AtoZ Diseases

What is this Condition?

An infection of the lower genitourinary tract, trichomoniasis affects about 15% of sexually active women and 10% of sexually active men. It occurs worldwide. In women, the condition may be acute or chronic. Recurrence is minimized when sexual partners are treated as well.

What Causes it?

The infecting organism, Trichomonas vaginalis, causes the disease in women by infecting the vagina, the urethra, and, possibly, the endocervix, Bartholin’s glands, Skene’s glands, or the bladder. In men, it infects the lower urethra and, possibly, the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, or epididymis.

Use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, bacterial overgrowth, cervical or vaginal lesions, or frequent douching may predispose a woman to trichomoniasis.

Trichomoniasis is usually transmitted by sexual intercourse; less often, by contaminated douche equipment or moist washcloths.

What are its Symptoms?

Approximately 70% of women - including those with chronic infections - and most men with trichomoniasis have no symptoms. In women, acute infection may produce various signs, such as a gray or greenish yellow, possibly frothy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. Other effects include severe itching, redness, swelling, tenderness, painful intercourse, painful urination, urinary frequency and, occasionally, postcoital spotting, excessive menstrual bleeding, or painful menstruation.

Such symptoms may persist for a week to several months and may be more pronounced just after menstruation or during pregnancy. If trichomoniasis is untreated, symptoms may subside but the infection persists.

In men, trichomoniasis may produce mild to severe transient urethritis, possibly with painful urination and urinary frequency.

How is it Diagnosed?

Direct microscopic examination of vaginal or seminal discharge and examination of clear urine specimens may reveal the infecting organism. A physical exam of the vagina and cervix may reveal signs of illness.

How is it Treated?

The treatment of choice for trichomoniasis is oral Flagyl to both sexual partners. Oral Flagyl may not be safe during the first trimester of pregnancy. Sitz baths may be used to help relieve symptoms.

After treatment, both sexual partners must have a follow-up exam to check for residual signs of infection.

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