Trichomoniasis: symptoms, causes, treatment

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Definition of trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis or trichomoniasis is an infectious disease of the genitals that is spread through sexual contact. This disease is caused by a parasitic infection named Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause itching and pain when urinating in women. However, most men who get this disease usually will not experience any symptoms.

This infection is usually not fatal. However, trichomoniasis risks triggering several complications, such as infertility in women and blockage of the urethra in men. In addition, this disease also has the potential to cause pregnancy problems in pregnant women.

How common is trichomoniasis?

This disease is one of the most common of the group of sexually transmitted infections. According to WHO, trichomoniasis patients account for about 5.3% of women, and men as much as 0.6%. In addition, this disease occurs mostly in women aged 16-35 years.

However, the actual incidence of cases may exceed the above statistics because the disease is difficult to detect, especially in male patients.

In America, an estimated 3.7 million people are infected with parasites Trichomonas vaginalis. However, only 30% of them showed symptoms.

Trichomoniasis signs and symptoms

Detecting the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis may be difficult for most people. The reason is, about 70% of people with this disease experience no symptoms at all.

If symptoms appear, it usually means that the disease has resulted in moderate to severe irritation and inflammation. Symptoms can also come and go at any time.

In women, trichomoniasis will cause symptoms of venereal disease such as:

• Vaginal odor
• The vaginal discharge is odd in color (green or yellowish) and has a foamy texture
• Itching, swelling, or burning sensation in the vagina
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain when urinating

Meanwhile, more men who do not have symptoms when exposed to this disease than women. When symptoms occur, the symptoms that appear are:

• Difficulty urinating
• Pain or burning during ejaculation
• Itching or irritation on the penis
• Discharge from the penis

There may be some signs and symptoms not listed above. If you are worried about certain unusual symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

You should check with your doctor immediately if you experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Feeling hot when urinating
• Odor-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain when urinating
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Has side effects of drugs

Each trichomoniasis patient will likely experience a variety of signs and symptoms. Therefore, always check your health condition with your doctor to get the most appropriate and appropriate treatment.

In addition, even though there are no symptoms that appear, you can also seek advice on what symptoms to watch out for and what can be done if you have this disease.

Learn more about the diagnosis of this infection. Avoid having sex until you no longer have the infection to prevent spreading the disease to other people.

Causes of trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite with the name Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite can be found anywhere, and it is very contagious.

Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis it is often transmitted during sexual intercourse, from an infected person to another healthy person. In women, the parts of the body most commonly infected are:

• Vulva
• Vagina
• Cervix (cervix)
• Urethra (urethra)

Meanwhile, in men, parasites most often infect the inside of the penis or urethra. During sexual intercourse, parasites can spread when the penis comes into contact with the vagina.

Apart from the reproductive organs, trichomoniasis is also at risk of infecting other parts of the body, such as the hands, mouth, or anus. However, keep in mind that this disease cannot be transmitted through touching, hugging, or kissing.

The incubation period for these parasites cannot be determined with certainty, but is usually around 5 to 28 days. Experts do not yet know what causes most cases of trichomoniasis to show no symptoms in sufferers.

Trichomoniasis risk factors

As previously explained, trichomoniasis can infect both men and women. However, there are several factors that play a role in the transmission of this disease.

The following are factors that increase your risk for developing this disease:

• Have more than one sexual partner
• Have had trichomoniasis before
• Have had a previous sexually transmitted infection
• Don't use condoms
• Have a bad immune system

Having no risk factors does not indicate that you are free from this disease. These marks are for reference only. You should consult a specialist doctor for more information.

Trichomoniasis complications

Although this disease can be treated with medication, it is possible that trichomoniasis can lead to other more serious health problems.

Here are some of the health complications that can occur due to parasitic infections Trichomonas vaginalis which is not handled properly:

• Distraction pregnancy
  In pregnant women who are infected with this disease, their pregnancy may experience interference. One of them is early or premature delivery.
  In addition, babies born are also at risk of underweight. In addition, trichomoniasis in the mother has the potential to be transmitted to the baby during labor.

• Macular colpitis
  Macular colpitis or what is also known by name strawberry cervix is a condition in which there is inflammation and red spots appear in the cervix. This condition is found in nearly 50% of female patients affected by trichomoniasis.

• Epididymitis
  Another complication of this disease is epididymitis, which is inflammation of the epididymal tract. This channel serves as a storage and distribution place for sperm in men.

• HIV / AIDS
  Trichomoniasis also makes you 2-3 times more susceptible to contracting other sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV / AIDS.

Trichomoniasis diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Usually, this disease is detected while undergoing a screening test or examination for sexually transmitted diseases. Screening tests are recommended for those of you who:

• Have had a previous sexually transmitted disease
• Have more than one sex partner
• Often have sex with more than one person without a condom

In addition, you should also get checked out if you already experience the symptoms that have been mentioned earlier.

In the process of diagnosis, the doctor will examine the genitals to take a sample of fluid from the vagina or penis. The diagnosis will be confirmed when parasites are found in the sample when examined under a microscope in the laboratory.

Apart from checking the fluid, the diagnosis can also be made by blood tests. Other tests such as nucleic acid amplification can also be another alternative to detect the presence of parasites in the body.

What are the treatment options for trichomoniasis?

The most common treatment for trichomoniasis is antibiotics. Antibiotics can help get rid of parasites Trichomonas vaginalis in the body, as well as reducing the risk of transmission to other people.

The following are the types of antibiotics recommended for this disease, along with the dosages:

• Metronidazole: 2 grams orally once, or 500 mg orally 2 times a day for 7 days
• Tinidazole: 2 grams orally once

If you have trichomoniasis, you and your partner should get the same treatment. For those who are pregnant, metronidazole is not recommended. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the abdominal area, a metallic taste in the mouth, and peripheral neuropathy.

Patients should not consume alcohol while receiving metronidazole, because this can result in skin flushing, headaches, pain in the stomach area, nausea and vomiting.

Can trichomoniasis recur after I recover?

According to the CDC, it is possible for someone who has recovered from this disease to be infected again T. vaginalis another time. The reason is, the number of cases of infection that reoccurred in this disease was 17%, within 3 months after finishing treatment.

Therefore, you are required to undergo a repeat examination after the antibiotics that you have consumed have run out. An examination is done to check if there are still parasites left in your body.

Home remedies and prevention

To help speed up the healing process, the only way you can do is to follow the doctor's directions and avoid sexual contact during the treatment period.

For those of you who intend to prevent getting this disease, there is no other way to prevent trichomoniasis other than by stopping sex.

However, if you decide to stay sexually active, here are some tips you can follow:

• Make sure to have safe sexual intercourse. Use latex condoms if there is a possibility of a sexually transmitted disease from your partner.
• Reduce the number of your sexual partners. The more partners you have, the greater your risk of contracting venereal disease.
• Be faithful to one sexual partner only, and make sure your partner has had a negative screening test.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.