Adolescent Trichomoniasis
Adolescent Trichomoniasis, also known as trich (pronounced "trick"), is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that impacts both males and females.
What is Adolescent Trichomoniasis?
If your teenager is sexually active, they may be at risk of contracting trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is carried in sexual fluids and can be passed to and from both males and females.
In females, the infection affects their lower genital tract, including the vagina. In males, the infection affects their urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body). Trichomoniasis does not typically spread to other parts of the body, and stays in the genital tract.
In pregnant women who have trichomoniasis, their baby is more likely to be born preterm (early) and have a low birth weight.
What are the signs and symptoms of Adolescent Trichomoniasis?
Many times, a person with trichomoniasis does not have any symptoms. Even if a person does not have any symptoms, they can still pass the infection to others. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they may range from mild to severe.
Female symptoms
Discharge from vagina (can be tan or greenish and have thin or thick consistency)
Discomfort, bleeding or pain during sex
Itching or burning around the genitals
Soreness or itching of the labia (folds outside of the vagina) and inner thighs
Strong vaginal smell
Swollen labia
Tenderness of genital area
Male symptoms
Burning after urination or ejaculation
Discomfort or pain during sex
Discharge from penis
Inflammation of the genital region
Itching or irritation of genitals
Swollen prostate gland or testicles
Tenderness of the penis and testicles
How is Adolescent Trichomoniasis diagnosed?
Typically, a pelvic exam is performed in the office where a swab of the vaginal secretions can be cultured and/or looked at under a microscope.
What are the causes of Adolescent Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis that is found in or near a woman’s vagina and in a male’s penis. It is spread through sexual contact from penis to vagina, vagina to penis, or vagina to vagina. It doesn’t normally infect areas like the anus, hands or mouth.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors that increase the chance of getting trichomoniasis:
Being sexually active – Those that are sexually active have a greater risk of contracting trichomoniasis. Further, the more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to get trichomoniasis. Being with a partner that has had multiple partners also increases your risk.
Weakened immune system – Immune systems can be weakened by HIV/AIDS, immune-suppressing medications (organ transplants) or other reasons.
How is Adolescent Trichomoniasis treated?
Trichomonas is treated with oral medication that your doctor can prescribe.
Adolescent Trichomoniasis Doctors and Providers
