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Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that is spread through sexual contact. Trichomoniasis can cause foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching, and painful urination in women.
Trichomonasis usually causes no symptoms in men. Pregnant mothers with trichomoniasis may be at a higher risk of having their babies delivered prematurely.
Trichomonasis is treated with an antibiotic such as metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), or secnidazole (Solosec). To avoid re-infection, all sexual partners should be treated at the same time. By using condoms appropriately every time you have sex, you can lower your chance of infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TRICHOMONIASIS?
The majority of patients with trichomoniasis show no symptoms. However, symptoms may appear gradually. Men and women experience various signs and symptoms when they develop.
Trichomonasis symptoms and indicators in women include:
- A substantial amount of a thin, frequently foul-smelling vaginal discharge — which could be clear, white, gray, yellow, or green.
- Itching, burning, and redness in the genital area
- Urinary or sexual discomfort
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
Trichomonasis rarely causes symptoms in men. When men do experience signs and symptoms, they may include:
- Internal itching or irritation of the penis
- Burning after urination or ejaculation
- A discharge from the penis
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF TRICHOMONIASIS?
Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic one-celled protozoan that causes trichomoniasis. The parasite spreads through genital contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse. The illness can spread between males and women, women, and even men.
The parasite lives in the lower genital tract. This includes the outside section of the genitals (vulva), the vagina, the opening of the uterus (cervix), and the urine aperture in women (urethra). The parasite affects the interior of the penis in men (urethra).
The duration of time between parasite exposure and infection (incubation period) is uncertain. However, it is likely to fluctuate between four and 28 days. Even if you don't have any symptoms, you or your partner can carry the virus.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR TRICHOMONIASIS?
Trichomonasis risk factors include:
- Several sexual partners
- Previous history of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
- A previous trichomoniasis episode
- Condom-free sex
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF TRICHOMONIASIS?
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis may:
- Have premature delivery
- Have a baby who is underweight at birth
- Pass the infection to the baby as it goes through the birth canal.
Trichomonasis produces vaginal irritation, which may make it easier for other STIs to enter the body or spread to others. Trichomoniasis also appears to make infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, easier (AIDS).
Trichomoniasis is linked to an increased chance of developing cervical or prostate cancer.
Trichomoniasis infection can linger for months or years if left untreated.
HOW IS TRICHOMONIASIS DIAGNOSED?
A genital exam and laboratory tests may be used to diagnose trichomoniasis.
A sample of vaginal fluid for women or a swab from inside the penis (urethra) for men may also be examined under a microscope by your health care practitioner. No further tests are required if the parasite can be spotted under a microscope.
If the test does not reveal the parasite but your provider suspects you have trichomoniasis, other testing may be performed. Your clinician may request that tests be performed on a sample of vaginal fluid, a penis uretheral swab, or, in rare cases, urine. A fast antigen test and a nucleic acid amplification test are among the tests available.
If you have trichomoniasis, your provider may perform tests to detect additional sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) so that they can be treated as well.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR TRICHOMONIASIS?
Trichomonasis treatment involves an oral antibiotic that is effective against parasite infections. Treatment is possible during pregnancy. Among the possibilities are:
- Megadose: Your doctor may advise you to take one high dose (megadose) of metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), or secnidazole (Solosec). These oral medications are only taken once.
- Multiple doses: Your doctor may advise you to take metronidazole or tinidazole in smaller amounts. For seven days, you take the pills twice a day. Even if you start feeling better after a few days, stay taking this prescription for the whole time your provider ordered it to help clear up the infection completely. If you stop taking this medication too soon, your infection may not entirely resolve.
All sex partners must be treated concurrently. This keeps the infection from reoccurring (reinfection). And you must abstain from sex until the treatment is completed and the symptoms have subsided. This normally takes about a week after finishing the last antibiotic medication. If your symptoms do not improve following treatment, contact your doctor.
Alcohol consumption before and after therapy might produce severe nausea and vomiting. Alcohol should be avoided for 24 hours after using metronidazole, 48 hours after taking secnidazole, and 72 hours after taking tinidazole.
After therapy, your doctor will usually retest you for trichomoniasis. A tests two weeks to three months following therapy can ensure that the virus has been eradicated and that you have not been reinfected.
Even after you've undergone trichomoniasis therapy, you can develop it again if you come into contact with someone who has the infection.
HOW CAN TRICHOMONIASIS BE PREVENTED?
Trichomonasis, like other sexually transmitted illnesses, can only be avoided by not having intercourse. Use internal or exterior condoms correctly every time you have sex to reduce your risk.