Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (or trich) is a common STI that usually displays very few symptoms. It is caused by an infection of microscopic parasites. For women, these parasites may infect the vagina, urethra, bladder, or cervix. For men, infection usually occurs in the urethra or under the foreskin (if the penis isn't circumcised).
Transmission
Trich spreads through sexual contact with an infected partner.
Symptoms
Many people (especially men) won't have any symptoms of a trich infection. If symptoms do appear, they usually occur within a week of infection, though they can take up to six months. Sometimes symptoms can appear, go away, and reappear again later.
Symptoms in men include:
- mild discharge
- irritation or redness at the top of the penis
- burning during urination
- Men can become unknowing carriers of trich. Treatment is required to ensure a trich infection is completely gone.
- discharge from the vagina
- vaginal odour
- pain during intercourse or urination
- vaginal irritation or itchiness
Testing and Treatment
Testing can be done by either a physical exam or a lab test to detect the parasite.
In some cases, the tiny sores caused by trich can be detected during a routine PAP exam for women. However, PAP smears do not specifically test for STIs, and you shouldn't rely on a PAP to detect trich or any other STI.
Typically, trich is treated with a single oral dose of antibiotics. However, it can be reacquired easily, so it's important that both you and your sexual partner be treated together. Trich may not show symptoms, so even if your partner doesn't have symptoms, he or she should still be tested.
Impact if not treated
In rare cases, trich can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, or ectopic pregnancy.
Trich can cause small sores and inflammation, which can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Detection and treatment of a trich infection will help lower your risk of contracting HIV.
What do I tell my partner?
Trich is easily treated, but your partner may not have symptoms. Also, if you're with an infected partner, they can reinfect you after you've had treatment.
Telling a partner about trich may be embarrassing, but it's important to be very honest with your partner. Let them know so they can get tested and treated if necessary.
When can I have sex again?
Ask your healthcare professional. Do not have sex again if you or your partner has not fully completed treatment, or if you're still displaying symptoms of infection.