What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomonas Vaginalis is a parasite that causes the sexually transmitted disease Trichomoniasis.  The STD is found worldwide and in the US has the highest number of cases in women between the ages of 16 and 35.  The infection can be spread through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact.  Trichomoniasis cannot survive in the mouth or rectum.

This STD can affect both women and men, but the signs and symptoms differ between the two genders.  In men the infection usually does not cause symptoms and will go away on its own in a few weeks.

Symptoms

Women

• itching in the inner thighs
• vaginal discharge
• discomfort during intercourse
• vaginal itching
• vaginal odor (strong smell)

Men

•  itching of the urethra
• small discharge from the urethra
• burning during or after urination or ejaculation