Curable STDs - Infections

Trichomoniasis III

6. How is it treated?
In the male, the symptoms of trichomoniasis may disappear by themselves within a few weeks, even without treatment. However, since he remains infected, he can still infect a female partner during vaginal intercourse. In any case, one the disease has been found, both males and females should be treated in order to avoid repeated infections back and forth (“ping pong” infections). The treatment involves special oral medication that must be taken exactly as prescribed.

7. How can it be prevented?
Obviously, the best prevention is to avoid sexual contact with an infected person. However, since most males and many females infected with trichomoniasis have no symptoms, this advice is more easily given than taken. Unless a couple is certain that neither of them is infected, a condom should be used. If used correctly and consistently, it offers good protection. Females should wear cotton underwear and avoid clothing that can trap moisture close to the vagina.

Estimated new cases of trichomoniasis among adults in 1999 (in millions)

	Female	Male
North America	4.29	3.90
Western Europe	5.52	5.09
North Africa & Middle East	2.25	2.35
Eastern Europe & Central Asia	6.75	6.36
Sub Saharan Africa	16.19	15.93
South and South East Asia	36.36	40.06
East Asia & Pacific	4.61	4.91
Australia & New Zealand	0.32	0.29
Latin America & Caribbean	9.50	8.79
Total	85.79	87.68

Source: WHO, Dept. of HIV/AIDS, 2001