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What Is Trichomoniasis?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated November 12, 2010

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Definition: A usually sexually transmitted disease caused by protozoan called trichomonasis vaginalis. Can also be passed to newborns during vaginal birth by infected mothers. Although rare, transmission is also possible in tap water, hot tubs, urine, on toilet seats, and in swimming pools. Often there are no symptoms; however when symptoms do appear in women they may be mild symptoms or symptoms such as vaginal irritation and/or vaginal itching, vaginal inflammation,painful sexual intercourse; and thin, yellowish or greenish to white, odorous vaginal discharge. May cause vaginitis. Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl) is the recommended treatment.
Alternate Spellings: trichomonas
Common Misspellings: trick, tricomonas, trickomonass, trikomoanasis, trichomonasis

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