Trichomoniasis

An estimated five million people contract trichomoniasis each year in the United States.

From the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association

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What Is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a common vaginal infection caused by a parasite. Infection with trichomoniasis may increase your risk of HIV transmission. During pregnancy, trichomoniasis may cause premature delivery or low birth weights.

How Is It Spread?

Trichomoniasis is spread through genital sex.

What Are the Symptoms?

Most people infected with trichomoniasis experience no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include abnormal discharge, vaginal odor or itching (women), pain during urination, or lower-abdominal pain (women).

How Is It Diagnosed?

Visit your health-care provider or a family-planning clinic and ask to be tested.

How Is It Treated?

Drugs are available to treat trichomoniasis. In men, the symptoms may disappear without treatment, but they are still infectious. Sexual partners must be treated at the same time.

How Can I Protect Myself?

Use a latex condom correctly each time you have sex.

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