Trichomoniasis is an infection of the vagina and sometimes the lower urinary tract in women and the lower urinary tract in men caused by the flagellated protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a sexually transmitted infection. The incubation period is 4-20 days with average being 1 week.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

In women: Vaginal discharge, usually yellow-green, and odor; swelling and itching of the vulva and vagina; symptoms are usually worse immediately after menstruation and during pregnancy. In men: Men are frequently aymptomatic; may have burning with urination and urethral discharge.

DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

Treatment of this infection is with an oral antibiotic, metronidazole. Metronidazole (Flagyl) interacts with alcohol and the use of alcohol must be restricted when taking this medication. Sexual partners should be treated and patients should be instructed to avoid sex until they (and their partners) have completed the antibiotic and are asymptomatic. Pregnant women may be treated differently. Follow-up is not usually necessary.

Adapted from Clinical Guidelines in Family Practice, edited by Uphold and Graham, 1998