Category Archives: Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis Quick Facts

What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is spread through sexual contact with the penis or vagina of an infected individual.

What causes trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (1).

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
Only approximately 30% of infected individuals show symptoms with the majority remaining asymptomatic (2). Some individuals show symptoms 5 to 28 days post-exposure, while symptoms occur in others much later, or symptoms may disappear then reappear (3).

Symptoms in males can include:

  • Itching or irritation inside the penis
  • Painful burning sensation after urination or ejaculation
  • Increased urination
  • Abnormal discharge from the penis

Symptoms in females can include:

  • Itching or irritation of the vagina
  • Painful and more frequent urination
  • Endocervical bleeding
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor

Trichomoniasis infections are associated with an increased risk of contracting other STDs, particularly a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of HIV (2).

Who is at risk of trichomoniasis?
Any sexually active individual is at risk of trichomoniasis. Factors that are associated with a higher prevalence of trichomoniasis in the United States include increased poverty level, lower educational level, and unmarried status (4).

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
Modern nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) provides the most sensitivity and specificity for a trichomoniasis diagnosis. These can be performed on vaginal swabs (either clinician- or patient-collected) or urine.

How is trichomoniasis treated?
Prescription antibiotics are an effective treatment for trichomoniasis. Repeat infections from sexual contact with an infected partner are common; hence treatment of all sexual partners should occur at the same time.

References:
1. Soper D (2004). “Trichomoniasis: under control or undercontrolled?” Am J Obstet Gynecol. 190(1), 281-90.

2. Trichomoniasis Fact Sheet. CDC. Feb 2020. 
3. Satterwhite CL, et al. (2013). Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: Prevalence and incidence estimates, 2008. Sex Transm Dis, 40(3), 187-193.
4. 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, Trichomoniasis. CDC. June, 2015. 

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is often referred to as “trich”. It is transmitted through sexual contact with the penis or vagina of an infected individual (1).

Approximately 70% of individuals infected with trichomoniasis remain asymptomatic, meaning they don’t experience any symptoms of the infection (2). However, asymptomatic individuals can still pass the infection on to any sexual partners.

The severity of symptoms can vary significantly, ranging from just mild irritation to severe inflammation.

The onset of symptoms also varies, with some individuals showing symptoms 5 to 28 days post-exposure, while symptoms occur in others much later, or symptoms may disappear then reappear (2).

Symptoms in males can include:

  • Itching or irritation inside the penis
  • Painful burning sensation after urination or ejaculation
  • Increased urination
  • Abnormal discharge from the penis

Symptoms in females can include:

  • Itching or irritation of the vagina
  • Painful and more frequent urination
  • Endocervical bleeding
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor

Trichomoniasis infections can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse, and are associated with an increased risk of contracting other STDs, including a two to three-fold increased risk of HIV (2).

Trichomoniasis during pregnancy also increases the risk of premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, and low birth weight (3), and is associated with an increased risk of the transmission of HIV from an HIV-positive mother to her child (4).

References
1. Soper D (2004). “Trichomoniasis: under control or undercontrolled?” Am J Obstet Gynecol. 190(1), 281-90.

2. Trichomoniasis Fact Sheet. CDC. Feb 2020. 
3. 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, Trichomoniasis. CDC. June, 2015. 
4. Gumbo FZ, et al. (2010) Risk factors of HIV vertical transmission in a cohort of women under a PMTCT program at three peri-urban clinics in a resource-poor setting. J Perinatol. 67(2), 717-723.