Want a super fun and cute way to learn more about STIs? GiantMicrobes are here to entertain, educate, and cuddle.  These plush toys are about 5 inches in height, and represent a number of different sexually transmitted infections.

Each microbe includes a printed card with educational and fascinating facts. A perfect gift for students, scientists, health professionals & anyone with a healthy sense of humor!

This little microbe represents Trichomoniasis ("Trich").  Below is more information about Trichomoniasis, courtesy of our friends at Planned Parenthood.

You may have heard of trichomoniasis, or "trich," but many people are not sure what it is. Trichomoniasis (trick-oh-mo-NEYE-ah-sis) is an infection caused by a protozoan-- a microscopic, one-cell animal called a trichomona. Trichomoniasis is often called "trich." More than eight million Americans are infected with trich every year.

Trich is one of the most common causes of vaginitis.

Often, trichomoniasis has no symptoms. Most people are not aware that they have the infection-- especially men.

When people with vulvas have symptoms, they may have:

• frothy, often unpleasant-smelling discharge
• blood spotting in the discharge
• itching in and around the vagina
• swelling in the groin
• the urge to urinate frequently — often with pain and burning

People with penises rarely have symptoms. When they do have symptoms, they may have:

• discharge from the urethra
• the urge to urinate frequently-- often with pain and burning

If symptoms develop, it may take about 3-28 days.

Trich is easily passed between sex partners. It is spread through vaginal intercourse, sharing sex toys, and mutual masturbation if fluids from one partner are passed to the genitals of the other.

If you already have trich, both you and your partner can be successfully treated with prescription medicine.

Keep in mind that you may become infected again if your partner isn't treated. If you have more than one sexual partner, each partner (and their partners) should be treated, too.

There are several ways to help prevent getting trich or spreading it to other people.

• You can abstain from vaginal and anal intercourse.
• If you choose to have vaginal or anal intercourse, use female or latex condoms every time.
• Inform your sex partner(s) of the infection.
• Have no sex until treatment is complete.
• Be sure your sex partner(s) is/are tested and treated before having sex again to avoid getting trich again.
• Once you are cured and start having sex again, use female or latex condoms every time you have vaginal intercourse.

See more at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/trichomoniasis#sthash.dVrnIEem.dpuf