Trichomoniasis
0 Treatments
4 FAQs
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), a parasite, is the source of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as Trichomoniasis (Trich). Trichomoniasis in women can result in unpleasant vaginal discharge, itchy genitalia, and painful urination.
Treatments (0)
Advice for Trichomoniasis
About 70% of those who have trich show no symptoms. Others might not exhibit the symptoms for days or even weeks after infection.
Trichomoniasis in women:
- Bad-smelling, greenish or yellowish vaginal fluid
- Itching, burning, rosiness, or pain in the genitalia
- Pain during urination or sexual activity
- A greater need to urinate
- Bleeding following sex
Trichomonasis in men may cause:
- Itching or irritation inside their penis
- A light white discharge from the genital area
- Pain during urination or sexual activity
- A greater need to urinate
A clinician can identify Trichomoniases by obtaining a sample of your urine or other vaginal fluid and examining it under a microscope to identify the parasite, clinician can identify trich.
They might occasionally need to perform a test known as a culture. The sample is now stored for a few days so the parasite can develop and become simpler to spot under a microscope.
The parasite can also be detected using sensitive tests known as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).
Due to the prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia among those with trich, your clinician may also test you for other STDs at the same time.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are typically used to promptly and effectively treat trichomoniasis.
Metronidazole is a common antibiotic that, when used as directed, is quite effective. Metronidazole often needs to be taken twice daily for 5 to 7 days. This antibiotic may occasionally be provided in a single, higher dose. However, because of a potential increased risk of side effects, it is not advised for women who are pregnant or nursing.
You can have nausea, vomiting, and a faint metallic taste after taking metronidazole. It works best when taken after a meal. If you begin to vomit, seek assistance from your clinician right away because the medication won't work if you can't swallow the tablets.
While taking metronidazole and for at least 24 hours following the end of the antibiotic course, refrain from consuming alcohol. Alcohol use while using this medication may result in more serious adverse effects, such as:
- a pounding heart or palpitations
- nausea and vomiting, flushing of the skin
Preventing Trichmoniasis
You can only completely avoid trich by abstaining from vaginal sex. Other actions you can do to lessen your risk include:
- Use latex condoms exclusively. Make sure to put the condom on early, before it touches the vagina, as trich can be contracted or spread just through contact.
- Do not douch. To keep you healthy, your vagina has a natural balance of microorganisms. When you douche, you eliminate part of those beneficial bacteria, increasing your risk of contracting an STD.
- Maintain a single sexual partner who has tested STD-free. If you find it doesn't work for you, consider reducing the amount of sex partners you have.
- Be honest with your partners about your sexual preferences and the possibility of contracting an infection. You can use this to guide your decision-making for yourself.
Trichomoniasis FAQs (4)
By engaging in unprotected vaginal sex with a person who has trichomoniasis, you can contract the disease. Even if you previously had trichomoniasis and received treatment for it, you can still contract the disease. Additionally, trichomoniasis can be passed from you to your unborn kid.
Premature birth and low birth weight can result from trichomoniasis during pregnancy.
According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), 142 million new cases of trichomoniasis among adults and children aged 15 to 49 occurred globally in 2012. Around 13.8 million new cases of trichomoniasis for females and 13.6 million for males were reported in the American region in 2012, adding to the approximately 18.8 million existing cases for females and 3.2 million existing cases for males. Trichomoniasis appears to peak in between 40 and 50 years of age, in contrast to most STIs, where the number of cases is highest in women between the ages of 15 and 25.
Trichomoniasis can make it more likely for someone to contract or spread other STDs. For instance, trichomoniasis can lead to vaginal irritation that makes it simpler to contract HIV or transmit it to a sexual partner.
