Also known as "trich" (pronounced trik).

Cause

Also considered a sexually transmitted disease, "trich" (caused by the parasite, trichomonas vaginalis) infects primarily the vagina in women and the urethra in men.

Symptoms

Trich often occurs without any symptoms, however, when they do, they usually occur within 4-20 days from exoposure, although can sometimes occur years later. In women, symptoms include a heavy, yellow-green or grey vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, vaginal ordor, painful urination and itching and irritation. In men, a thin whitish discharge from the penis and painful or diffcult urination. However, most men do not experience symptoms.

Diagnosis

Trich is usually diagnosed in women by examining vaginal fluid under a microscope, and in some cases, a PAP smear. In both men and women where the parasite is not revealed under the microscope, a sample fluid may be taken from which the parasite can be grown in culture in the lab.

Treatment

Men can transmit the disease to their partners even when symptoms are not present, so it is preferable to treat both partners. The antibiotic metronidazole is also used to treat Trich as well as many types of BV.

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