Common Genital Infections: Symptoms and Treatments

Trichomoniasis

Caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis parasite.

Signs and Symptoms

• Men: Most men do not have signs or symptoms. Some may experience temporary irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
• Women: Symptoms include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor. The infection may also cause discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the genital area.

The genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis can increase a woman’s susceptibility to HIV infection if exposed to the virus.

Treatment

The antibiotic Metronidazole is used. Symptoms in infected men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment.

Candidiasis

Caused by the fungus (yeast) Candida albicans.

Signs and Symptoms

• Men: Symptoms include red, patchy sores on the penis, severe itching, or a burning sensation while urinating.
• Women: Vaginal burning, itching, and white, cottage cheese-like discharge.

A vaginal yeast infection is not always considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), as Candida may be present in a healthy vagina.

Treatment

Antimycotics (antifungal drugs) such as Miconazole.

Herpes

Caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2.

Signs and Symptoms

Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals.

• The blisters break, leaving painful ulcers (sores) that may take 2 to 4 weeks to heal during the initial outbreak.
• Subsequent outbreaks can appear weeks or months later, but they are almost always less severe and shorter than the first.
• Although the infection remains in the body indefinitely, the frequency of outbreaks tends to decrease over time.

Treatment

There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks while the medication is being taken.