Trichomoniasis is defined as a vaginal infection caused by a sexually transmitted parasitic organism. Another name for Trichomoniasis is Trich. Trich is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a single cell protozoan parasite with a whip-like tail that it uses to propel itself through the vaginal and urethral mucus. This disease is found worldwide. In the United States the highest incidence is in women between 16 and 35 years of age. Trich is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women. An estimated 5 million new cases occur each year in women and men. This protozoan cannot survive in the mouth or rectum, and therefore it can only be transmitted through penis to vagina intercourse or vulva to vulva contact with an infected partner. Trich can also be spread during mutual masturbation and by sharing sex toys with other people. Trich can be transmitted by a wet infected washcloth but it is very unusual, but it can happen because trich may survive for hours in moist environment. .
The symptoms in men are quite different in women. In men the infection is often without symptoms and clears spontaneously in a few weeks. Men with symptoms may experience mild urethral itching or discharge; mild burning after urination or ejaculation, and, on occasion may develop Prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection.
Women develop a frothy, foul smelling, green-white or yellowish vaginal discharge, sometimes with bleeding. The volume of the discharge may be large. Itching may occur on the labia and inner thighs and the labia may appear swollen. Trich symptoms can also include painful and frequent urination, vulvovaginal swelling, and discomfort during sexual intercourse, and abdominal pain. Figures show that it is a frequently encountered infection. More than half of all females with gonorrhea also have trich. Frequently, individuals with one diagnosed STD have one or more additional sexually transmitted infection.