Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. but is a relatively unknown and under-served condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 7.4 million new cases of trich are reported annually in the United States, which is greater than the estimated 3 million new cases of chlamydia and 700,000 cases of gonorrhea diagnosed annually.
The consequences of trich can be severe. Trich has been linked to an increased risk of contracting and transmitting HIV in both men and women. Other complications of trich in women include an increased risk of infertility, cervical cancer, infection of the uterus or ovaries, premature birth and infection following surgery. Untreated trich in men can also contribute to a greater risk of infertility, low sperm count and prostate pain.
Because the symptoms of trich can often go unnoticed, it is important to be aware of the potential signs, including:
* Yellow, green or gray vaginal discharge (often foamy or sticky) with a strong odor
* Genital discharge in men
* 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
"Physicians need to be vigilant about testing for trich in patients who are sexually active because they may not experience any symptoms," said Dr. Jane Schwebke, professor of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. "Fortunately, trichomoniasis can be cured with a single-dose therapy in both women and men."
Tindamax (tinidazole tablets) is an FDA-approved, one-day-one-dose treatment for trich. Manufactured by Mission Pharmacal, Tindamax is recommended by the CDC as one of the drugs of choice in the treatment of trichomoniasis.
People seeking more information about trichomoniasis can log on to www.Tindamax.com, a new resource dedicated to educating consumers about trich, related symptoms and treatment options. - NU |
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