Trichomonas is a protozoan, which is a tiny germ, similar to bacteria. It infects the
           genital area, the vagina and urethra in women, and the urethra and sometimes the
           prostate gland in men. The infection does not usually go further into the body and so
           does not tend to be as serious as other sexually transmitted infections. 

        What are the symptoms of a trichomonas infection?

            Women

                A yellowish green vaginal discharge is common. The discharge be 'frothy'
           ( bubbles in it),  and  usually has an unpleasant or fishy smell.

           The vagina and vulva may be itchy and uncomfortable. The irritation may
           extend into the groin. 

           Sex may be painful. It may be sore when you pass urine.

            No symptoms occur in up to half of infected women.

            Men

            Yellow discharge from the penis is common, and often stains underwear.

             It may be sore when you pass urine, and sometimes frequent urination occurs.

             No symptoms occur in up to half of infected men.

       How does trichomonas infection occur?

           Trichomonas infection is usually passed on by having sex. As no symptoms may
            occur in both men and women who are infected, you can pass on the infection
            without realizing it.

       What are the possible complications with trichomonas infection?

           Pregnancy -  If you have untreated trichomonas infection during pregnancy,
           you have an increased risk of having a premature labor and a baby with a low birth weight.

            In men, trichomonas infection can rarely cause prostatitis (an unpleasant infection
            of the prostate).

      HIV -  If you have untreated trichomonas infection, you have an increased
       risk of developing HIV infection if you have sex with someone who is infected with HIV.

        How is trichomonas infection diagnosed?

            It is important to get the correct diagnosis as the same symptoms can be caused
            by a number of different infections.

            Vaginal cultures or penile culture are normally sent to the laboratory to be tested.

            Trichomonas is often seen on routine pap smears.

            A sample of urine from men may also show the infection.

      What is the treatment for trichomonas infection?

        An  antibiotic called metronidazole is the common treatment. Most infections are
        treated with a short course of metronidazole tablets. However, main points to note
        about metronidazole include:

        The usual dose is 500 mg twice a day for 5-7 days. A single dose of 2 grams is an
        alternative, although this may be less effective and may cause more side-effects.

        Some people feel sick, and may vomit when they take metronidazole. This is less
         likely to occur if you take the tablets straight after food.

         A metallic taste is also a common side-effect.

         Do not drink any alcohol while taking metronidazole, and for at least 48 hours after
         stopping treatment. The interaction with alcohol can cause vomiting and other problems.

         Breastfeeding: metronidazole can get into breast milk, but is not thought to affect
         breastfed babies. However, to play safe, the standard 7-day course with the lower
         dose is preferred so as a baby does not get a large dose. If it is essential to use the
         large 2-gram single dose then it should be taken after the last breastfeed of the evening,
         at the start of the overnight breastfeeding break, to limit exposure to the baby. 

       Does my sexual partner need treating?

          Yes. Even if they do not have symptoms. You and your partner should be treated
          at the same time. You should not have sex until you have finished treatment, and
          symptoms have gone.

        Some other points about trichomonas infection

          After you are treated, you may get the infection back if your sexual partner was not
          treated, or if you have sex with a new partner who has the infection.

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