Trich Is Most Common STD, Yet Most Women Unaware, New Survey Shows
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Trichomoniasis (trich) is the most common curable sexually transmitted Infection (STI), yet only one in five (22%) women are familiar with it, according to a new survey commissioned by the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA). Women surveyed perceive trich as the least common STI, when in reality there are more new cases of trich annually in the U.S. (7-8 million) than syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea combined.
"Trich is the forgotten STI – few are aware, and few know it is easy to get tested and treated," said ASHA President and CEO Lynn B Barclay. "Yet trich poses risks to a woman's health, many of which can be prevented with a simple, easy and painless test and cured with a dose of antibiotics."
Trich is a parasite that is passed on during sex. Only about 30 percent of people with trich develop any symptoms, which in women can include itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination, or a thin discharge with an unusual smell that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish. Trich can also make sex unpleasant.
The CDC recommends that any sexually active woman seeking treatment for vaginal discharge should be tested for trich. However, 65% of women surveyed would not seek medical attention if they experienced unusual symptoms, instead waiting to see if the symptoms go away or treating themselves with over-the-counter medicine.
Pregnant women with trich are more likely to have preterm or low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds) babies. Trich also increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Among women surveyed who were concerned about contracting an STD, nearly half (49%) worry about trich increasing their risk of HIV.
ASHA recommends that women encourage their partners to get tested, as 1 in 5 people can be reinfected within three months of treatment. "Women – treat your man. You could be at risk for trich even if you have only one sexual partner," said Barclay. "Trich is often symptomless and can last for many months, meaning a person can be infected before meeting their current partner." According to the survey, 63% of women cite having only one sex partner as a reason they would not get tested for trich.
"Bottom Line: Testing for trich is simple, easy, and painless. Trich can be easily cured. If you have symptoms, seek medical attention and get tested for trich." Barclay adds, "Preventing STIs is a key aspect of sexual health. Being able to communication with our partners and health care providers is essential."
The survey was conducted on behalf of the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) via an online panel by Research Now, an independent research company. Interviews were conducted between January 28th – February 2nd, 2013 among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 female respondents between the ages of 18 and 50.
For more information on trich and other sexually transmitted infections, please visit http://www.ashastd.org.
About ASHA
The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1914 to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities, with a focus on educating about and preventing sexually transmitted infections. ASHA's educational web sites include: www.ASHAsexualhealth.org, www.iwannaknow.org (for teens and young adults), and www.quierosaber.org (Spanish language site).
SOURCE American Sexual Health Association
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