Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. Trichomoniasis affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women. Trichomoniasis in women may contribute to increased risk of infertility, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm birth, postoperative infection, and may also enhance transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The consequences of untreated trichomoniasis in men include decreased sperm count and movement, increased risk of infertility, chronic pain in the prostate or pelvic region, and increased acquisition and transmission of HIV.
Cause of trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is transmitted through sexual intercourse or genital contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women, but men usually contract it only from infected women.
Risk factors
An increased risk of acquiring trichomoniasis is associated with:
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Being of African descent
- Multiple sexual partners
- Past or present infection with other STDs
- High vaginal pH levels
Symptoms of trichomoniasis
Many women may not experience symptoms, but still have trichomoniasis. If symptoms are present, they usually appear 5 to 28 days after exposure and may include:
- Yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge (often foamy or sticky) with a strong odor
- Irritation, itching, soreness or redness of the genital area
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse and urination
- Lower abdominal pain in rare cases
- Signs that worsen during menstruation
While men with trichomoniasis are usually asymptomatic, symptoms may include genital discharge, irritation and burning during urination. Symptoms in infected men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment. However, an infected man — even one who has never had symptoms or whose symptoms have stopped — can continue to infect or re-infect a female partner until he has been treated.
Incidence and prevalence of trichomoniasis2
- There are an estimated 7.4 million new cases of trichomoniasis annually in the U.S. today, compared with 3 million new cases of chlamydia and 650,000 cases of gonorrhea.
- Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STD in young, sexually active women.
Diagnosis of trichomoniasis
For both men and women, a health care provider must perform a physical examination and laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis. In women, a pelvic examination can reveal small red sores or inflammation on the vaginal wall or cervix. The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women.
Treatment of trichomoniasis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Tindamax® as one of the drugs of choice for treatment of trichomoniasis. Tindamax® has demonstrated cure rates of 92% to 100% in both women and men.1
Both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite and prevent its spread and re-infection.
Trichomoniasis cure rates with Tindamax®1
* Average of 4 studies1-4 with cure rate range of 92-100% at 1 week to 1 month post-dosing.
** Average of 4 studies5-8 with cure rate range of 83-100%.
For more information about trichomoniasis:
- www.trichomoniasis.org
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: call (800) 232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/std
- American Social Health Association: call (919) 361-8400 or visit www.ashastd.org
- www.tindamax.com
Important Safety Information
WARNING: POTENTIAL RISK FOR CARCINOGENICITY
Carcinogenicity has been seen in mice and rats treated chronically with metronidazole, another nitroimidazole agent. Although such data have not been reported for tinidazole, the two drugs are structurally related and have similar biologic effects. Its use should be reserved for the conditions described in INDICATIONS AND USAGE.
Contraindications
- Prior history of hypersensitivity to tinidazole or other nitroimidazole derivatives
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Nursing mothers, unless breast-feeding is interrupted during tinidazole therapy and for 3 days following the last dose
Warnings and Precautions
- Seizures and neuropathy have been reported. Discontinue Tindamax if abnormal neurologic signs develop
- Vaginal candidiasis may develop with Tindamax and require treatment with an antifungal agent
- Use Tindamax with caution in patients with blood dyscrasias. Tindamax may produce transient leukopenia and neutropenia
Adverse Reactions
Most common adverse reactions for a single 2 g dose of tinidazole (incidence >1%) are metallic/bitter taste, nausea, weakness/fatigue/malaise, dyspepsia/cramps/epigastric discomfort, vomiting, anorexia, headache, dizziness and constipation. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mission Pharmacal Company at 1-800-298-1087 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
This material is intended to provide basic information. Patients should discuss all medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment with their healthcare provider.
Please see full Prescribing Information
- Data on file. Mission Pharmacal Company.
