Trichomonas vaginalis is a microscopic parasite. Trichomonas spreads through sexual activity. An infection with Trichomonas vaginalis is more common in women who have had multiple sexual partners. The infection can be asymptomatic or exhibit typical symptoms such as foul-smelling or frothy green discharge from the vagina, vaginal itching or redness. In men, Trichomonas is usually asymptomatic or may be presented as discharge of the urina, and/or the urge to urinate. The symptoms of a Trichomonas vaginalis infection appear about 4-28 days after exposure. The infection is treatable by antibiotics in both sexual partners at the same time. If all sexual partners are not treated, it is possible to be reinfected.
On the other hand, vaginal yeast infections are caused in most cases by the fungal organism called "Candida albicans". Candida is a wide spread organism that is normallly found in the vagina, mouth, digestive system or on the skin. Yeast infections usually appear when the environment, i.e. the vagina, hosts certain favorable conditions for growth of the candida such as: use of antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, or use of estrogen in birth control pills. During vaginal candidiasis, the yeast infection is not considerd a sexually transmitted disease. Nonetheless, about 10-15 % of men who have sex with a women infected with a yeast infection will develop symptoms of candida infection such as itching and penile rush. The usual treatment of repeated yeast infection includes vaginal cremes. Yeast infections may be often repeated. A Gynecologist or primary health care doctor can be consulted for treatment alternatives and more information about vaginal infections.