Trichomoniasis, also known as "Trich" is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects about 7.4 million men and women in America each year. This STD is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trich is most commonly found in women and uncircumcised men. Trich is the most common curable STD in sexually active men and women to this date. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the reproductive organs and the urinary system  genitourinary system.)  In men, the most common site of infection would be the urethra and the urinary tract. In women, the most common site of infection would be the vagina. In uncircumcised men, the most common site would be the tip of the penis.

Trich is one of the most common STD's caused by a parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite can live in the urinary and reproductive system of males and females. Trich is spread sexually by penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner, especially if not using any form of protection. It is more common for females to get the disease from an infected male or female than it is for a male to get it from an infected female/male. The Trichamoniasis parasite cannot live long enough on inanimate objects and surfaces to be spread from person to person.

The most logical way to prevent a trichomonas infection or any other STD is sexual abstinence.  If that is impossible, then avoid having sexual activity with more than one partner or with someone who has more than one partner. This will reduce the risk of contracting any STD including Trich. Also, the proper and consistent use of a latex condom or a female polyurethane condom also decreases the risk of contracting any STD's.  Women should not douche after having sexual activity, as this can actually increase the risk of contracting STDs. This is because douching can actually change the natural flora of the vagina and possibly flush bacteria higher into the genital tract increasing chance of STD.

Symptoms usually appear in women between 4 to 28 days after sexual activity with an infected person. However, 50% of women are asymptomatic (have no symptoms) when developing a trichomonas infection  and never get treatment. Usually if left untreated for six months, women then start developing some of the symptoms listed below including:

* Vaginal discharge ranging in color from gray to green to yellow.

* Foul odor, smells fishy.

* Sourness, tenderness, and itching if the genital area.

* Pain during urination.

* Uncomfortable during sexual intercourse.

* Itching or soreness of the labia and inner thighs.

* Swollen labia.

It is important to properly educate adolescent females so that they understand that the normal female discharge is usually clear or whitish and has no odor. Males who have trichamoniasis have the tendency to remain asymptomatic for a longer period than females.  Men who do seek treatment, typically do so because of an infected partner, not necessarily because they have any symptoms. Men who do show symptoms of trichomoniasis sometimes experience:

* Urethral itching.

* Burning after urination or ejaculation.

* Urethral discharge, frothy or pus-like.

* Painful/ difficult urination.

* Inflammation of the prostate gland.

The doctor will determine whether it is Trichamoniasis by giving a pelvic or genital examination and by testing a sample of vaginal or urethral discharge. Sometimes a doctor will detect trichomoniasis or other STD's  through a Pap smear.  Trichomoniasis can be treated with prescription medication and both sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if one is asymptomatic.