What is it?
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted protozoan (germ) which infects women in the vagina and men in the urethra (inside the penis).
What are the symptoms?
Women more frequently experience symptoms with this infection, however they can be infected and experience no symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Frothy yellow or green vaginal discharge
- Foul vaginal odour
- Discomfort with urination and/or vaginal intercourse
- Irritation to inner and/or outer vagina
- Little red dots on the cervix that look a bit like a strawberry
In males symptoms could include:
- Slight discharge from the urethra (tip of penis)
- Discomfort in the urethra
- Burning after urination or ejaculation
How do you get it?
Trichomoniasis is contracted through vaginal intercourse (penis to vaginal contact). It is found in vaginal fluid and semen. Trichomoniasis may be passed by close body contact (penis to vagina, either penetration or rubbing), where there is an exchange of body fluids.
How do you know you have it?
Women must have a pelvic examination to have swabs taken from the inside of the vagina. Men have a swab taken from just inside the opening to the tip of the penis (urethra). The swabs are then examined in the lab for diagnosis of Trichomoniasis.
Treatment
Treatment is a drug called Flagyl (Metronidazole). Two grams (eight pills) is given all at once to the infected person and all recent sex partner(s). Sex partners of an infected person need to receive treatment even if their test results are negative. You cannot drink alcohol for 24 hours before or after taking this medication.
What happens if I don't get treated?
Inflammation of the genital tissue is a common complication of untreated Trichomoniasis. If tissue in the vagina or inside the penis is broken down, other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, are much easier to get. If you have Trichomoniasis that is untreated, you are at greater risk for contracting HIV. Also, if not treated, an infected person will infect others with whom they have sex.
In pregnant women, recent data suggest trichomoniasis may cause premature delivery of the baby and increased risk of infection at birth.
Prevention
Latex condoms that have not expired, and remain intact (do not break during intercourse), can be very effective in preventing trichomoniasis. Limiting sexual partners to decrease possible exposure is also a means of prevention.
Screening
Women: Your family doctor can take swabs to check for trichomoniasis during your "Pap test". You should always ask what tests are being performed during a pelvic exam to make sure you are being checked for STDs.
Men: Doctors do not check for trichomoniasis during a routine check-up or when you are being checked for STDs. They will check for trichomoniasis if you have symptoms or have a partner who has been diagnosed with it. | 
