Trichomonads are parasites that are often transmitted through sexual contact. Trichomoniasis can be cured with antiparasitic drugs.
Pathogen and transmission
Trichomonads are parasites that are often transmitted through sexual contact. Other transmission routes are rare but may include the parasites reaching the vagina via the bladder or rectum or being passed on indirectly, facilitated by a moist and alkaline environment. This can very rarely occur, for example, through the shared use of damp fabrics (towels) or through unchlorinated bathwater. Transmission from the mother to the newborn child is also possible.
Clinical picture
The infection often proceeds asymptomatically. Fifty percent of women experience no symptoms, and in men the infection generally progresses without any signs of disease. If symptoms do appear, they manifest as itching, a burning sensation during urination and a sweetly malodorous discharge. An untreated infection can lead to sterility in both men and women.
Frequency and distribution
Trichomoniasis is the most frequent STI, with 5 million new cases per year worldwide. Young people, both men and women, are particularly affected. Trichomoniasis can be cured with antiparasitic drugs.
Prevention
Condoms reduce the risk of getting infected with trichomonads. But an infection is possible despite condom use. It is important to detect and treat an infection early
Therefore:
If you have changing or multiple sexual partners during the same time period, talk to your doctor or another specialist
about sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) and get advice on whether tests may be necessary.
In case of an infection, www.lovelife.ch provides tips on how to inform your partner.
And for everyone having sex:
Because everybody likes it differently: do the personalised Safer Sex Check at www.lovelife.ch.
Last modification 15.02.2022
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Division Communicable diseases
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 463 87 06