Trichomoniasis (Green Discharge)

What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).

It is cause by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis also known as “Trich” or “TV”

It lives in moist, dark parts of the body .

How do you get Trichomoniasis?

You can catch Trichomoniasis if:

• You have unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who already has the infection.
• You are giving or receiving oral sex with someone who has Trichomoniasis
• You are sharing sex toys that aren’t washed or covered with a new condom each time they’re used.

Even if you have had Trichomoniasis before, you can still catch it again.

You can’t get Trichomoniasis from kissing, hugging, sharing baths or towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or from sharing cups, plates or cutlery.

What are the symptoms of Trichomoniasis?

The most common symptoms in women are:

1.) A change in the colour or smell or amount of discharge from the vagina . An unusual vaginal discharge which may be yellow, grey or green frothy discharge with foul or fishy odor.

2.) Pain when passing urine

3.) Pain during sex

4.) Vaginal redness or itchiness, or both

5.) Lower abdominal pain or tenderness.

Learn more about symptoms of other Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Most males with “trich” do not have symptoms so they do not get treated.

That’s why it’s common for men to re-infect their partner(s).

Do I need any tests?

Yes.

A sample from the genital area is needed to make the diagnosis

Firstly, Your doctor will do an internal examination of your vagina and cervix (entrance to the womb ).

Subsequently, Your doctor will take a swab from the vagina or cervix (neck of the womb) and send it to a laboratory where it will be tested for Trichomonas vaginalis.

If you have Trichomoniasis, you should also be tested for other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and chlamydia, gonorrhea as you can have more than one infection at the same time.

What is the treatment for Trichomoniasis?

Treatment is simple.

Trich is treated with a course of antibiotic tablets.

Occasionally a second course of antibiotics is needed if your symptoms don’t go away.

 

Should I have sex if I have Trichomoniasis?

You should avoid any sex, even with a condom, until after both you and your partner have finished all your treatment and you are reviewed by your doctor .

What are the possible complications of Trichomoniasis?

 Yes, A woman with untreated “trich” can develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

This can cause abdominal and pelvic pain.

It can also lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).

You may have an early (premature) delivery and your baby may have a low birth weight.

Learn more about our Pre-Conception Package for couple.

 

Do I need to tell my partner?

Trichomoniasis is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Because of this, your sex partners should be checked and treated, if needed, even if they do not have symptoms.

(This article is written by Our Guest writer Dr Mastura Shahrum)

Take care gals!

Dr. Mastura Shahrum