Trichomoniasis, sometimes called “trich”, is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is easy to cure. It affects both male and females, but often individuals ignore the symptoms and fail to seek medical attention.
What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a very common STI caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreads during sexual intercourse with someone who already has the infection. The organism usually infects the urinary tract in men, but often causes no symptoms in men. Trichomoniasis typically infects the vagina in women.
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
Symptoms oftrichomonas infection might vary from one individual to another. In some cases the individual might not have any symptoms at all. It is estimated that about 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms.When trichomoniasis causes symptoms, they may range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure. Signs and symptoms may include:
• Clear, white, yellow-green, frothy, foul-smelling (“fishy” smell) vaginal discharge
• Discharge from the penis
• Strong vaginal odour
• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Itching or irritation inside the penis
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Painful urination
Symptoms will vary, but most women and men who have the parasite cannot tell they are infected, and will need to see a trained health care professional to have the correct diagnosis. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not, but it probably depends on factors like the person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.
How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. If you think you might have this infection see your doctor, or another trusted health care provider, to be examined and have the appropriate tests done so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can be cured with prescription antibiotic medication, pills which can be taken by mouth. It is okay for pregnant women to take this medication. Some people who drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this kind of antibiotic can have uncomfortable side effects.
People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can get it again. To avoid getting reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated too, and wait to have sex again until all of your symptoms go away (in about a week). Get checked again if your symptoms come back. Condoms do not offer complete protection from trichomoniasis.
What are the complications of trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with the HIV virus, or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner.
Trichomoniasis may cause a woman to deliver a low-birth-weight or premature infant.
Conclusion
Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted infection/disease. It affects women more than men and women tend to get more symptoms than men. This condition can be easily treated once the correct diagnosis is made. If you are sexually active and have symptoms suggestive of trichomoniasis see your health care provider as soon as possible.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
