Some Basics...

• Trichomonas is a very common infection. It is caused by a protozoa.
• It is spread by having sex with a person who has this infection.
• Many men and women have this infection and do not know it. A person can have trichomonas and not have any symptoms.
• Trichomonas can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
• Condoms are the only effective way to prevent STDs during sex.

Symptoms

People can have trichomonas and not have any symptoms.

• Men: Most men will have no symptoms. Sometimes men have mild burning with urination or penis discharge.
• Women: Some women will have no symptoms. Common symptoms are mild vaginal itching and redness, or mild burning with urination. It can also cause a bad-smelling, yellow discharge. Sometimes the discharge may look bubbly or frothy.

What is a Normal Vaginal Discharge?

A normal vaginal discharge is clear or white, thin or thick. It does not smell.

What is an Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?

An abnormal vaginal discharge can mean that there is an infection. Here are signs of an abnormal vaginal discharge:

• Bad-smelling
• Bubbly or frothy
• Yellow or green color
• White, itchy, cottage cheese-like, and no smell (most often a yeast infection)

1. What You Should Know:
   • Trichomonas is caused by a protozoa. It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
   • It is very common. Millions of people get infected with it each year.
   • Antibiotic drugs can treat trichomonas.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. How Is It Spread?
   • Trichomonas is spread by having sex with someone who has it.
   • Some women and many men do not have symptoms when they have it. As a result, it can be spread without either sexual partner knowing.
3. Symptoms:
   • People can have trichomonas and not have any symptoms.
   • Men: Most men will have no symptoms. Sometimes men have mild burning with urination or penis discharge.
   • Women: Some women will have no symptoms. Common symptoms are mild vaginal itching and redness, or mild burning with urination. It can also cause a bad-smelling, yellow discharge. Sometimes the discharge may look bubbly or frothy.
4. How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear after Exposure?
   • Symptoms can appear within 4 days to 4 weeks.
5. Testing:
   • Testing is done on a sample of the vaginal discharge.
   • It may also be found on a Pap smear.
6. Treatment:
   • Antibiotics are needed. A person with trichomonas can spread it until he or she has been treated.
   • Sexual partners should also be tested and treated.
7. Prevention:
   • Remember, using a condom is the only effective way to prevent getting an STD from sex. Condoms can also be used during oral and anal sex to prevent STDs.
   • You need testing and antibiotic treatment if you had sex with someone with chlamydia and did not use a condom.
8. Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
   • If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
   • You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
   • It works best first thing in the morning.
   • Follow all package instructions.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive or you have trouble with the at-home test
   • Burning or pain with urination
   • Any discharge from penis
   • Abnormal vaginal discharge
   • You get worse

1. United States - STD Hotline:
   • American Social Health Association STD Hotline provides information on STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. It can provide referrals to local clinics.
   • Toll-free number (English): (800) 227-8922
   • Toll-free number (Spanish): (800) 344-7432
   • Their website is at: http://www.ashastd.org
2. Internet Resources:
   • American Social Health Association: This website has answers to your questions about sexual health and STDs. It can be found at http://www.iwannaknow.org
   • STD Treatment Guidelines 2010, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC): This can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/default.htm
   • Public Health Agency of Canada: Sexual health facts and information can be found at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/faq_e.html