Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. More than 8 million Americans are infected every year.
Street Name: Trich
How you get it: Through sexual contact with an infected partner.
Symptoms: The symptoms vary according to the sex of the infected individual. Women are subject to discomfort with intercourse, itching near inner thigh area, vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and vaginal odor. Men are subject to burning after urinating or ejaculating, itching or urethra, and slight discharge from urethra.
Treatment/ Relief: The antibiotic “metronidazole” is commonly used to cure the infection. A newer medication, called Tinidazole could also be used as treatment.
Stats: In the U.S, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection, but only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis.
What should you know:
Trichomoniasis occurs the most in women ages 16 to 35. Trichomoniasis is the most common, curable STI.
How does this impact pregnancy?
Pregnant women with untreated Trichomoniasis are at risk for preterm pregnancy and low birth weight.