Any infection that spreads through sexual contact is termed as sexually transmitted infections or venereal diseases (VD). Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis, etc are some of the examples of STIs. In this blog, you’ll find information about trichomoniasis disease.
Meaning Of Trichomonas
According to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite transmits from an infected person to another individual via sexual intercourse or shared sex toys. The growth of parasites in females affects the vagina and urethra. Males experience infections in the penis. Trichomonas bacteria can not transfer through hugging, kissing, sitting on similar toilet seats, or sharing towels or dishes. Genital contact is the only path through which bacteria pass.
Trichomonas Parasite
Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic protozoan parasite that causes symptomatic infections in males and females. It is responsible for urogenital infections leading to a frothy greenish vaginal or penile discharge. Preterm delivery, mortality, and severe changes in body weight are the extreme complications of Trichomonas vaginalis. The protozoan lacks mitochondria, essential enzymes, and cytochromes required for its survival. Trichomonas vaginalis causes severe damage to the vaginal lining that makes females susceptible to an HIV infection.
According to the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), only 30% of people report symptoms of trichomoniasis. Others do not report any symptoms. Generally, the symptoms of trich are visible after 7 to 28 days of infection.
Symptoms Of Trichomoniasis In Females
- Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge usually white, gray, yellow, or green
- Itching and burning sensation in the vagina
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Pain while urinating or having sex
- Redness, swelling, and inflammation of the genital area
Symptoms Of Trichomoniasis In Males
- Pain and irritation in the penis
- Frequent discharge from the penis
- Pain and burning sensation while urinating or ejaculating
- Pain and discomfort while urinating
- Frequent urges to urinate
Who’s At Risk?
Individuals who have multiple sexual partners are at a greater risk of acquiring trichomoniasis. Any person with a history of other sexually transmitted infections is more likely to acquire trichomoniasis. Sexual intercourse without condoms makes the person prone to catching the parasite. Previous trichomoniasis transmissions make a person more susceptible to develop trichomoniasis.
Treatment For Trichomoniasis
Antibiotics such as metronidazole and tinidazole are helpful to treat trichomoniasis. Avoid drinking alcohol awaking antibiotics for trichomoniasis as it may lead to severe nausea and vomiting. Individuals should get tested if their sexual partners have been diagnosed with trichomoniasis. Above all, avoid any type of sexual contact until the infection is treated.
Complications Associated With Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis can cause severe damage to the vaginal lining making females more susceptible to an HIV infection. Similarly, trich can also lead to other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, and chlamydia. If left untreated, it may cause pelvic inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, it may block the fallopian tube due to scar tissue. Trichomoniasis can also cause infertility and severe pelvic pain. A pregnant woman who is infected with trich may deliver a premature child or child having a lower weight. The child may also acquire trichomoniasis through the birth canal. However, the condition is rare.
Prevention Of Trichomoniasis
To prevent trichomoniasis, it is advisable to use latex condoms. For instance, condoms help to prevent the transfer of parasites through the genital fluid by covering either the cervix (female condoms) or penis (male condoms).
Douching is a method in which females clean the vagina with vinegar and water. Females use douching to change the vaginal odor. Females must avoid douching as douching can leach out healthy and helpful bacterias.
Effective communication is required with sexual partners about history, other sexual partners, and potential risk of any STI. Therefore, limit the number of sexual partners as having multiple sexual partners amplifies the risk of catching an STI.
Testing Of Trichomoniasis
Vaginal fluid is collected from females to detect the presence of the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. In addition, a urine sample is taken from males. The samples are tested under an electron microscope to detect whether the parasite is present or not. Rapid antigen tests and nucleic tests are also for testing trichomoniasis.
Conclusion
Trichomonasvaginalis is an anaerobic protozoan parasite that causes a sexually transmitted infection named trichomoniasis. The parasite transmits from an infected person to another individual via sexual intercourse. In addition, the signs and symptoms associated with trichomoniasis in females include the presence of unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge, itching and burning sensation in the vagina, vaginal bleeding, vaginal pain while urinating or having sex, and redness, swelling, and inflammation of the genital area. The symptoms in males are penile discharge, frequent urges to urinate, discomfort while urinating, and having coitus. Therefore, people must get tested.
