Trichomoniasis- Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

How To Reduce Trichomoniasis

Adding to the list of sexually transmitted disease is another common disease called Trichomoniasis. This sexually transmitted disease is usually caused by a parasite affecting both men and women.  The parasite that caused Trichomoniasis is called Trichomonas vaginalis. When treatment id given, this sexually transmitted disease is completely curable.

Causes of Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is typically caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Once the person gets infected, causes of Trichomoniasis are

• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Genital touching
• Sexual intercourse

Listed below are some risk factors for Trichomoniasis

• People having more than 1 sexual partner
• Unprotected sex
• Those prone to other STDS

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

After getting infected, symptoms of  Trichomoniasis may take 2-3 weeks to show up. Some people can be completely asymptomatic without knowing they have contracted the disease. Minor and mild symptoms include irritation, whereas in severe cases, Trichomoniasis can cause inflammation with discharge.

Trichomoniasis affects men and women differently and they have different symptoms.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in females include

• Bad smelling and frothy discharge which is usually green, yellow, gray, white, or colorless.
• Vaginal discharge along with blood.
• Irritation in the genital area.
• Painful urination
• Discomfort during sex
• Lower abdominal pain
• Frequent urination

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in males include

• Discharge from the penis
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Itching in the penis
• Burning sensation while ejaculating

Tests and Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis

Diagnosing Trichomoniasis is easy and usually confirmed by a

• Pelvic exam
• Taking the sample of penis and vaginal discharge and examined under the microscope
• Vaginal swab taken and tested in the lab

The results take about a week to confirm the presence of Trichomoniasis.

Complications of Trichomoniasis

If un diagnosed or untreated, Trichomoniasis can cause several complications such as

Problems in Pregnancy

Trichomoniasis when affects women can cause complications in pregnancy such as

• Rupture of the membrane
• Low birth weight in newborn
• Premature birth

Reproductive tract infections

Several studies have shown that Trichomoniasis can cause reproductive tract infections. Research suggests a link between the HPV virus and Trich which can lead to cervical cancer.

Risk for HIV

A Trichomoniasis infection can put especially women at risk to contract other sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. This is mainly due to decreased immunity, inflammation, and changes in the balance of the vaginal flora.

Treatment for Trichomoniasis

Without treatment, Trichomoniasis can stay in the body for several months or years. The entire duration you are infected, there is a potential risk to pass it on to your partner too.

The most common and effective treatment for Trichomoniasis including pregnant women is a mega dose of tinidazole or metronidazole. Trichomoniasis treatment also includes taking lower doses of these medications are taken for a large duration.

After 2-3 weeks of treatment for Trichomoniasis, the doctor will retest you to check the trace of infection and to rule out if you are re-infected.

Conclusion

Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease which can be easily cured with treatment.  The partners are advised to take the prescribed medication and refrain from sexual intercourse till the infection goes. Trich very rarely causes any long term impact if treated in the right time. If you are diagnosed with Trichomoniasis you need not feel embarrassed as you are not alone. Reach out to your doctor and seek the medical attention right away.