STD - TRICHOMONAS
Symptom Definition
- Seeking information about trichomonas, a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Typical Symptoms
- In women, trichomonas may cause a foul-odored, yellow, sometimes bubbly vaginal discharge. It may also cause vaginal itching and redness, or burning with urination.
- Some women have no symptoms.
- Most men with a trichomonas infection have no symptoms. Sometimes there may be a mild burning with urination or a discharge from the penis.
General Information
- Trichomonas is caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis protozoa.
- Trichomonas is a common STD. It has been estimated that there are 8 million new cases each year in North America.
- Trichomonas is treatable with antibiotics.
What is a Normal versus Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
- Normal: May be clear or white, thin or thick. It is not odorous and there is no itching.
What is a Normal versus Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
- Normal: May be clear or white, thin or thick. It is not odorous and there is no itching.
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Abnormal:
- Yellow or green vaginal discharge is usually from an infection.
- A foul-smelling discharge is usually from an infection.
- A thick, white, itchy, cottage cheese-like non-odorous discharge is often caused by a yeast infection.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- PENIS SYMPTOMS (male genital symptoms)
- VAGINAL DISCHARGE
- VULVAR SYMPTOMS (female genital symptoms)
- Questions about CHLAMYDIA, a sexually transmitted disease
- Questions about GONORRHEA, a sexually transmitted disease
- Questions about GENITAL HERPES, a sexually transmitted disease
- Questions about HIV, a sexually transmitted disease
- Questions about PUBIC LICE, a sexually transmitted disease
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR TRICHOMONAS
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- You were forced to have sex (sexual assault or rape)
- Yellow or green vaginal discharge occurring with a fever
- Constant abdominal pain for more than 2 hours
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If
- You think you need to be seen
- Abnormal color of vaginal discharge (i.e. yellow, green, gray)
- Bad smelling vaginal discharge
- Blood in vaginal discharge (EXCEPTION: normal, regular menstrual period)
- Burning (pain) with urination
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
- You are worried you might have a sexually transmitted disease
Self Care at Home If
- No symptoms and you don't think you need to be seen
- Questions about trichomonas
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR TRICHOMONAS
- How is trichomonas transmitted?
- Trichomonas is spread by sexual intercourse (vaginal).
- Some women and many men do not have symptoms when they are infected. As a result, trichomonas can be passed along with neither sexual partners knowing that it is occurring.
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How long does it usually take for symptoms to appear once one is exposed?
- The incubation period is 4 days to 4 weeks.
- How can I get tested for trichomonas?
- Inspection of a sample of the vaginal discharge under the microscope.
- May also be found on a Pap smear.
- Is there treatment for trichomonas?
- Antibiotic therapy is needed. A person with trichomonas is contagious until he or she has been treated.
- Sexual partners should also be evaluated and treated.
- STD National Hotline
- The CDC National STD Hotline provides information on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. Specialists can provide general information, referrals to local clinics, and written materials about STDs and disease prevention.
- Toll-free number (English): (800) 227-8922
- Toll-free number (Spanish): (800) 344-7432
- Their website is at: http://www.ashastd.org/NSTD/
- Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any doubt about the possibility of pregnancy, then obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Pregnancy test is positive; or if you have difficulties with the home pregnancy test.
- Discharge from penis or unusual vaginal discharge.
- You become worse or develop any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms.
References and Resources
- American Social Health Association
- “Answers to your questions about teen sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases”.
- http://www.iwannaknow.org
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2002. MMWR. 2002; 51(RR-6):1-80.
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Public Health Agency of Canada
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Sexual Health Facts and Information
- http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/faq_e.asp
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.