Trichomoniasis (Trich) Trichomoniasis (trich) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by microscopic parasites. Unlike crabs and scabies, an infestation of trich is difficult to detect because there are often no symptoms and when symptoms do appear they tend to be very mild. Symptoms are particularly hard to detect in men. Trichomoniasis is usually spread through sexual contact but it can also be spread through less conventional ways. Am I at risk for getting Trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis can be passed through the following ways: • Having vaginal sex • Through infested toilet seats, saunas, wet towels or washcloths. The infection can survive on these surfaces for only a few hours. Trichomoniasis cannot be passed through casual contact with someone who has it. It can only be transmitted through the ways listed above. How can I avoid getting Trichomoniasis? If you are sexually active and engaging in any of the listed risk activities, you are at risk for contracting trichomoniasis; however, there are ways to reduce the risk. You can . • Talk about safer sex with your sex partners • Use a condom every time you have vaginal sex • Avoid sharing unwashed towels and washcloths, when possible • Avoid having sex with your partner if they are currently experiencing a trich infection. Wait until the infection is gone. How do I know if I have Trichomoniasis? As with many of the bacterial STIs, trichomoniasis can be very hard to detect. Often people become carriers of the infection without even realizing they have it. Trich often has no symptoms at all but it will not go away on its own without treatment. Approximately 50% of women with trich have no symptoms. If symptoms do appear you may experience one or more of the following: In women: • Pain during or after sex • Pain when urinating • Vaginal itching or an unpleasant odour • A new or unusual discharge from the vagina In Men: • Slight discharge from the penis • Redness or irritation at the top of the penis • Pain while urinating How can I get a test for Trichomoniasis? You can get tested for trichomoniasis at your doctor’s office, walk-in clinic or sexual health centre. While trich can sometimes be discovered through a pap test, STI testing is not a routine part of a regular pap test. If you wish to be tested for trich, you need to specifically request a test. There are sexual health clinics located throughout Canada. The Canadian Federation for Sexual Health has several members that provide both testing and treatment. The services provided are confidential and youth friendly. To find a member close to you: http://cfsh.ca/ppfc/find.asp How is the test for Trichomoniasis done? Testing is sometimes done through an examination of penile or vaginal discharge. A swab may be taken and sent to a lab for testing to confirm a diagnosis. Trich can also sometimes be detected through a pap test. How is trichomoniasis treated? Unlike the other infestations, trichomoniasis is treated with a single dosage of antibiotics. Any sexual partners you have need to be tested and treated as well. The re-infection rate for trich is very high so it is important for your partner to be treated, even if there are no symptoms present. What happens if I get Trichomoniasis and don’t get treated? If trichomoniasis is not treated, the following complications may occur: In women: • In very rare cases trichomoniasis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease PID (an infection of the reproductive organs including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries). This can lead to an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that develops in the fallopian tubes) or infertility (inability to get pregnant) • If a pregnant woman is infected with trich and chooses to parent, the baby can be born prematurely or with a low birth weight.