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Two Trichomoniasis vaginalis under a microscope

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Trichomoniasis, or Trich, for short, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. In 2018, there is an estimated 2.6 million infections in the United States alone

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Common symptoms for Trich in women may include:
* Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals
* Irritation when peeing
* A clear, white, greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge when a fishy smell

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Symptoms for Trich in men includes:
* Itching or irritation of the penis
* A burning sensation after peeing or ejaculation
* Persistent or recurring urethritis, with a thin milky discharge
* Possible prostate infection

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Like many other STDs, Trich can be easily prevented by wearing contraceptives such as condoms and getting tested before having sexual intercourse

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Anyone and everyone can possibly be infected by trichomoniasis, even neonates

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Trich can be spread through sexual contact without the proper protection, such as not wearing a condom. The infection in women is commonly found in the lower genital tract while in men, it is most commonly found inside the penis

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Trich can easily be cured with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider and it is also safe for pregnant people. Although easily cured, 1 in 5 people can be reinfected within three months after receiving treatment. To prevent this, the person's partner should also receive treatment at the same time.

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A pregnant women with Trich can spread to the neonate in the birth canal and generally results in a low birth weight in the baby (less than 5.5 pounds)

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Long term effects of untreated trichomoniasis can lead to the co-infection with HIV, which can ease into the transmission of AIDS

Long term effects in men include prostate cancer, chronic UTIs, bladder infections, swelling of the urethra, and infertility

Long term effects in women include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), premature pregnancy, susceptibility to HIV, and chronic UTIs as well

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Although there are millions of infections of Trich, only about 30% of them develop any symptoms. Infections is also more common in women, even more so in older women and those who were previously infected

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* Cirino, Erica. “Trichomoniasis in Pregnancy: How to Treat It and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 5 Nov. 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/infections-trichomoniasis#if-youre-pregnant.
* “Std Facts - Trichomoniasis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 Apr. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm.
* “CDC - Trichomoniasis Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Apr. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stats.htm.
* Ivanova, Lora. “What Will Happen If Trichomoniasis Is Left Untreated?: Mylab Box™.” MyLAB Box™ - At Home Wellness Tests & At Home Health Testing, 5 Sept. 2019, https://www.mylabbox.com/trich-left-untreated/.
* Talaro, Kathleen P., and Barry Chess. Foundations in Microbiology. McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.