TRICHOMONIASIS

Trichomoniasis is caused by a small organism called Trichomonas vaginalis, and often spread through sexual activity. Women are most often affected by this disease, although men can become infected and carry the infection to their partners.

Men often do not have symptoms of trichomoniasis. Not until their partners need treatment, would they know they are infected. But when symptoms do occur, they include:

  • Irritation inside the penis
  • Mild discharge
  • Slight burning after urination or ejaculation

Symptoms in women can include:

  • Greenish-yellow, frothy vaginal discharge with a strong odor
  • Painful urination
  • Vaginal itching and irritation
  • Discomfort during intercourse
  • Lower abdominal pain (rare)

Symptoms usually appear within five to 28 days of exposure in women.

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor must perform a physical exam and lab test to diagnose trichomoniasis. Lab tests are performed on a sample of vaginal fluid or urethral fluid to look for the disease-causing parasite. The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women.

 

TREATMENT

An oral antibiotic called metronidazole (Flagyl) is the usual treatment for trichomoniasis. It is also the only safe medication that can be used by infected pregnant women.

To prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease, partners of the infected person must also be treated. Persons being treated for trichomoniasis must abstain from sex until they are completely free from the infection. It is important to take all of the antibiotics and get retested after three months to be certain that the infection is gone.

 

What Happens If I Don’t Get Treated for Trichomoniasis?

In pregnant women, trichomoniasis may cause premature rupture of the membranes that protect the baby and early delivery. The genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis might also increase a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV infection. Trichomoniasis in a woman who is also infected with HIV can increase the chances of transmitting HIV infection to a sex partner.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]