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HEALTHY WOMAN
WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Don't be tricked by "Trich" By Heather Shannon, MS, CNM, WHNP, MPH
H
ow many of you have heard of “trich” or trichomoniasis? I am sure many of you have not. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 2019, “trich” is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States that affects 3.7 million persons annually. According to our New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), trichomoniasis is the number one cause of vaginal infections and is spread through sex. It affects both men and women. However, most men do not show symptoms and therefore do not receive treatment making it very difficult to slow the spread of this STI. Unfortunately, 70 to 85 percent of infected persons have minimal to no symptoms, according to the CDC, making this a very difficult infection to treat and stop the spread. What is “Trich”? Before we go any further, we need to learn more about the trichomoniasis. It is a small protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), Figure 1. It is passed through sexual contact by either penis to vagina sex, vagina-to-vagina sex, penis to anus sex or through oral sex. It thrives in moist, dark environments like the vagina, urethra, rectum, penis or throat. Interestingly, older women are more likely to become infected than younger
women are. Scientists are not sure why this occurs, but suspect overall health plays a role. As we age, our immune system weakens and we are more prone to chronic health conditions. How do I know if I have ‘Trich’? As previously mentioned, over 70 percent of people do not have signs or symptoms. However, those that do have symptoms might have itching, burning, redness, green/yellow/gray foamy discharge with a strong fishy odor from the vagina. Some will have lower pelvic pain, pain with urinating or pain with sex. Unfortunately, these symptoms are similar to common, nonSTI infections like yeast or bacteria. If you have new or unusual symptoms, you should see your women’s health care provider for evaluation. A culture or sample of your discharge will be obtained and evaluated in the office or sent to the lab or both. It is recommended that you have cultures done with your annual GYN exam visit, regardless if you are in a monogamous, longterm relationship or actively dating. Remember, approximately 30 percent of people will have symptoms, where 70 percent will not. Is Trich curable? Yes, it is! You and your partner(s) will be treated with oral Metronidazole (Flagyl) or Tindazole in one single oral dose.
Quality Care That’s Close To Home Offering gynecology services including annual exams, birth control, cancer screening and problem visits.
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315-598-4740 The Center at Fulton
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Pictured left to right are: Lisa Sousou, PA, Dinah Olson, PA and Heather Shannon, NP.
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Helping People. Supporting Communities. Changing Lives. April 2020
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