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Trichomoniasis, a disease of the genitourinary tract, inarguably is the most common curable STD that mostly affects the young, sexually active women. Although it also affects men, the cases however are uncommon. The most common site of infection in men is the urethra while for women the most common site of infection is the vagina. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 180 million new cases that occur each year for both women and men, 7.4 million in America alone.
The disease is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The organisms may take an amoeboid shape after association to the vaginal epithelium but are usually pyriform in shape. The single organism is quite larger (9X7 mm) than a white blood cell and is projected from the anterior portion of the cell by four flagella. The parasite is primarily transmitted through direct sexual contact and can even be spread through mutual masturbation as well as sharing sex toys. Although infection can continue for long periods in females and less than 10 days for males, generally the incubation time is between 4 and 28 days. Anecdotal evidence claims that asymptomatic infection may perhaps persist for months or even years in most females.
Tags: about stds, Learning About Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Prevention, std facts, Trichomoniasis
