How do you get it?

By having sexual contact with an infected person.

What is Trichomonas?

Trichomonas is a parasite that causes genital infection. It causes more new infections each year than any other sexually transmitted disease (with the exception of human papiloma virus).

What Are the Symptoms of Trichomonas?

Most infected people - especially, infected women - don't have symptoms, so they can't tell.

Even without symptoms, infected people can pass Trichomonas to every person they have sex with. When people with Trichomonas do have symptoms, they may notice a thin watery vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation, pain during sex and burning when going to the bathroom.

How do you treat Trichomonas?

Trichomonas infection can be treated with oral medication, but the medication often causes side effects. When someone is infected, both the person and his/her sex partners should be treated.

What can I do to avoid being infected with Trichomonas?

Abstinence from sexual intercourse is the only certain way to avoid being infected. If you haven't had sex, your chances of getting Trichomonas are small. Already had sex? Get checked out--and next time, get your facts straight.

If you are involved sexually you need to know the risks...

• Your partner may not know he/she has an STD - 80% infected do not know their condition.

• Your partner may not tell you the truth if he/she has been sexually active in the past.

STDs are not always prevented with condom use:

• some STDs transmit skin to skin

• condoms have a 17% failure rate; that is 1 in 6.

• You can have an STD and have no symptoms for weeks, months, possibly years. STDs are contagious even though no symptoms exist.

• Teens are much more susceptible to STD damage because they have a lower level of antibodies than adults.

• It is extremely important to see a doctor for a checkup if you -- or your partner -- have had a sexual experience outside of marriage even though no symptoms exist.