Signs and Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Signs and Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sonically menacing STD. Most people don’t know how to pronounce this disease –– let alone if they need to look out for it. Indeed, trichomoniasis (or “trich” from here on) is a relatively unknown STD. This is surprising considering the fact that according to the CDC, it’s the most common curable STD. In fact, more than 3.5 million people currently have it. If you’re worried you might have trich, or you’re just hearing about it for the first time now, then consider this your guide to dealing with this disease. Here are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis:

How is Trichomoniasis Spread?

In the practical sense, trich is almost always spread one way: through vaginal sex. Indeed, trich gets its name from the active pathogen involved in its transmission, trichomonas vaginalis. Unlike other STDs, trich usually won’t persist on the hands, mouth, or anus (though exceptions to this rule can and do occur). As such, any form of vaginal sex can potentially expose the participants to trich transmission (from penis to vagina, vagina to penis, and in some cases, vagina to vagina).

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Most people never know they have trich. Men in particular almost never experience any symptoms at all. This is largely because the infection exists within the male urethra; sometimes men with trich may experience a burning sensation during urination and occasionally discharge from the penis. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to contract trich and experience some of the symptoms associated with it. Typically, trich can manifest outward symptoms in any of the following ways:

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Blood within vaginal discharge
• Itching or pain in/around the genitals
• Pain during urination
• Pain during sex

Health Risks Associated with Trichomoniasis

On its own, trich normally won’t present a great health risk for those who’ve picked it up. Nevertheless, that’s not to say it’s completely harmless. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can increase your risk of contracting another STD –– including HIV. Also, trich can cause birth complications like premature birth for expecting mothers who are infected.

Treating Trich

Trich is neither a bacterial nor a viral infection –– rather, it’s a parasite. As gross as that sounds, it’s actually good news for those worried they may have trich. That’s because trich can usually be cured very simply. Thankfully, most people who receive treatment for trichomoniasis are cured within a week –– though it’s worth noting you can get trich more than once.