Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This results in an infection in the vagina and, sometimes, in the urethra in males. It is typically transmitted sexually.
Signs and Symptoms
Women
There may be no symptoms, but if present, they may include:
- changes in vaginal discharge, which may increase, become thinner, frothy, or yellow/green and develop a moldy/fishy odor.
- pain, inflammation, and itching inside and around the vagina.
Men
Often, there are no symptoms, but if present, they may include:
- discharge from the penis, which may be thin and whitish and can stain underwear.
- pain or a burning sensation during urination.
How Trichomoniasis Spreads?
Trichomoniasis can be acquired through:
- penetrative sexual contact (when the penis enters the vagina, anus, or mouth) with someone who has the infection.
- using shared wet towels, jacuzzis, or hot baths where the parasite can survive.
Sexual transmission is extremely rare.
Where to Seek Help:
- Your local health center.
- Your own doctor.
Tests for Trichomoniasis
- Examination of the genital area by a doctor or nurse.
- Samples are taken from the vagina or urethra using cotton or a sponge-tipped swab.
- Women may undergo an internal pelvic examination, while men have an external examination of the testicles and penis.
- Urine samples may be collected.
None of these tests should be painful, but there may be some discomfort.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Samples taken during the examination are examined under a microscope to check for any infection. In some clinics, the result is immediately available. A second sample may be sent to a laboratory for examination, and the result is usually available within a week.
Sometimes trichomoniasis is detected during a routine cervical smear (PAP smear/culture).
The treatment is straightforward. You will be prescribed antibiotic tablets. If you are allergic to any antibiotic or if there is any chance you might be pregnant, it is important to inform your doctor.
It is crucial to complete any course of treatment. If the treatment is interrupted, you may need to start over from the beginning.
Follow-up
Always return for a check-up after completing the treatment to ensure that the infection has cleared.
You should not engage in penetrative sexual contact (when the penis enters the vagina, mouth, or anus) until you return to the clinic and receive approval from the doctor.
Because it is possible to have trichomoniasis without showing symptoms, your partner may carry the infection without knowing it.
It is essential, if you have trichomoniasis, that both you and your partner receive treatment. Once trichomoniasis is successfully treated, it rarely recurs unless you are re-infected.
Complications
Complications related to trichomoniasis are rare.
If a woman is infected during the birth of a baby girl, the baby may become infected.
The infection can affect the urinary system of the pregnant woman as well as her vagina.
There is a possibility of having more than one sexually transmitted infection simultaneously.
That’s why it is important to undergo regular comprehensive testing.
Remember, after treatment, using condoms during sexual contact can reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted infections.
