Trichomoniasis
- Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD.
- In the United States, CDC estimates that there were more than two million trichomoniasis infections annually. Infection is more common in women than in men.
Trichomoniasis is a parasite that infects part of the lower genital tract. In woman, this infection affects the vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra.
Factors that increase the risk of getting Trichomoniasis:
- Having a new sex partner
- Having more than one sex partner
- Having a sex partner who has more than one sex partner
- Having sex with someone who has an STI
- Having an STI now or in the past
- Not using condoms consistently when not in a mutually monogamous relationship
Although symptoms of the disease vary, most people who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected. About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms.
When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected. Others do not develop symptoms until much later.
Symptoms
- Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals;
- Discomfort with urination;
- A change in their vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with an unusual fishy smell.
Having trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.
Lower your chances of getting chlamydia
- Abstinence, you cannot get an infection if you are not exposed.
- Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results.
- Know your sexual partners—the more partners you or your partners have, the higher your risk of getting an STI.
- Use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex.
treatment
Yes, Trichomoniasis can be cured with the right antibiotic treatment, but you should following your doctors instructions.
- If prescribed a single dose of medication, you should wait seven days after taking the medicine before having sex. If prescribed a medicine for you to take for seven days, you should wait until you have taken all of the doses before having sex.
- It is important that you take all of the medication your doctor prescribes to cure your infection. When taken properly it will stop the infection and could decrease your chances of having complications later.
- You should not have sex again until you and your sex partner(s) have completed treatment.
- You should be tested again about three months after you are treated, even if your sex partner(s) was treated.