Trichomoniasis

[Mary Mallozziberg]

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease of the vagina or urethra that is caused by the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis and that causes vaginal irritation and discharge and sometimes urinary symptoms.

Women may have a greenish yellow, frothy, fishy-smelling vaginal discharge with irritation and soreness in the genital area.
Men usually have no symptoms, but a few have a frothy discharge from the penis and mild pain or discomfort during urination.
Examination of a sample of the discharge under a microscope usually enables doctors to identify trichomoniasis.
A single dose of an antibiotic cures most women, but most men need to take an antibiotic for 5 to 7 days.

(See also Overview of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.)
Trichomonas vaginalis commonly causes a sexually transmitted disease (STD) of the vagina in women and an STD of the urinary tract in men and women. Women are much more likely to develop symptoms. About 20% of women develop trichomoniasis of the vagina (trichomonas vaginitis) during their reproductive years.
Many people with trichomoniasis also have gonorrhea or other STDs.

[Luis Fok]

An infection caused by parasitic trichomonads, chiefly affecting the urinary tract, vagina, or digestive system.