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Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Trichomonas

Care at Home
  1. How is trichomonas transmitted?
    • Trichomonas is spread by sexual intercourse (vaginal).
    • Some women and many men do not have symptoms when they are infected. As a result, trichomonas can be passed along with neither sexual partners knowing that it is occurring.
  2. How long does it usually take for symptoms to appear once one is exposed?
    • The incubation period is 4 days to 4 weeks.
  3. How can I get tested for trichomonas?
    • Inspection of a sample of the vaginal discharge under the microscope.
    • May also be found on a Pap smear.
  4. Is there treatment for trichomonas?
    • Antibiotic therapy is needed. A person with trichomonas is contagious until he or she has been treated.
    • Sexual partners should also be evaluated and treated.
  5. STD National Hotline
    • The CDC National STD Hotline provides information on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. Specialists can provide general information, referrals to local clinics, and written materials about STDs and disease prevention.
    • Toll-free number (English): 1-800-227-8922
    • Toll-free number (Spanish): 1-800-344-7432
    • Visit the website: www.ashastd.org/NSTD/
  6. Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any doubt about the possibility of pregnancy, then obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
  7. Call your doctor IF:
    • Pregnancy test is positive; or if you have difficulties with the home pregnancy test.
    • Discharge from penis or unusual vaginal discharge.
  8. IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
  • American Social Health Association
    • "Answers to your questions about teen sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases"
    • Visit the website: www.iwannaknow.org
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2002. MMWR. 2002; 51(RR-6):1-80.
  • Public Health Agency of Canada
  1. Symptom Description
  2. Should I Call?

Adult Housecalls. Copyright © 2001-2008. David Thompson, M.D.
Reviewed/Modified: Jan. 2008 by Intermountain Healthcare, Inc.


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