Trichomoniasis, although a fairly common sexually transmitted disease (STD), often goes undetected as it may not show any symptoms. Sometimes referred to as "trichomoniasis", trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) found in young women. Caused by a parasite, trichomoniasis can cause smelly vaginal discharge, itching of the genitals and painful urination. Men often have no symptoms. In fact, only 30% of all people infected with trichomonas develop symptoms. Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which is transmitted during sexual intercourse. The parasite is usually transmitted from the penis to the vagina or from the vagina to the penis, but it can also be transmitted from the vagina to another vagina. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina or urethra), while men are most often infected inside the penis. The parasite does not infect other parts of the body such as the hands, mouth or anus. You can reduce the risk of infection by using condoms every time you have sex. However, since condoms do not cover everything, it is still possible to contract or spread trichomoniasis even when you use a condom. In case of trichomoniasis infection, the best way to prevent re-infection is for both partners to undergo treatment.
Risk factors
The following may put you at higher risk of infection : → Multiple sexual partners → History of other sexually transmitted diseases → History of trichomoniasis infection in the past
Symptoms of trichomoniasis
About 70 percent of people with trichomoniasis do not show signs or symptoms. Those who do have symptoms, however, may experience mild irritation to severe inflammation. Generally, it can take from five to 28 days for symptoms of trichomoniasis to appear. Symptoms may also come and go and are different in men than in women. Symptoms in women include:
- Itching, burning, redness or pain in the genitals
- Discomfort with urination
- Thin smelly discharge that may be clear, white, yellowish or greenish
- Unpleasant sensation during sex
- Pain in the lower abdomen in rare cases
Menstruation can make the symptoms worse. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men include:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- Burning after urination or ejaculation
- Secretions from the penis after urination or ejaculation
- Unpleasant sensation during sex
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider cannot diagnose trichomoniasis based on your symptoms alone. For both men and women, a laboratory test is required to diagnose the infection. In men, trichomoniasis can be confirmed through a urine sample. In women it can be confirmed by a sample of vaginal fluid. If you have trichomoniasis, ask your healthcare provider if you should also be tested for other STDs.
Treatment of Trichomoniasis
If left untreated, trichomoniasis can last for months or even years. However, it can usually be treated with a single dose of prescription antibiotics. It is important to remember that even if you have been treated for trichomoniasis, you can still reinfect yourself. In fact, about one in five people become reinfected within three months after treatment. If you are being treated for trichomoniasis, you should not have sex until you no longer have symptoms and all your sexual partners have been tested and treated.
