Trichomonas

Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease. The causative agent of the disease is a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis. The symptoms of the disease vary. However, there are also cases in which it causes no symptoms at all.

Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people are known to have trichomoniasis infection. However, only 30% of patients develop symptoms. Some people who have symptoms develop them within 5 to 28 days after becoming infected. The infection is more common in women than in men. It is seen more frequently in older women than in younger women.

The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sexual intercourse. In women, it causes infection in the vulva, vagina, cervix or urethra. In men, it most commonly causes infection inside the penis (urethra). It is rare for the parasite to infect other areas such as the hands, mouth or anus. It is not known why some people with the infection have no symptoms while others do. This probably depends on factors such as the person's age and general health. People who are infected but have no symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.

Approximately 70% of infected people have no symptoms. Others do not develop symptoms until long after this period. Symptoms may come and go.

When trichomoniasis causes symptoms, their severity varies. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation.

What Are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in Men?

1. Signs of irritation inside the penis such as itching, stinging and burning;
2. Burning after urination or ejaculation;
3. Discharge from the penis.

What Are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in Women?

1. Itching, burning, redness or pain in the genital organs;
2. Pain, burning or stinging when urinating;
3. A thick discharge that may be clear, white, yellowish or greenish, with an unusual fishy odour

Trichomoniasis infection can cause symptoms such as vaginal burning during sexual intercourse and itching and burning in the penis. If left untreated, the infection can last for months or even years.

Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of catching or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can make it easier for a person to become infected with HIV or to transmit the HIV virus to a sex partner. Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to give birth prematurely and to have babies with low birth weight.

How Is Trichomoniasis Diagnosed?

It is not possible to diagnose trichomoniasis by looking at symptoms alone. To make a diagnosis, laboratory tests must be performed together with an examination. You can look at the STI PCR test performed in our laboratory. 

Trichomoniasis can be treated with medication (such as metronidazole and tinidazole). These pills are taken by mouth. In treatment, metronidazole is used for 7 days in women and as a single dose in men. Metronidazole can be used safely during pregnancy; tinidazole should not be used. Using alcohol within 24 hours after taking this medication is not recommended.

Does Trichomoniasis Infection Recur?

People who have been treated for trichomoniasis can become infected again. About 1 in every 5 people with trichomoniasis is reinfected within 3 months after receiving treatment. To prevent reinfection, all sex partners should also be treated with antibiotics at the same time. It is appropriate to wait to have sex again until everyone has been treated and every symptom has disappeared (usually about a week). Sexually active women who have been treated should be retested (preferably by PCR) about 3 months later, even if they have no symptoms.

How Can I Protect Myself from Trichomoniasis Infection?

As with other sexually transmitted diseases, the only way to prevent trichomoniasis infection is to avoid vaginal, anal or oral sex. Since this recommendation does not suit the natural lifestyle of human beings, we can revise it as follows.

If you are sexually active, you can follow the ways below to reduce your chance of catching trichomoniasis infection:

1. Being in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for trichomoniasis and is known not to have it;
2. If you are going to have sex with someone you do not know well, the only thing likely to protect you is a condom. Condoms reduce the likelihood of transmitting trichomoniasis.
3. If you are sexually active and do not use a condom, you can catch trichomoniasis infection through vaginal, anal or oral sex. If this is the case, tell your doctor about the situation openly and ask whether you should be tested for trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Another approach is to talk about the potential risk of sexually transmitted diseases before having sex with a new partner. In this way, you can make informed choices about the level of risk you can comfortably take regarding your sex life.

If you or someone you know has questions about trichomoniasis or any other sexually transmitted disease, talk to your own doctor.

1. Being in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for trichomoniasis and is known not to have it;
2. If you are going to have sex with someone you do not know well, the only thing likely to protect you is a condom. Condoms reduce the likelihood of transmitting trichomoniasis.
3. If you are sexually active and do not use a condom, you can catch trichomoniasis infection through vaginal, anal or oral sex. If this is the case, tell your doctor about the situation openly and ask whether you should be tested for trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Another approach is to talk about the potential risk of sexually transmitted diseases before having sex with a new partner. In this way, you can make informed choices about the level of risk you can comfortably take regarding your sex life.