Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
What is "Trich"?
Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is
one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United
States. Both men and women can get trich, but women between the ages of
16-to-35 years of age are most affected. Two to three million people are
infected with this parasite every year in the United States. Trich is
primarily spread through sexual contact. Although rare, trich may also
be contracted through shared wet towels, washcloths and bathing suits.
Signs and symptoms of trich in women are
a greenish-yellow, frothy vaginal discharge; a foul, fishy odor; vaginal
itching and redness; painful sexual intercourse; pain in the lower
abdomen; and an urge to urinate. Most women who develop symptoms do so
within 6 months of being infected. Discomfort can last weeks to months
if not treated. Trichomoniasis does not typically cause symptoms in
males and can be difficult to diagnose in men. If symptoms do occur, the
most common are discharge from the penis, the urge to urinate and
burning with urination.
An infection with trich can be cured.
Any symptoms should be diagnosed and treated by a health professional.
If a sex partner has been diagnosed with trich, seek medical advice,
even if symptoms are not present. If infected, refrain from sexual
activity until the infection is treated and cured. Inform sex partners
so that they can be tested and treated. Babies born to infected women
may contract trich during delivery and should receive treatment.
Prevent trich by not having sex or by
having sex only with an uninfected partner. Risk can be reduced by
correct and consistent condom use. For more information, call the
Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3440.
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