Trichomoniasis

The most common curable sexually transmitted disease

Trichomoniasis (commonly referred to as "trich") is the most common, curable sexually transmitted disease in the world. It is also one of the three most common vaginal infections in women.

According to the World Health Organization's annual estimates, there are an estimated 7.4 million trichomoniasis cases each year in the United States, with over 180 million cases reported worldwide.¹ And the actual number of people infected with trichomoniasis may be much higher than this—according to the Center for Disease Control, the most commonly used diagnostic test is only 60-70% sensitive.²

Trichomoniasis is caused by a one-celled parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomoniasis affects both women and men. The most common location of infection in women is the vagina, and in men it is the urethra. In women, the symptoms of trichomoniasis may include yellow-green vaginal discharge, fishy odor, pain during urination and sexual intercourse, and genital itching or irritation. Men usually do not show trichomoniasis symptoms, but some may experience discharge from the penis or burning during urination or ejaculation.

A growing body of data implicates trichomoniasis as a contributor to other health complications in both women and men. In women, trichomoniasis has been associated with herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) acquisition and it has been associated with a two-fold increased risk of cervical neoplasia. Women infected with trichomoniasis have also been shown to have a significantly higher rate of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) than uninfected women. In men, trichomoniasis may cause nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) and chronic prostatitis. In both women and men, trichomoniasis is a risk factor for HIV and contributes to infertility.

In most cases, a prescription oral medication—either tinidazole or metronidazole—will cure trichomoniasis. Topical creams, gels, and ointments do not cure trich.