Trichomoniasis Information

Date: July 2004

Diagnosis

Infections of Trichomoniasis are diagnosed through laboratory testing of a urine sample. Alternatively swabs of the discharge from the penis or vagina maybe be examined under a microscope. Results may take up to 2 weeks to be returned.

Pap smears from women may also be used be used to confirm infection.

Transmission

Trichomoniasis is transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected person. It can also be spread through the sharing of penetrative sex toys.

Pregnant women should also be aware that Trichomoniasis can be transferred to their baby at child birth or even during pregnancy.

It is not spread incidental contact such as kissing, hugging, the sharing of eating utensils or other such contact.

Symptoms

In most cases symptoms begin to appear between 3 and 21 days after infection. However, some may experience no symptoms at all.

In women, the following symptoms can occur:

• a thin or frothy yellow, green or grey vaginal discharge with a musty or fishy smell
• abdominal pain
• pain during sex
• urinating more than usual
• vaginal or vulval redness
• an itching or burning pain in the vagina

It is common in men no to display any symptoms at all. However the symptoms men might experience are:

• painful or difficult urination
• a thin white discharge from the penis
• tingling inside the penis

Effects

There are no long term health effects from failing to treat an Trichomoniasis infection. However, the symptoms that can be experienced are anti-social and can reduce the infected person quality of life.

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is treated orally, with the antibiotic tinidazole (Fasigyn) or metronidazole (Flagyl). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor or medical professional as it unlikely they will be able to take this medication and will need to find an alternative treatment.

You are advised to refrain from unprotected sex through the entire course of the treatment in order to reduce the spread on the infection. Please also avoid drinking alcohol as this can reduce the effectiveness of the medicated treatment.

Prevalence

It is estimated 1 in 5 sexually active women contract Trichomoniasis in her lifetime.

Approximately 5 million new cases of Trichomoniasis are reported each year.