Trichomoniasis also known as ‘Trich’ is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. Millions of people get Trich every year and it spreads really easily during sex.

Symptoms;
Many women with have no symptoms, at least not at first. Common signs and symptoms include:

• An often-foul-smelling vaginal discharge — which might be white, gray, yellow or green• Frequent urge to urinate

Vaginal spotting or bleeding

Genital redness, burning and itching

Pain with urination or sexual intercourseRisk factors include having:

• Multiple sexual partners

A history of other sexually transmitted infections

A previous episode of trichomoniasis

Sex without a condom

Complications

A Trich infection makes it easier to contract other STIs

Genital inflammation caused by Trich also makes it easier to become infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Untreated Infections can result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can result to fallopian tube blockage, infertility and chronic abdominal pain.

Prevention
As with other sexually transmitted infections, the only way to prevent trichomoniasis is to abstain from sex.

However, to lower your risk, use condoms correctly every time you have sex.

 Treatment

Trichomoniasis can be cured easily and quickly with prescription antibiotics (in most cases Metronidazole). Make sure you and your sexual partner(s) are properly tested and treated too in order to avoid reoccurrence of the infection. It is also recommended to avoid sexual contact for a week after you and your partner(s) have been treated. If symptoms continue a week after treatment, please contact your doctor for further assistance.