All about Trichomoniasis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that gets its name from the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes the infection. It primarily spreads through sexual intercourse and often goes undetected, as most people experience mild to zero symptoms. Despite affecting millions worldwide, many remain unaware of the condition due to a lack of knowledge about it. Fortunately, the condition is completely curable with timely detection, treatment, and care. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of other infections causing further complications during pregnancy. Understanding its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and ways to treat it is crucial to ensure early detection and intervention. Let’s begin by learning what trichomoniasis is and how it affects an individual.
What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is a sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women and is spread primarily through sexual contact. It is a contagious infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which enters the body’s urinary or genital tract during sexual intercourse. Many people infected with trichomoniasis may be unaware of its presence and unknowingly spread it to others, as trichomoniasis symptoms are often mild or completely absent. Studies show that if the infection is left untreated, it can increase the risk of other infections and health complications in the long run.
What Causes Trichomoniasis?
The major cause of trichomoniasis is the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis that spreads from one person to another through sexual intercourse. The infection cannot be transmitted through non-sexual contact such as kissing, sharing towels, sitting on toilet seats, hugging, etc. Once infected, you can pass trich to others through sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, as well as genital touching (this includes skin-to-skin contact without the actual intercourse). Some of the other common trichomoniasis causes include:
- Having sexual intercourse with multiple partners.
- A weak immune system. (This affects your body’s ability to fight the infection.)
- Medical history of other or previous STIs.
What are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis?
Signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis may not be seen immediately, but rather 5-30 days after being infected. This is one of the main reasons why the condition often goes unnoticed, making it easier for the infected person to pass it on to others. Studies to date have no explanation as to why trichomoniasis symptoms occur in some while others don’t experience any signs. Here’s a list of some of the major symptoms experienced by men and women:
Common Trichomoniasis Symptoms in Women
Research shows that women tend to showcase more noticeable symptoms as compared to men. Some of their major symptoms include:
- Itching or burning in the genital area.
- Foamy or thin vaginal discharge (it may be yellow or green in colour and have a strong odour)
- Pain while having sexual intercourse or while peeing.
- Discomfort in the lower abdominal or pelvic area.
- Irritation or redness near the vagina or vulva.
Common Trichomoniasis Symptoms in Men
As mentioned earlier, men rarely experience any symptoms in trichomoniasis; however, if they do, the symptoms are as follows:
- Foamy discharge from the penis.
- Itching and irritation inside the penis.
- Burning sensation and discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse.
As these symptoms tend to be mild or entirely absent, diagnosing trichomoniasis becomes extremely difficult, causing many cases to go undetected. Regular testing is recommended for individuals at high risk, as early diagnosis and intervention allow for quick and complete recovery.
How is Trichomoniasis Diagnosed?
Trichomoniasis is diagnosed through a combination of symptom assessment, physical examination, and lab testing. During your consultation, the healthcare provider may review your medical and sexual history to better understand your risk of exposure. They may also inquire about your signs and symptoms, such as itching, redness, or discomfort in the genital area. These details help them determine whether trichomoniasis testing is necessary or not.
1. Physical Examination
During a physical examination, the doctor tries to look for signs such as redness or unusual discharge from the genital area. For women, a pelvic exam is generally conducted to look for vaginal redness or irritation. While these signs cannot confirm the infection, they do help determine the need for trichomoniasis testing.
2. Laboratory Testing
A swab of the fluid from the vaginal or penile area is taken for testing in order to confirm trichomoniasis diagnosis. The fluid is studied under a microscope to check for the presence of the parasite. In some cases, the sample may also be sent for further testing in a laboratory. Depending on the results, if you do have trichomoniasis, you may be required to test for other STIs as well.
What are the Treatment Options for Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis treatment includes prescription medications and supportive measures to manage symptoms and clear the infection. Timely treatment ensures speedy recovery and lessens the risk of contracting other infections as well as spreading trichomoniasis to others.
Medication: Prescription medicines are the primary trichomoniasis treatment options recommended by healthcare professionals. These medications help eliminate the parasite and clear the infection from the body effectively. It is also recommended that your sexual partner be treated in order to prevent the back-and-forth transmission of the infection.
Symptom Management and Regular Follow-Up: The symptoms may lessen within a couple of days upon starting the treatment; however, it is recommended to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure the complete clearance of the infection.
Preventing Reinfection
Avoiding reinfection is an important part of trichomoniasis treatment. It includes using condoms during sexual intercourse, avoiding sex until the infection is completely clear, and ensuring regular screenings for STIs.
How Can Trichomoniasis Be Prevented?
Although there isn’t a foolproof method to prevent trichomoniasis, you can limit your risk of contracting it by following safe sexual practices. These include:
- Maintaining proper personal hygiene
- Regular screenings
- Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse
- Limit sexual partners
- Spread awareness
Conclusion
Trichomoniasis is a common and fully curable sexually transmitted infection; however, it can cause serious health complications if left untreated. At Zenzo Healthcare, we believe that regular testing and timely medical care are crucial to ensuring quick and complete recovery. By encouraging early diagnosis and accessible medical support, we aim to help individuals receive the care they need at the right time. Remember, prompt care and safe sexual practices are key to protecting health and preventing sexually transmitted infections.
FAQ’s
- What exactly is Trichomoniasis? Is it some bacteria, a virus, or something else?
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It spreads through sexual contact and affects both men and women.
