![Doctor William C Lloyd
Healthgrades Medical Reviewer]() -
The Common STD You Might Not Know
When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs), many people know about conditions like herpes, HIV and syphilis. But trichomoniasis (or “trich”)
remains less well known, despite being the most common treatable STD among women and men. Caused by a parasite, trichomoniasis rarely produces symptoms, which is dangerous because trich can create serious health complications in both women and men. Learn about the dangers of trich so you can reduce your risk and take action if trichomoniasis symptoms begin. -
1. Trichomoniasis is widespread. An estimated 3.7 million Americans are infected with trichomoniasis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trich is much more prevalent among women than men, and African American women face a particularly high risk of being infected by trichomoniasis. For all women, the risk of
trichomoniasis infection goes up with age and number of sex partners over a lifetime. Both men and women can spread the parasite to each other, even if using a condom. Fortunately, a course of antibiotics cures trich in most cases. -
2. Trichomoniasis symptoms are rare, which can delay diagnosis. Most people do not experience any symptoms related to trichomoniasis infection, a situation that can delay diagnosis and treatment. When trich does cause symptoms, women usually experience a thick vaginal discharge and vulvar
or perineal pain. In men, trichomoniasis can cause early morning urinary frequency and frothy or malodorous urine. Because trich symptoms resemble those of other common conditions like bacterial vaginosis in women, it can take time to diagnose trichomoniasis. Your doctor may look at vaginal or urethral (in men) secretions under a microscope to identify the parasite and begin trichomoniasis
treatment with antibiotics. -
3. Trichomoniasis raises your risk of getting HIV. The trich parasite can cause tissue inflammation in the vagina, vulva or urethra. Inflamed tissue offers less resistance to bacteria and viruses
like HIV, which means having trichomoniasis raises your risk of becoming infected with another STD. In fact, many people who are diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea or another STI discover they also have trich. If you are
diagnosed with any STD, ask your doctor if you should be tested for trichomoniasis so you can get treatment, both to reduce your own risk of getting another STI and to avoid spreading trich to your sex partner. -
4. Trichomoniasis can make your pregnancy high-risk. If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, ask your doctor if you
should get tested for trichomoniasis. Trich can cause you to deliver your baby prematurely, before 37 weeks of gestation. Trich also can contribute to low birth weight in babies, which might cause developmental issues for your child in the future. Fortunately, metronidazole, the primary medication used to treat trichomoniasis, can safely be taken during pregnancy. So even if you find out you have trich
after you become pregnant, you can easily cure it. Of course, always discuss medication risks and benefits during pregnancy with your doctor. -
5. Trichomoniasis can cause prostatitis in men. Men rarely develop any signs or symptoms of trichomoniasis, which means the parasite can reside in a man’s genitourinary tract for years.
That doesn’t mean the infection isn’t dangerous, though. Trichomoniasis occasionally can spread from the urethra to other structures, such as the prostate gland and the epididymis (a tubular structure behind the testes that transports sperm). These structures can become painful and inflamed, leading to problems with urine flow or a swollen scrotum. In fact, most cases of epididymitis in men under age
35 are caused by an STD, including trichomoniasis. -
You can take steps to prevent trichomoniasis. Only abstinence can completely prevent trichomoniasis. But if you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk with a few simple steps. Learn your partner’s STD history, and always
use a condom. It won’t fully protect you from getting trich, but it will significantly reduce your risk. If you do receive a trichomoniasis diagnosis, notify your partner so he or she can be tested and treated, if necessary. Fortunately, unlike some other STDs, trichomoniasis can be completely cured with a course of antibiotics. In women, a single dose of metronidazole or
tinidazole will destroy the parasite 95% of the time. Men usually need to take a five-day course of the same antibiotics. With prompt treatment, you can stay healthy and prevent the further spread of trichomoniasis.
5 Dangers of Trichomoniasis | Symptoms, Treatment & Complications
What are the complications of trichomoniasis if not treated?
What are the complications of trichomoniasis (trich)? Untreated trich increases your risk of becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you're exposed to the virus. Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS. Women who have trich and HIV are more likely to pass both diseases on to their partners.
What will happen if trichomoniasis is left untreated?
Without treatment, trichomoniasis can cause complications during pregnancy. It also increases the risk of contracting HIV and other STIs and the risk that someone with HIV will pass the infection to others. Epididymitis, prostatitis, and infertility can occur in men who do not seek treatment.
What is trichomoniasis long term effects?
What are the long-term health effects? New research has found a correlation between infected males and increased risk of prostate cancer. In women, trich has been found to increase the risk of HIV infection, AIDS, and cervical cancer.
What happens if you have trichomoniasis for months?
Untreated trich in women can cause:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Premature Birth. Low-birth-weight baby. Chronic UTIs.
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