Trichomonas Vaginalis

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What Is Trichomonas Vaginalis STD?

Trichomonas vaginalis STD is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Trichomonas (trich) vaginalis parasite. Trich is a common and curable STI in Denver and other parts of the country, spread in semen and vaginal fluids. Both men and women can carry trich, often without knowing they have it. Having this infection can increase a person’s risk of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, if left untreated.

Trichomonas Vaginalis STD Symptoms

One reason this STD is so common is that 70% of carriers don’t have symptoms. They have sex without realizing they have an STI that they can pass to a partner.

Symptoms in Men

Symptoms in men are rare. If they do exist, they might include:

Froth-like discharge from the penis
Burning after ejaculation
Painful urination
Itching inside the penis

Symptoms in Women

Symptoms in women are more common. They would include:

Vaginal discharge that is yellow or green; it might have a foamy texture and a foul odor.
Irritation at the opening of the vagina
Itching at the opening of the vagina
Discomfort during intercourse
Pain during urination

Dangers & Risks to Know About

The inflammation caused by this infection can increase the risk of other STDs, particularly in women, including HIV. Having trich during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, such as pre-term birth and low birth weight. The infection might also pass on to the infant

There is some indication that trich in men can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Further studies are necessary to prove there is an association.

Fact or Myth: Trichomonas Vaginalis Can Be Dormant

Fact: It can be dormant in the body, presenting no symptoms.

Trichomonas Vaginalis Statistics to Know

Prevalence

There is a high prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis STI globally. In 2020, the World Health Organization reported 156 million new cases in people aged 15-49. It is the most prevalent nonviral STI in the Mile High City and worldwide.

There are approximately 2.6 million cases of STIs in the U.S. Around 2.1% of the female population in Denver, Colorado, and other areas of the country have this STI, and .5% of males. The majority of cases have no or minimal symptoms.

Healthcare Costs

Trichomonas vaginalis costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated 24 million dollars each year. For Denver residents, the key to keeping costs down is early detection.

Trichomonas Vaginalis Screening & Testing in Denver

Screening

There is no universal recommendation for screening for this parasite. Testing is necessary for those who are symptomatic or at risk of infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines list at-risk individuals as those who had a partner who tested positive for the infection, women in correctional facilities, women with multiple sex partners, or who are sex workers, or those with a history of STIs or drug use.

Testing

Testing involves a wet mount sample of vaginal or penile fluid analyzed under a microscope. In some cases, a nucleic acid amplification test using a vaginal or endocervical swab, urine sample or urethral swab is necessary. This is the most sensitive test available. Antigen tests can provide more rapid results, though.

Test Menu

In Colorado, you can order a Trichomonas vaginalis test or a test for multiple STDs without a provider’s order. Learn more about ordering your own STD testing online. Because so many STDs have similar symptoms, consider a 10-STD panel test, which can detect 10 of the most common STIs. We use PCR testing for all STDs. It is the most reliable, with an accuracy of 99%. With this methodology, we can provide same-day results

Treatment for Trichomonas Vaginalis

Is Trichomonas Vaginalis Curable or Treatable?

Trichomonas vaginalis infections are curable. Treatment is an antibiotic to kill the pathogen. The typical option is metronidazole or tinidazole. Women take the drug for up to seven days, while men require just a single dose in 95% of cases.

When getting treatment, it is essential to treat all partners to avoid passing the parasite back and forth every time you have sex. You should abstain from all sexual activity for at least a week and be retested in three months to ensure the infection is gone. One in five people with this infection sees reinfection within three months.

Prevention is critical to keeping the spread of trich contained in large cities like Denver, Colorado, especially during those three months, or if you have multiple sex partners. You should use condoms for each encounter. If you do have multiple partners, get tested routinely to prevent recurring infections that put you at risk for other STDs.

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