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What Is It |
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A parasitic infection of the genital area. |
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How Many Get It |
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As many as 5 million new cases each year. |
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Signs |
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Often there are no symptoms, especially in men. Some women notice a frothy, smelly, yellowish-green vaginal discharge, and/or genital area discomfort, usually within 4 days to one month after exposure to the parasite. Men may notice a discharge from the penis. |
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How It's Spread |
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Through unprotected vaginal intercourse. |
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Treatment |
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Antibiotics can cure the infection. Both partners have to be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth, and need to abstain from unprotected intercourse until the infection is gone. |
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Possible Consequences |
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Increased risk for infection of other STDs, including HIV. In women, trich can cause complications during pregnancy. Also, it's common for this infection to happen again and again. |
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| Photo: Scott Houston, Corbis Sygma |
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