Trichomoniasis , often called trich, is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite . A parasite is a tiny plant or animal that gets nutrients by living off another creature. Trichomoniasis parasites are spread when an infected person has sex with an uninfected person. The infection is more common in women, but men can also get it. Infections usually affect the lower genital tract. In women, that includes the vulva, vagina, and cervix. In men, it most often infects the urethra, a tube that carries urine out of the body.
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STDs. In the United States, it's estimated that more than 3 million people are currently infected. Many people with the infection don't know they have it. This test can find the parasites in your body, even if you don't have symptoms. Trichomoniasis infections are rarely serious, but they can increase your risk of getting or spreading other STDs. Once diagnosed, trichomoniasis is easily cured with medicine.
Other names: T. vaginalis, trichomonas vaginalis testing, wet prep