Trichomoniasis Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention And Treatment

Trichomoniasis : A parasite is the cause of the common sexually transmitted disease (STI) known as trichomoniasis, also referred to as t richotillomania or trich . It is transferred from person to person during intercourse. The bacterium can infect both the vagina and urethra in females and the urethra in men. It is treatable and curable, mainly by taking antibiotics.

What is Trichomoniasis?

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in Females

• Unusual vaginal discharge, which can be thick, thin, frothy, and yellow-green, has an unpleasant smell.
• Tenderness, swelling, and itching around the vagina
• Occasionally, the inner thighs may experience an itching sensation.
• Pain or discomfort during urination or sexual activity.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in Males

• Irritation or itchiness in the penis
• Pain during or following ejaculation
• Discharge from the penis

Causes of Trichomoniasis

• Penile-vaginal or vaginal-to-vaginal sexual relations
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Skin-to-skin contact of the genitals without ejaculation

Risk Factors for Trichomoniasis

• A history of other STIs
• Several sexual partners,
• Prior transmissions of
• Engaging in sexual activity without using protection, such as a condom

Complications of Trichomoniasis

• It may increase your chance of contracting or transferring other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Trichomoniasis seems to facilitate infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
• Women with trichomoniasis who are pregnant may give birth prematurely and transmit the infection to the baby.
• The disease can increase the risk of prostate or cervical cancer.

Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis

• Physical exam: It could involve a pelvic exam or checking the genitals. During this check, the doctor can collect a sample of your discharge. Your cervix may appear strawberry-shaped, which is an indication of Trich.
• Lab test: To look for indications of infection, the specialist examines, under a microscope, a sample of your vaginal or penile discharge.
• Antigen test: When the parasite is present, antibodies bind and change colour.
• Culture: This is done by storing the sample for a few days and allowing the parasite to increase and become more visible under a microscope.
• NAAT: Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are used to identify parasite symptoms.
• Other STIs: Since many people with trich also have gonorrhoea or chlamydia, your doctor may test for other sexually transmitted infections.

Treatment of Trichomoniasis

• A single metronidazole prescription cures up to 95% of males and should be recommended for seven days for females.
• After stopping the course of medication, you shouldn't have any sexual activity for a week to allow the drug to eradicate the infection and eliminate the symptoms. Re-infection might result from having intercourse too soon.
• For the first 72 hours after taking tinidazole or the first 24 hours after taking metronidazole, avoid drinking any alcohol. Severe nausea and vomiting may result from it.

Prevention of Trichomoniasis

• Use condoms during intercourse.
• Regularly be tested for STIs, including trich.
• Get treatments if you have tested positive for trich or other sexually transmitted diseases.
• If you think you may have trich, get your sexual partners also tested and treated.
• Have a single sexual partner and maintain a monogamous relationship.
• Don't have too many sexual partners.