
Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with prescription
drugs, either metronidazole or tinidazole, given by mouth
in a single dose. The symptoms of trichomoniasis may
disappear within a few weeks without treatment.
6. Statistics
Most women found to have trichomoniasis (85%)
reported no symptoms.
Women with no history of sexual intercourse can
still be affected by trichomoniasis (1.0%), as can
pregnant women (3.2%), and women who have
ever been pregnant (4.1%).
African American women had a prevalence of
13.3%, white women prevalence of 1.3%, and
Mexican American women prevalence of 1.8%.
Prevalence of trichomoniasis increases with age
and lifetime number of sexual partners among
African American women.
