Trichomoniasis: What You Need to Know
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both men and women. A parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis infects the genitals and urinary tract, causing the disease. We will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of trichomoniasis in this blog post.
Causes of Trichomoniasis
Through sexual contact with an infected person, cholorotic infections can be spread. A parasite can live in the vagina, cervix, urethra, or prostate of an infected person, causing inflammation and irritation in these areas. It can be transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex, as well as through genital skin-to-skin contact.
Women are more likely to contract trichomoniasis than men, and older women are more likely to contract it than younger women. African American women are also more likely to contract the disease than white or Hispanic women. People with multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, or other STIs are at higher risk of contracting trichomoniasis.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
Many people with trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms, and may not even know they have the infection. However, some people may experience signs of infection, which can vary depending on the gender and the site of infection.
Women with trichomoniasis may have:
-
White, gray, or yellow vaginal discharge, with an unpleasant smell
-
Vaginal spotting or bleeding
-
Genital burning, itching, redness, or swelling
-
Frequent urge to urinate
-
Pain during urination or sexual intercourse
Men with trichomoniasis may have:
-
Itching or irritation inside the penis
-
A thin white discharge from the penis
-
Pain during urination or sexual intercourse
-
Frequent urge to urinate
The symptoms of trichomoniasis may appear within a few days or weeks after exposure, or they may take longer to appear. It is also possible that they will come and go, or that they will get worse over time. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.
Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis
A doctor will examine a sample of urine or fluid from your genitals under a microscope to look for trichomoniasis. They may need to perform a test called a culture to allow the parasite to grow and be easier to detect. A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which can detect signs of the parasite in the sample, may also be used.
Your doctor may also test you for other STIs, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, because many people with trichomoniasis also have these infections.
Treatment of Trichomoniasis
It is possible to treat cholitis with antibiotics like metronidazole or tinidazole. Your doctor will prescribe you pills to swallow, either one large dose or several smaller doses. These drugs kill the parasite and cure the infection. You should take the entire dose, even if you feel better before you finish.
If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to serious complications, including:
-
Increased risk of getting or spreading other STIs, including HIV
-
Chronic abdominal pain
-
Infertility
-
Fallopian tube blockage due to scars
-
Preterm delivery or low birth weight in pregnant women
-
Infection of the baby during childbirth
Until the infection is cured, you should avoid having sex and ensure your sexual partner(s) is also treated, to prevent reinfection. You should also be tested again after treatment to make sure the infection has been cured.
Prevention of Trichomoniasis
The best way to prevent trichomoniasis is to practice safe sex. This means:
-
Using condoms every time you have sex
-
Getting tested regularly for STIs, and asking your partner(s) to do the same
-
Limiting the number of sexual partners you have
-
Avoiding sex with someone who has symptoms of an STI
-
Treating any STIs you have as soon as possible
By following these steps, you can protect yourself and your partner(s) from trichomoniasis and other STIs, and enjoy a healthy and satisfying sexual life.
