Trichomoniasis (sometimes referred to as Trich) the second most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) and is caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreads during sexual intercourse with someone who already has the infection. Trichomoniasis typically infects the vagina in women. It is the least common form of vaginitis and comprises 3% to 5% of all vaginitis infections.
Symptoms occur only when the body's natural defense are swamped by the sheer number of reproducing trichomonads and the white blood cells cannot cope. The symptoms are normally vulvar and vaginal burning and itching. The burning is normally at its height after intercourse. In addition, there may be vulvar swelling and frequent and uncomfortable urination. There is a heavy vaginal discharge, usually yellowish or green, which may or may not have an offensive smell.
To tell if you have trichomoniasis, your doctor or nurse will do a pelvic exam and lab test. During the pelvic exam, your doctor may be able to see small red sores inside the vagina or on the cervix. Your doctor will also take a fluid sample from the vagina and look for the parasite under a microscope or send the sample to a lab for analysis. Other techniques, like a vaginal culture can also be used for testing.
Trichomoniasis can cause babies to be born early or at a low birth weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that women with trichomoniasis who have symptoms should be treated, but women without symptoms do not need to be treated. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, many experts feel that women shouldn't take metronidazole because it may hurt the baby. However, most doctors feel that metronidazole can be given safely after the end of the first trimester.
Trichomoniasis is usually easily diagnosed and while the infection can be uncomfortable, it is not usually a serious threat to overall health.
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