¤ It is estimated that up to one in five sexually active women will contract trichomona during her lifetime.

Trichomona is caused by a tiny animal called a trichomonas vaginalis, and is transferred through receptive and insertive vaginal intercourse. The germ normally takes up to 28 days to incubate, and can show very obvious symptoms. In women, the symptoms are:

• A smelly, frothy discharge- color may vary from light gray to a yellowish-green.
• Vaginal and vulval irritation
• Inflamed cervix, vagina, and opening to the vagina.
• Itching, burning, redness, and painful sexual activity.
• In real bad cases, thighs may become raw and infected, and the conditions may worsen during pregnancy or during the menstrual cycle.

Trichomona is very easily passed from vagina through secondary contact (when a body part or object touches the genitals of an infected person, and then touches the genitals of a non-infected person, and transfers the disease). Having trichomona makes you more vulnerable and susceptible to other sexually transmitted diseases.

Trichomona can be treated orally with an antibiotic called metronidazol, but it is important to avoid genital contact during treatment. This will aid healing, and help to prevent transmission.