Trichomoniasis
is an infection of the genitals with a germ
called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Although
both men and women can be infected, women
usually have more symptoms. Common
symptoms include inflammation in and around
the vagina, inflamation of the urine tube
(the urethra), cystitis and vaginal discharge.
Most often,
trichomoniasis is passed on during sexual
intercourse. However, it is also possible
for an infected mother to pass the germ
on to her unborn child.
Symptoms
Common symptoms in women are:
- Itching
and inflammation in and around the vagina
- Vaginal
discharge (this may be yellow in colour,
unpleasant smelling and large in quantity)
- Difficulty
or discomfort when passing urine
- Cystitis
- Discomfort
or pain during sex
- Inflammation
of the urine tube (urethra)
Men often
experience no symptoms at all. If
they do have symptoms, they may include:
- Discharge
from the penis
- Difficulty
or discomfort when passing urine
- Discomfort
or pain during sex
Causes
Trichomoniasis is caused by infection with the
germ Trichomonas vaginalis. This usually happens
during unprotected sex with an infected
partner.
However,
it is also possible for an infected mother
to pass the infection on to her unborn child.
Treatment
Men with
an infection of the prostate can act as
carriers of the infection. If one of a pair
of sexual partners has the infection, both
must be treated. The drug metronidazole
is the mainstay of treatment and is highly
effective.
| 
Trichmonoiasis
