Symptoms And Treatment Of Trichomoniasis by Jane Thurnell-Read

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women.

Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. Women usually have the infection in the vagina and men in the urethra (urine canal).

How Do I Get Trichomoniasis?

The parasite is sexually transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva (the genital area outside the vagina) contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women, but men usually contract it only from infected women.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms In Men

Most men with trichomoniasis do not have signs or symptoms, but some men may temporarily have:

• an irritation inside the penis
• mild discharge
• or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.

It is really important for men to remember that, even though they may not have any symptoms, they still can be infected.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms In Women

Some women have signs or symptoms of infection which include:

• a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odour
• discomfort during intercourse and urination
• irritation and itching of the female genital area

In rare cases, women experience lower abdominal pain. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure.

Why Should I Be Concerned About Trichomoniasis?

Although it can be easily cured, early detection is important to avoid the possible complications of trichomoniasis:

• increase a woman’s susceptibility to HIV infection if she is exposed to the virus.
• may increase the chance that an HIV-infected woman passes HIV to her sex partner(s).
• pregnant women may have babies who are born early or with low birth weight.
• a study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
• researchers (published September 2009) has found a strong association between the common sexually transmitted infection, Trichomonas vaginalis, and risk of advanced and lethal prostate cancer in men.

How IS Trichomoniasis Detected?

A physical examination and a laboratory test is used to diagnose trichomoniasis. The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women. In women, a pelvic examination can reveal small red ulcerations (sores) on the vaginal wall or cervix.

Trichomoniasis Treatment

Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with prescription drugs given by mouth in a single dose. The symptoms of trichomoniasis in infected men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment. However, an infected man, even a man who has never had symptoms or whose symptoms have stopped, can continue to infect or re-infect a female partner until he has been treated. Both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite. Persons being treated for trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they and their sex partners complete treatment and have no symptoms.

How Do I Avoid Getting Trichomoniasis?

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of trichomoniasis.

Copyright 2009 Jane Thurnell-Read Healthy Living Means Happy Living