What You Need To Know about Trichomoniasis…
Here’s the Who, What, When and Why low down on this STI
Who:
Every year, nearly 9 million people under the age of 25 get a new STI (sexually transmitted infection). One of these infections is trichomoniasis. If you’ve had sex, you could have an STI.
What:
Trichomoniasis is a very common STI. It is caused by a parasite. You get it from having sex with an infected person.
When:
When you have sex with an infected person you are at risk of getting trichomoniasis. Although most infected people have no obvious symptoms, they can still pass on trichomoniasis. However some people do have symptoms, if you have symptoms they could include itching or a discharge from the penis or vagina, a burning sensation while urinating, and pain during sex.
Why:
Why get checked for trichomoniasis? One reason is that using a condom does not mean you are 100% safe. If you always use condoms for vaginal sex, you may reduce your chance for getting trichomoniasis, however how much your chance is reduced is not known. Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics.
Both you and your partner must be treated. If you don’t know you’re infected, you won’t be looking for treatment. If you have had sex, get checked. Don’t put it off.
What You Can Do
Avoid sexual activity if you are single. Why choose a lifestyle of abstinence? To avoid being infected with trichomoniasis and other STI’s of course.
Abstinence from sexual intercourse is the only certain way to avoid being infected. If you have had sex, do yourself a favor and
get checked out!
How We Can Help
Here at Care Net Frederick, we offer FREE and confidential STD/STI testing!
*Call to set up your free appointment at 301-662-5300 or email us via our website contact page.
The Medical Institute (2007). Trichomoniasis, get your facts straight [Pamphlet]. (N.P.) Austin, TX.
To see The Medical Institute references, view or purchase this pamphlet, please visit
www.medinstitute.org.
