Signs of Trich
Trichomoniasis, sometimes known as "trich," is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (often referred to simply as Trichomonas). The parasite can be passed through vaginal intercourse or through vulva-to-vulva contact and does not thrive in other areas like the mouth and rectum, according to Medline Plus.
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Symptoms in Women
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Both men and women can be infected with the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, but women develop symptoms more commonly than do men, according to Medline Plus. The symptoms of trichomoniasis in women include pain while having sex; itching of the inner thighs, vagina and vulva; swelling of the labia; discharge from the vagina that may be green-yellow and frothy or foamy in appearance; strong or foul odor from the vagina; discomfort in the lower abdomen; and feeling the need to urinate, according to Medline Plus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC reports that symptoms in women often develop suddenly during or after a period. Some women with trichomoniasis do not have symptoms; when symptoms do develop, they generally start between four and 28 days after infection.
Symptoms in Men
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Symptoms of trichomoniasis are uncommon in men. When they do develop, they may include a burning feeling with urination or ejaculation, itching and discharge from the urethra and feeling the need to urinate, according to Medline Plus and the CDC.
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Complications
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Some men who have trichomoniasis may develop inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) or epididymitis, inflammation of the tube connecting the testicle to the vas deferens. Women may develop abnormal cells in the cervix that may show up on a Pap smear, according to Medline Plus.
To avoid complications and passing the parasite onto others, people who develop symptoms of trichomoniasis should seek medical treatment. Treatment for trichomoniasis is simple and effective. Drugs used to treat trich include metronidazole and tinidazole; Medline Plus recommends avoiding sex until treatment is over and encouraging sex partners to get treated as well.
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