Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection that leads to an increased risk of other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. The disease is caused by a single-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The infection occurs more often in women than in men, and those affected are usually older. In women, the infection most often affects the lower half of the genital tract – the vulva, vagina, cervix or urethra. In men, the infection is most often observed in the penis itself – the urethra. During sex, the parasite usually spreads from the penis to the vagina or vice versa. It can also spread from one vagina to another. Symptoms of trichomoniasis may appear within a month or may not develop at all. Regardless of the absence of symptoms, however, transmission of the infection occurs during sexual contact. The complaints observed in trichomoniasis are not strictly characteristic. In women, symptoms may include the appearance of an unusual vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin, foamy and yellow-green in color. In some affected, a larger amount of secretion is released, which is often the cause of the appearance of an unpleasant odor. There may be soreness, swelling and itching in the area around the vagina, and in some cases itching is also observed on the inner thighs. Pain or discomfort during urination or intercourse is also common. In men, complaints of trichomoniasis can be pain during urination or ejaculation, the need to urinate more often, the presence of a thin white discharge from the penis, as well as the appearance of soreness, swelling and redness around the head of the penis or the foreskin. Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis usually occurs during unprotected sex. For the disease to appear, it is not necessary for the affected person to have many sexual partners. Anyone who is sexually active can be affected and transmit the infection. Trichomoniasis cannot be transmitted through oral or anal sex. Also, infection cannot develop as a result of kissing or hugging, sharing cups, plates or eating utensils, as well as from toilet seats. The best way to prevent trichomoniasis is safe sex. Untreated patients with trichomoniasis very rarely improve spontaneously. For this reason, drug therapy is recommended, which includes antibiotic treatment prescribed by a specialist. References: https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichomoniasis/