factors like the person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.
The CDC recommends that all women complaining of vaginal infections be tested for trichomonas if they have new or multiple sexual partners.
To test for trichomonas, we start by looking at the vaginal discharge under the microscope, but we now know that we miss the little swimmers about 40 percent of the time by simple microscopy. Most recent lab tests, using a swab of vaginal secretions, are up to 99 percent accurate and are indicated if the microscopy is negative.
The other good news is that Trichomonas is usually easy to treat with simple antibiotics.
However, because it is so contagious, it is important to have all sexual partners fully treated – and then, wait an additional 7 days before resuming sexual contact.
Trichomonas can also live on sex toys, so it is important to thoroughly clean them (the dishwasher is best… but not with your dishes) to prevent reinfection.
Trichomonas is best prevented by maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship and, secondarily, by consistent condom use.
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Men have a lower rate of trichomonas than women and rarely have obvious symptoms of the infection.
When they do, their symptoms may include irritation of the urethra or prostate.
If you have a persistent frothy discharge, see your provider for testing. And make sure you are getting trichomonas testing with your regular STD screening.