Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis ("trich") is a
genital infection caused by the organism Trichomonas vaginalis. The
symptoms of trichomonas vary widely. In women, infection may produce vaginitis, with a
vaginal discharge which may be yellow-green in color and foul-smelling.
Itching and burning may also be present. Many women are infected
without symptoms. Men may not have symptoms and may act as carriers of
the infection. In some cases, men may experience a discharge from the
penis and discomfort when passing urine.
The infection is spread
through sexual contact with an infected
person. STD testing for trichomoniasis usually involves a specimen swab that can be obtained
from the vagina in women and from the urethra in men. A specimen of
urine can also be submitted to the lab. Trichomonas is treated with
antibiotics.
One note about the video above: Dr. Alderete describes Trichomonas as the number one sexually transmitted disease in America, while most sources decribe Chlamydia as the number one sexually transmitted bacterial disease in this country. These two statements are not mutually exclusive, as Trichomonas is not a bacteria. Trichomonas is considered the most common of all curable STD's, while Chlamydia is considered the most common bacterial STD.
