Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is considered the most common curable STD. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection, but only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men, and older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected.

The parasite is passed from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, or urethra), and in men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite is usually transmitted from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis, but it can also be passed from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not, but it probably depends on factors like the person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.

Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with the HIV virus, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner.

Symptoms

About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms

Symptoms in women include

• Yellow-green or gray discharge from the vagina
• Discomfort during sex
• Vaginal odor
• Painful urination
• Itching in or near the vagina

Most men do not have symptoms. If they do, they may have:

• Irritation inside the penis
• Mild whitish discharge
• Slight burning after urination or ejaculation

Test Options

QUAD: Identification in a panel of 4 STI’s

STI-9*: Identification in a panel of 9 STI’s

 *The STI9 test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Caribbean Genetics.  It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or local regulations

Learn more about Trichomonas

http://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/trichomoniasis.html

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/trichomoniasis

http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/trichomoniasis/Pages/default.aspx