Fact Sheet: Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. Trichomoniasis affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women. Trichomoniasis in women may contribute to increased risk of infertility, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm birth, postoperative infection, and may also enhance transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The consequences of untreated trichomoniasis in men include decreased sperm count and movement, increased risk of infertility, chronic pain in the prostate or pelvic region, and increased acquisition and transmission of HIV.

Cause of trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is transmitted through sexual intercourse or genital contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women, but men usually contract it only from infected women.

Risk factors

An increased risk of acquiring trichomoniasis is associated with:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Being of African descent
• Multiple sexual partners
• Past or present infection with other STDs
• High vaginal pH levels

Symptoms of trichomoniasis

Many women may not experience symptoms, but still have trichomoniasis. If symptoms are present, they usually appear 5 to 28 days after exposure and may include:

• Yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge (often foamy or sticky) with a strong odor
• Irritation, itching, soreness or redness of the genital area
• Discomfort or pain during intercourse and urination
• Lower abdominal pain in rare cases
• Signs that worsen during menstruation

While men with trichomoniasis are usually asymptomatic, symptoms may include genital discharge, irritation and burning during urination. Symptoms in infected men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment. However, an infected man — even one who has never had symptoms or whose symptoms have stopped — can continue to infect or re-infect a female partner until he has been treated.

Incidence and prevalence of trichomoniasis²

• There are an estimated 7.4 million new cases of trichomoniasis annually in the U.S. today, compared with 3 million new cases of chlamydia and 650,000 cases of gonorrhea.
• Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women.

Diagnosis of trichomoniasis

For both men and women, a health care provider must perform a physical examination and laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis. In women, a pelvic examination can reveal small red sores or inflammation on the vaginal wall or cervix. The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women.

Treatment of trichomoniasis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Tindamax^® as one of the drugs of choice for treatment of trichomoniasis. Tindamax^® has demonstrated cure rates of 92% to 100% in both women and men.¹

Both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite and prevent its spread and re-infection.

For more information about trichomoniasis:

• www.trichomoniasis.org
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: call (800) 232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/std
• American Social Health Association: call (919) 361-8400 or visit www.ashastd.org
• www.tindamax.com

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