The sexually transmitted disease trichomoniasis may be much more common among older women than those in their 20s, and researchers are recommending routine screening for sexually active women aged 40 and older.
"We usually think of STDs as more prevalent in young people, but our study results clearly show that with [trichomoniasis], while too many young people have it, even more, older women are infected," said the study’s senior study investigator, Charlotte Gaydos, professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in a university news release.
Trichomoniasis (commonly known as "trich") is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In studying 7,593 U.S. women 18 to 89 years old across 28 states, the researchers found that 8.7 percent tested positive for trichomoniasis, but the STD was more prevalent among older women. Thirteen percent of women 50 and older had the parasite, and women in their 40s trailed closely behind with an 11 percent infection rate, the study found.
"Trichomonas infections are quite treatable with antibiotics," said Gaydos. If left untreated, however, trichomoniasis can lead to severe health problems, such as
pelvic inflammatory disease or complications during pregnancy, such as premature labor.
Infected people may not experience symptoms, which typically include liquid discharge from the vagina or penis, irritation while urinating and genital itching.
Men should also be tested and treated for trichomoniasis to reduce the risk of re-infection, particularly in situations involving multiple sex partners, the authors said.
