| 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.
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