Trichomoniasis
Definition
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Alternative Names
Trichomonas vaginitis; TrichCauses
Trichomoniasis is found worldwide. In the United States, the highest number of cases are seen in women between age 16 and 35. Trichomonas vaginalis cannot survive in the mouth or rectum, and therefore must be transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner.
The disease can affect both men and women, but the symptoms differ between the two groups. The infection usually does not cause symptoms in men and goes away on its own in a few weeks. In some cases, a man might have burning, itching, or a discharge. Occasionally, some men with trichomoniasis may develop prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection.
Women with trichomoniasis have a itching and a heavy, foul-smelling, green-white or yellowish vaginal discharge.
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