Trichomoniasis, also known as "trich", is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Thich is one of the most common STIs in the world, and the most widespread sexually transmitted infections caused by a parasite. Over 220 million people are estimated to suffer from this infection worldwide, and in 2015, 122 million new cases were reported. It is also estimated that three percent of the population in the US are infected. These estimates are uncertain, however, due to the fact that a lot of people don't know that they're infected.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection. The infection can occur during sex, but also via genital contact, since vaginal, and other sexual fluids can carry the parasite as well. Once the parasite finds its way into the genital tract, it damages the epithelium, destroying epithelial cells and feeding on them, which causes a number of symptoms.
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
In males, trich can cause:
- Pain and discomfort inside the penis
- Burning after urination
- Burning after ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis
In females, trichomoniasis can lead to:
- Pain and discomfort after urination
- Redness, itchiness and swelling of the vagina
- Changes in the vaginal discharge. The change can be in the volume (either less or more than normal), color (the color can be unchanged, it can be yellowish, white, or even green) and the smell (usually described as "fishy")
The symptom both sexes share is pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is important to note that these symptoms are pretty non-specific, and a number of different conditions, not only STIs, but others as well, can lead to the same symptoms. This is why trichomoniasis can easily be confused with other infection, such as chlamydiosis, so, a proper diagnostic method should be used to diagnose trichomoniasis.
How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
There are several methods your doctor might use to diagnose this disease. The first method is the fastest but, on the other hand, also the least precise. A swab from your penis or vagina is taken, and examined under the microscope. If at least one Trichomonas is seen, the diagnosis is confirmed. While this method is quick (it can be done in less than half an hour) and pretty cheap, false negative results appear in 40 percent of all who are tested.
The other commonly used way to diagnose this parasitic STI is growing Trichomonas in a culture. Although this method might take a little bit more time, it is more precise than just looking at the slide.
Genetic tests are also available. They are even more precise (up to 90 percent), but are also costly, and aren't done routinely.
How is trichomoniasis treated?
Trichomoniasis is treated with metronidazole or tinidazole, taken in the form of a pill. Drinking alcohol should strictly be avoided when taking these medications, for at least 24 hours, because the combination of the pills and alcohol causes flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath and increased blood pressure.
Sexual activity should be avoided for at least a week after the medication is taken, and it is also important that both sexual partners take the treatment simultaneously.
Even though this disease is easily treated, and only up to five percent of cases have shown resistance to medication, re-infection is fairly common, and one in five patients get infected again within first three months after being cured.
How can trichomoniasis be prevented?
Sadly, the only way to be sure you won't get infected by Trichomonas is to not have sex at all. Using condoms and practicing safe sex considerably lowers the risk of the infection. It is important to note that, although this is a sexually trasmitted disease, it is believed that oral and anal sex aren't ways in which this infection spreads. The infection also cannot be spread by sharing toilet seats, kissing, or sharing glasses and cutlery.
Trichomoniasis is an infection that, by itself, usually doesn't cause many problems. But, because the parasite damages the epithelium of the genital organs, having this infection increases the risk of getting other STIs, including HIV. It has also been shown that pregnant women suffering from this infection often deliver prematurely, and the newborns are often underweight.
While the connection between trichomoniasis and cervical cancer hasn't been proven, this condition increases the risk of contracting a HPV infection, and some strains of this virus are known to cause cervical cancer. On the other hand, in males, trichomoniasis can cause a chronic infection of urethra and prostate, which, in time, can cause cancer. Given all these complications, and the fact that, in most cases, trichomoniasis shows no symptoms, anyone who is or has been sexually active is highly advised to get tested, just in case.
- Photo courtesy of SteadyHealth
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