Definition

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. According to the CDC, it was estimated that more than two million people in the United States had this infection in 2018, and only about 30% experienced symptoms. Trichomoniasis is more frequently found in women than in men. Pregnant women with this infection are at risk of delivering their babies prematurely.

If you are interested in reading articles about sexually transmitted infections, you can read them here: Sexually Transmitted Infections - Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causes

Trichomoniasis is caused by a small parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled protozoa. This parasite is transmitted between individuals through genital contact, usually through sexual activity without a condom.

The parasite infects the lower reproductive organs in women, such as the external genitalia, urethra, vagina, and cervix. In men, the parasite most commonly infects the urethra inside the penis, though it can also infect the tip of the penis or the prostate gland.

The incubation period, the time from exposure to the parasite to the appearance of symptoms, is not clear. It is estimated to range from 4 to 28 days. It is important to note that even if you do not have symptoms, you can still transmit trichomoniasis to others if you are infected.

Risk Factor

Factors that can increase your risk of contracting this disease include:

• Having multiple or new sexual partners.
• A history of other sexually transmitted infections.
• A previous trichomoniasis infection.
• Engaging in sexual activity without a condom.
• A history of contact with an infected partner.

This infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are also more susceptible compared to younger women.

Symptoms

Those infected with trichomoniasis often do not have any symptoms. Symptoms can appear a few days after infection, usually within 4 to 5 days to 28 days. Symptoms vary, ranging from mild irritation to severe inflammation.

Symptoms differ between men and women. Men rarely have symptoms of trichomoniasis. Symptoms that may appear in men include:

• Itching or irritation inside the penis.
• A burning sensation during urination or after ejaculation.
• Discharge from the penis that is not semen or urine.
• Swelling or redness around the tip of the penis.

Symptoms that women may experience due to trichomoniasis include:

• Vaginal discharge that can be white, gray, yellow, or greenish. The discharge is often heavy and may have an unpleasant or fishy odor.
• Redness, burning, and itching in the genital area.
• Pain during urination or sexual intercourse.
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen.

The presence of trichomoniasis can decrease satisfaction in sexual relationships. If untreated, the infection can last for several months or even years.

If you are interested in reading articles about other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, you can read them here: Gonorrhea Infection—Definition, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Diagnosis

Doctors can diagnose trichomoniasis infection by asking about:

• Your detailed symptoms
• Personal questions about your sexual history and contraceptive use, such as condom use
• A history of previous sexually transmitted infections
• Previous treatments

Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination of your genital area. If necessary, a sample of genital discharge can be taken and examined in the laboratory to detect the infection-causing microbes. If this examination does not show the parasite but the doctor suspects trichomoniasis, other tests such as rapid antigen tests and nucleic acid amplification tests may be conducted.

If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis, the doctor may perform a blood test to detect other sexually transmitted infections so that you can receive appropriate treatment.

Management

Trichomoniasis is a curable sexually transmitted infection if treated. However, remember that you can still get reinfected after treatment if you come into contact with an infected partner. Therefore, if you are infected with trichomoniasis, it is recommended that both you and your partner undergo treatment simultaneously. Treatment for trichomoniasis is also safe for pregnant women.

To treat trichomoniasis, you will be given antibiotics that are effective against parasitic infections. Depending on the medication prescribed, the duration of therapy can last for several days. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics to prevent the parasite from becoming resistant to the medication. You and your partner are also advised to abstain from sexual activity until the treatment is completed and you are declared cured. This usually takes about one week after the last dose of antibiotics. Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not disappear after therapy.

Drinking alcohol during treatment and for a few days after therapy can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Therefore, you are advised to avoid alcohol during treatment. After treatment, the doctor may recommend a follow-up examination to ensure that the parasitic infection has completely cleared from your body.

Prevention

As with other sexually transmitted infections, the only sure way to prevent trichomoniasis is to abstain from vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activity. If you are sexually active, you can reduce the risk of infection by:

• Having only one partner who has been tested and is free of trichomoniasis.
• Maintaining a long-term relationship with one partner only.
• Using condoms every time you have sex.
• Avoid sharing sex toys; cover sex toys with a new condom or wash them thoroughly before use.

Additionally, you can ask about the potential risk of sexually transmitted infections before having sex with a new partner.

Complications

Pregnant women infected with trichomoniasis can experience complications such as:

• Delivering the baby prematurely.
• Giving birth to a low-birth-weight baby.
• Transmitting the infection to the baby during delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal.

Trichomoniasis causes irritation in the genital area, making it easier to transmit infections to others. It also makes it easier for other sexually transmitted infections to enter the body. Additionally, trichomoniasis is associated with an increased risk of cervical or prostate cancer.

When to See a Doctor?

You should consult a doctor if you experience vaginal discharge or other suspicious symptoms in your genital area. If you are sexually active, be honest and open with your doctor. Ask your

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