'Trick' is certainly no treat for those infected with it

Diana Jones, OB/GYN, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

BSU Women’s Center

What is Trichomoniasis?
Nicknamed "trick," this is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by microscopic one-celled organisms. Trick can cause vaginal infections (in women), as well as inflammation to the tube draining urine from the bladder (in both men and women). In pregnant women, it can also increase the risk of the bag of water breaking early and also preterm delivery.

What are the symptoms?
In women, trick can live in the vagina for many years without causing any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include: a yellow-green, foul-smelling discharge; vaginal pain or itching; irritation and inflammation at the vaginal opening; and burning when urinating.

Sometimes, you can even have discomfort in the lower abdomen, and symptoms tend to be worse during a period. Men usually have no symptoms, but can sometimes have irritation and inflammation at the tip of the penis, a burning or tickling sensation with urinating, and discharge from the end of the penis.

How is it diagnosed?
A sample of the discharge can be taken either from the vagina or the tip of the penis, and if you're a woman, a pelvic exam might be done. The discharge is looked at under a microscope, and trick can easily be seen. Because people with one STD are more likely to have another STD, other tests may need to be done (such as tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV).

How is it prevented?
Because trick is transmitted during sex, ways to prevent it are: not having sex; having sex with only one person; and using latex condoms during sex.

What is the treatment?
Without treatment, trick can last for years. Treatment is usually an oral medication called Flagyl (the generic is Metronidazole). Flagyl is also in a gel, but isn't as effective. All partners must be treated since it is sexually spread. If you're pregnant, you cannot take this medication until after three months of pregnancy. Flagyl, if taken when you drink, can cause cramps, nausea, severe vomiting, headaches, and flushing, so you will be told to absolutely not drink any alcoholic beverages during the time you're on the medication and for three days after you stop. Oral medication usually cures trick 90 – 95 percent of the time. If not, it's usually due to your sexual partner not being treated and therefore continues to transmit the infection.

When do I call my doctor?
If you're a female, call as soon as you have vaginal discomfort or an abnormal discharge, especially if you're pregnant. If you're a male, call if you have redness or discomfort around the end of your penis.

Diana Jones, is a OB/GYN and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at the BSU Women’s Center, managed by Cardinal Health System. For more information contact info@chsmail.org.

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