What is Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, often shortened to “trich,” is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This single-celled organism is pear-shaped and has whip-like structures that help it move around.
How trichomoniasis is transmitted
Vaginal sex: This is the most common way that trichomoniasis is spread. Infected fluids from the penis can enter the vagina during sex, transmitting the parasite.
Anal sex: Trichomoniasis can also be spread through anal sex, if infected fluids from the rectum come into contact with the genitals.
Oral sex: While less common, trichomoniasis can be spread through oral sex, if infected fluids from the genitals come into contact with the mouth.
Mother-to-baby transmission: In rare cases, trichomoniasis can be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth. This is more likely to happen if the mother has a heavy infection.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis
Potential symptoms for trichomoniasis and differences based on gender are as follows
Symptoms in women:
- Itching, burning, or pain in the vagina: This is the most common symptom and can range from mild to severe.
- Frothy, greenish-yellow discharge with a fishy odor: This is another common symptom, although the discharge may also be white, gray, or clear.
- Painful urination: This occurs when the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, becomes irritated by the parasite.
- Discomfort during sex: Sex can be painful due to irritation and inflammation caused by the parasite.
- Bleeding between periods: This is less common but can occur.
Symptoms in men:
- Irritation or burning inside the penis: This is the most common symptom in men with trichomoniasis.
- Discharge from the penis: This discharge may be thin and white, or thicker and yellowish.
- Painful urination: Similar to women, men can experience this due to urethral irritation.
Causes of trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-celled parasite named Trichomonas vaginalis. This microscopic organism isn’t a bacterium or virus, but rather a protist, having characteristics of both animals and plants. It survives by moving around and feeding off other organisms.
- Sexual contact: This is the main mode of transmission. Infected fluids from the penis, vagina, or rectum can come into contact with another person’s genitals during vaginal, anal, or even oral sex, if infected fluids touch the mouth.
- Mother-to-baby transmission: While rare, trichomoniasis can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth if the mother has a heavy infection.
- Multiple sexual partners: Having more sexual partners increases the chances of encountering someone infected.
- Not using condoms consistently and correctly: Condoms, when used properly, provide a barrier against the parasite and significantly reduce transmission risk.
- Douching: Douching disrupts the natural balance of good bacteria in the vagina, potentially making it easier for the parasite to thrive.
- Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems, due to HIV infection or other conditions, are more susceptible to trichomoniasis.
Treatment of trichomoniasis
Medications:
- The primary treatment for trichomoniasis is antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed medication is metronidazole, typically taken twice daily for 5-7 days. In some cases, a single, larger dose might be used.
- Drugs for trichomoniasis :An alternative antibiotic, tinidazole, is also effective and can be prescribed in a single dose.
Treatment considerations:
- It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the parasite.
- Sexual partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection. This is especially important for pregnant women, as untreated partners can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
- Avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least 24 hours after finishing the course, as it can cause unpleasant side effects.
Conclusion
We hope, this information will help you in knowing trichomoniasis disease, symptoms for trichomoniasis, vaginal trichomoniasis, treated for trichomoniasis.
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