A nonviral sexually transmitted infection, trichomoniasis affects millions but is easy to diagnose and treat.
Despite widespread awareness around sexually transmitted infections (STI), there remain several that often fly under the radar for most people. Today, we delve into one such infection: trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis.
Trichomoniasis is estimated to be the most common nonviral STI in the world, with around 3.7 million people affected in the United States. It affects an estimated 2.1% of all women and 0.5% of all men in the country. Rates are particularly high in Black women (9.6%) and Black men (3.6%). The majority of infected people have no symptoms at all – and it can be months to years before infections are picked up.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
In women, it can be one of the many causes for an abnormal vaginal discharge that can be associated with itching. In men, it can present with pain or burning during urination, penile discharge, or pain in the scrotum or pelvis. It can also lead to complications in pregnancy, including preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, and babies who are small for their gestational age.
Getting a trichomoniasis infection is associated with increased risk for HIV acquisition as well as pelvic inflammatory disease. It is readily transmitted between partners during sex even in the absence of any symptoms. As with other bacterial STIs, transmission can be effectively prevented using condoms.
Fortunately, it is easy to diagnose trichomoniasis. Traditionally this involved testing a sample by viewing it under a microscope because of low cost and ability to deliver results at bedside. While this remains an option, these days it is also common to test for RNA from samples obtained from a vaginal swab, urine, or pap smears to diagnose infection. Similar testing can also be performed in urine samples from men. Treatment is also straightforward, with either Metronidazole taken for a week in women or a single dose of Tinidazole in men and women.
Meet Your Community Testing Partner
Given how easy it is to test and treat for this common infection, it is important to discuss with your provider about whether you need to consider this testing. Primary.Health makes it easy for public health entities, communities, and other large groups to manage and administer discreet, affordable STI testing at scale, including home-based kits. Contact our testing team today to get started.
Disclaimer: This blog content and linked materials are not intended as individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered as such. Any readers with medical concerns should contact a licensed healthcare provider. This blog is provided for informational purposes only.
