Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can infect both men and women and is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. Trichomoniasis is the most prevalent non-viral STI worldwide, and it is estimated to infect over 180 million people each year.
In many cases, trichomoniasis does not cause any symptoms, but it can sometimes lead to a variety of health problems, including vaginal itching and irritation, painful urination, and discharge. In men, trichomoniasis can cause inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In both men and women, trichomoniasis can increase the risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV.
While trichomoniasis can be easily treated with antibiotics, it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. If you think you may have trichomoniasis, it is important to see a doctor to get tested and treated.
What is Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny parasite.
- Common STI
- Caused by parasite
- Spread through sex
- Can cause symptoms
- Can lead to health problems
- Easily treated with antibiotics
- Important to get tested and treated
- Preventable with condoms
Trichomoniasis is a curable STI, but it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. If you think you may have trichomoniasis, it is important to see a doctor to get tested and treated.
Common STI
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, which can be passed from person to person through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- Easily spread: Trichomoniasis is very easy to spread. It can be passed from person to person even if the infected person does not have any symptoms.
No vaccine: There is no vaccine available to prevent trichomoniasis. The best way to protect yourself from infection is to use condoms every time you have sex. Common in both men and women: Trichomoniasis can infect both men and women. In women, the parasite typically infects the vagina, while in men, it usually infects the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Often asymptomatic: Many people with trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat the infection.
Trichomoniasis is a curable STI, but it is important to get tested and treated if you think you may be infected. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to a variety of health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) in men. Trichomoniasis can also increase the risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV.
Caused by parasite
Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite is a protozoan, which means it is a single-celled organism that is neither a plant nor an animal. T. vaginalis is found in the vagina of women and the urethra of men. It can also be found in the mouths of both men and women.
T. vaginalis is spread through sexual contact with an infected person. The parasite can be passed from person to person through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread through sharing sex toys. Trichomoniasis is not spread through contact with blood, urine, or feces.
Once inside the body, T. vaginalis attaches itself to the walls of the vagina or urethra. It then multiplies and causes inflammation. This inflammation can lead to a variety of symptoms, including itching, burning, and discharge.
In some cases, trichomoniasis can also lead to more serious health problems. In women, trichomoniasis can increase the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection of the female reproductive organs. In men, trichomoniasis can increase the risk of developing prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland.
Trichomoniasis is a curable STI. It is important to get tested and treated if you think you may be infected. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to a variety of health problems.