-Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a one-celled protozoan called trichomonas. This is an extremely common cause of vaginal infections. Trichomoniasis is also known as trichomonas vaginitis, trichomonas vaginalis or sometimes trich (pronounced "trick").

-Usually confined to the vagina, this organism also can invade the urinary tract and cause cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). Trichomonas can also be severe enough to cause an abnormal Pap smear - from which the organism also can be detected - and can recur. Although trichomonas can cause small red lesions on the cervix, it does not invade the uterus or fallopian tubes, nor does it affect fertility.

-In males, it is usually asymptomatic which means males will most likely have no symptoms of it although if not treated for it, they can pass it back to their partner or to other women who will then have symptoms.

-Symptoms for women include a foul odor of the vagina, greenish-yellow discharge, painful sex or urination, small red lesions in the cervix.

-Trichomonas is treated with one dose of 2,000mg Flagyl (metronidazole), it is then usually cured although you are not able to have sex for 7 days or drink alchol for 3 days prior to taking the meds. If your partner is not cured of it, do not have sex with them until they have taken the meds also otherwise you will get reinfected.

http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/84/main.html

Also, the anchored thread has information about Trichomoniasis posted. http://forum.myredbook.com/dcforum2/health/2104.html#6

Cheers,
- blue thrills

"bluethrills is the current RB champion of Name That Porn"
~ Estella (respected RB sister)

What Is It?
Trichomoniasis, nicknamed "trick," is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a microscopic one-celled organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis can cause vaginal infections in women and inflammation of the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) in both sexes. In pregnant women, Trichomonas infections also can increase the risk of premature rupture of the membranes and preterm delivery.

Trichomonas is passed from an infected person to his or her partner during sexual intercourse without a condom. Currently, Trichomonas infections affect approximately 3 million women in the United States each year. Men can pass the infection on to their sexual partners, but they rarely develop symptoms themselves.

Symptoms

In women, Trichomonas organisms can live in the vagina for many years without causing symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include:

A yellow-green, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Vaginal pain or itching
Irritation and inflammation around the vaginal opening
Vaginal pain during sexual intercourse
Burning discomfort during urination

In rare cases there will be discomfort in the lower abdomen. Symptoms may be worse during a menstrual period. Although men usually have no symptoms, they occasionally can have irritation and inflammation at the tip of the penis, discomfort during urination, and a discharge from the end of the penis.

Diagnosis

Once you describe your symptoms, your doctor will check your vagina and/or urethra for inflammation and abnormal discharge, and perform a pelvic examination. During the exam, he or she will collect a specimen with a swab, and send it to a laboratory to be examined. Trichomoniasis can be diagnosed by viewing the parasite under the microscope, or by culturing it in the laboratory. Because people with Trichomonas infections have a higher-than-average risk of getting other STDs, your doctor also may perform tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV.

Expected Duration

Without treatment, Trichomonas infections can persist for years.

Prevention

Because trichomoniasis is an STD that can be transmitted during sexual activity, you can help prevent infection by:

Not having sex
Having sex with only one uninfected sex partner
Consistently using male latex condoms during sexual intercourse.
Treatment

Trichomonas infections are best treated with an oral medication called metronidazole (Flagyl, Metryl). Although metronidazole gel is also available, it is not as effective as medication taken by mouth. To prevent becoming infected again, all sex partners of an infected person must be treated. Pregnant women should not take metronidazole during the first trimester of pregnancy, so an alternative medication should be used, or else treatment should be delayed until later in pregnancy. In people who drink alcohol, metronidazole can trigger cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches and flushing. To prevent these problems, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking metronidazole and for three days after you stop taking the drug.

When To Call A Professional

If you are a woman, call your doctor whenever you have vaginal discomfort or an abnormal vaginal discharge, especially if you are pregnant. If you are a man, call your doctor whenever you have redness or discomfort around the end of your penis.

Prognosis

Oral metronidazole cures trichomoniasis in 90 percent to 95 percent of cases. If the condition is not cured, it is often because the infected person's sex partner has not been treated and continues to transmit Trichomonas.