Trichomonas is considered the most common curable STI. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection, but only about 30% develop any symptoms of Trichomonas Infection is more common in women than in men, and older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected.

About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. When Trichomonas does cause symptoms, they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected, but others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go.

Men with Trichomoniasis may feel itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urination or ejaculation, or some discharge from the penis.

Women with Trichomoniasis may notice itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination, or a thin discharge with an unusual smell that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish.

Having Trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years.

Trichomonas can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, Trichomonas can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with the HIV virus, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner.

Pregnant women with Trichomonas are more likely to have their babies too early (preterm delivery). Also, babies born to infected mothers are more likely to have an officially low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds).

It is not possible to diagnose Trichomonas based on symptoms alone. For both men and women, your Parkmed NYC physician must do a check and a laboratory test to diagnose Trichomonas.

Trichomonas can be cured with a single dose of prescription antibiotic medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole), pills which can be taken by mouth. It is okay for pregnant women to take this medication. Some people who drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this kind of antibiotic can have uncomfortable side effects.

People who have been treated for Trichomonas can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated too, and wait to have sex again until all of your symptoms go away (about a week). Get checked again if your symptoms come back.

Using latex condoms correctly every time you have sex will help reduce the risk of getting or spreading Trichomoniasis. However, condoms don’t cover everything, and it is possible to get or spread this infection even when using a condom.

The only sure way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to avoid having sex entirely. Another approach is to talk about these kinds of infections before you have sex with a new partner, so that you can make informed choices about the level of risk you are comfortable taking with your sex life.

If you or someone you know has questions about Trichomoniasis or any other STI, especially with symptoms like unusual discharge, burning during urination, or a sore in the genital area, check in with a Parkmed NYC  and get some answers.