Trichomoniasis

Estimated number of new cases each year in the U.S.: 7.4 million
Statistics: Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI in young, sexually active women.
Caused by: The single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis
Symptoms: Most men do not have symptoms. Most women do have symptoms, including a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor and irritation and itching of the female genital area.
Transmission: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that is spread through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women, whereas men usually contract it only from infected women.
Treatment: Cured with the prescription drug metronidazole given by mouth in a single dose.
If Untreated: In pregnant women, untreated trichomoniasis may cause premature rupture of the membranes and preterm delivery. The genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis might also increase a woman's risk of acquiring HIV infection if she is exposed to HIV.
Risk Reduction:
  • Use latex barriers correctly every time you have sex.
  • Limit the number of sex partners, and do not go back and forth between partners.
  • Practice sexual abstinence, or limit sexual contact to one partner you know is not infected.
  • If you think you are infected, avoid sexual contact and see a health care provider.

Source for information on this page: CDC Division of STD Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/dstdp.html