Dear PooOnShu,

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is passed by exchanging fluids through vaginal intercourse, sharing sex toys, and mutual masturbation (if fluids from one partner are passed to the genitals of the other). Many women have no symptoms, and men rarely do. It takes three to 28 days for symptoms to appear. They include

• a frothy, musty smelling discharge



• bloody spotting in the discharge



• itching in and around the vagina



• a need to urinate more frequently than usual

Trichomoniasis is one of three infections that can cause vaginitis (the other two are candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis). For more information on vaginitis or any of these infections, check out the related links below.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.