DEPUTY HEALTH OFFICER MEDICAL HEALTH OFFICER Pamela B. Hackert, MD, JD, MPH Kayleigh J. Blaney, MPH, DrPH-c

Fact Sheet: Trichomoniasis

What is Trichomoniasis? How is it treated? Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with the disease (STD) that affects both women and men, prescription drug, metronidazole, given by although symptoms are more common in women. mouth in a single dose. The symptoms of Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled trichomoniasis in infected men may disappear protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The within a few weeks without treatment. vagina is the most common site of infection in However, an infected man, even a man who women, and the urethra (urine canal) is the most has never had symptoms or whose symptoms common site of infection in men. have stopped, can continue to infect or re- infect a female partner until he has been What are the symptoms? treated. Therefore, both partners should be Most symptoms will appear 3-14 days after treated at the same time to eliminate the exposure. Many people have no symptoms. parasite. Persons being treated for Men may experience: trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they and • Temporary irritation inside the penis their sex partners complete treatment and • Mild discharge have no symptoms. Metronidazole can be • Slight burning after urination or ejaculation. used by pregnant women. Women may experience:

• Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a How is it prevented? strong odor • Don’t have sex. You cannot give or get an STD if • Discomfort during intercourse and urination there is no contact with the penis, vagina, mouth • Irritation and itching of the female genital or anus of an infected person. area. • Limit your number of sexual partners. The • In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can more people you have sex with, the greater the occur. chance of getting trichomoniasis. • If you choose to have sex, be prepared. Have How is it spread? condoms with a water-based lubricant on hand Trichomoniasis is spread during vaginal sex. The and use a new one every time you have sex. parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to- • Have regular exams if you are sexually active. vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva (the genital area If you think you have trichomoniasis, get tested. outside the vagina) contact with an infected partner. Your health care provider can test for all STDs, or Women can acquire the disease from infected men you can be examined and treated at the Genesee or women, but men usually contract it only from County STD Clinic. Ask your partner(s) to get infected women. tested. • Remember, a Pap smear is not a test for How is it Diagnosed? trichomoniasis. For both men and women a health care provider • Ask to be tested if you are at risk. must do a check and a laboratory test to diagnose • Tell your partner if you are infected. Tell trichomoniasis. anyone you have had sex with that they need to be tested. If they are not treated, they may be harmed for the rest of their lives and may also This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be pass it back to you. used for self -diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. For more information call your health care provider.

Family Planning Program - Phone: (810) 237-4538 Sexual Health Program - Phone: (810) 257-3139 www.gchd.us

This campaign was supported by award no. FPHPA006464 from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of OASH.