Trich

• Trichomoniasis (trick-oh-mon–EYE-ah-sis) is more commonly referred to as trich (pronounced trick) or trichomonas.
• Trichomoniasis is a condition caused by a protozoan — a microscopic, one-cell animal.
• It is a common cause of vaginal infections.
• Up to five million Americans develop trichomoniasis every year.
• It can weaken the immune system, making it easier to get other infections, like HIV.

You get Trich by having sex, bathing or sharing towels with an infected person

Women may have no symptoms, but when they do, they may include:

• Large amounts of greenish discharge with a foul odor.
• Itching in and around the vagina.
• Spotting
• Abdominal pain
• Urinating more often than usual, often with pain and burning.
• Painful intercourse.
• Symptoms may get worse after a period.

It can take from 3-28 days for symptoms to develop.

Men rarely have symptoms at all, but when they do, they may include:

• Unusual discharge from the penis.
• Painful urination.
• Tingling inside the penis.

It can take from 3-28 days for symptoms to develop.

Trichomoniasis is detected with a medical test. A sample of fluid is taken from the penis or vagina and viewed under a microscope. When you come in to our clinic, we will give you lots of information, answer all your questions and give you a complete exam that can detect trichomoniasis and other problems you might have.

Yes. Prescription antibiotics will do the trick. But you must always be sure to take them exactly as prescribed, because incomplete treatment can make any infection even worse. Douches will not kill trichomoniasis and may cause someone to get treatment too late to keep the disease from spreading. During treatment you must stop having sex until you’re cured and the same goes for your partner. This will help keep you from getting reinfected or spreading the disease to someone else.

• Not having sex is the best way to protect yourself from any sexually transmitted infection.
• If you do decide to have sex, plan your sexual relationships safely and responsibly. Have sex with only one partner who will only have sex with you, and always use a condom.
• If you think you may be infected, don’t have sex at all until you are tested and get the results. And be sure whoever you have had sex with gets treated too.
• Condoms offer good protection against trich.
• Spermicide may help kill the trichomonads.

Call us at West Suburban Teen Clinic if you have any questions about trichomoniasis or any other topics that affect teens and young adults. We are here to help.