TRICHOMONAS
PREVALENCE:
There are over 100,000 cases of trichomonas in the United States each year. It is caused by a parasite.
TRANSMISSION:
Trichomonas is primarily transmitted from person to person through vaginal or anal sex. Ejaculation is not needed for the disease to be passed between partners. Occasionally is can be transmitted from sharing moist objects such as towels. It cannot be spread by kissing, bedding, door knobs, swimming pools, hot tubs or eating utensils.
INCUBATION:
Trichomonas usually causes symptoms within 3-28 days.
SYMPTOMS:
50% of women and almost all men with trichomonas have no symptoms. It may cause a frothy greenish-yellow discharge with a bad odor, itching or burning in the genitals or pain during intercourse. Tiny spots of blood can sometimes be seen in the discharge.
TREATMENT:
A one dose treatment with Flagyl is the most common regimen. Make sure all sexual partners are treated as well. Sex should be avoided for 7 days following treatment otherwise re-infection could occur.
RECURRENCE:
Having had trichomonas does not protect a person from getting it again. If a person took the medication correctly and is diagnosed with trichomonas again, it is likely that he or she has caught it again.
PREVENTION:
Two uninfected people with no sex partners besides each other cannot contract trichomonas. If a person has more than one partner, a latex condom is a good defense if it is put on before starting sex and worn until the penis is withdrawn. There are no methods to detect an infection except through an exam and lab tests done by a health care worker. Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex DOES NOT prevent the disease.