AEGiS-Miami Herald: 5 things you didn't know about trichomoniasis

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

5 things you didn't know about trichomoniasis

Miami Herald - April 10, 2007
Desonta Holder, dholder@MiamiHerald.com

1. Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease in the United States and worldwide, says Dr. Jane Schwebke, professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. There are an estimated seven million new cases each year.

2. This STD is usually asymptomatic, especially in men. In women, symptoms sometimes include vaginal discharge, itching and irritation. Still, it is often asymptomatic in women, too. "Women go for their annual exam and they think all is fine," Schwebke says, "but the reality is most clinicians will not screen for asymptomatic diseases." If you're sexually active and concerned, ask to be tested.

3. Treatment comes in the form of a single dose of antibiotics, metronidazole or tindamax.

4. 'There are a lot of wives' tales where people still think you can get it from toilet seats and swimming pools," Schwebke says. "99.9 percent are through sexual activity (penile and vaginal, not oral). I don't want to speculate on the .1 percent."

5. Complications associated with trichomoniasis include preterm birth and a risk factor for acquiring HIV if you're exposed to someone with HIV. Left untreated, trichomoniasis may lead to an increased risk of infertility.
070410
MH070405

Copyright © 2007 - Miami Herald. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Miami Herald, Permissions, One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132-1693 TEL: (305) 376-3719. http://www.herald.com.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .