Trichomoniasis: Diagnosis, Prevention And Treatment

Trichomoniasis, also often simply called “trich” is the most frequent easily curable sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It's caused by an infection with the parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis, and though some people experience symptoms when they're infected, others do not and remain completely unaware that they were infected.

Trichomoniasis is yet another reason to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly, regardless of your relationship status and whether you have any symptoms — and also, we have to emphasize, regardless of your age! Although trich is most often known as a teens' disease, that reputation is unfounded, and anyone, of any age, can get a trichomoniasis infection!

Trichomoniasis — What's That, And How Do You Catch It?

Trichomoniasis is an STD, so the parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis is passed on through sexual contact with another person. Heterosexual transmission is most common, though woman-to-woman transmission can also happen. Trich rarely affects body parts that are not genitals, so the anus and throat are relatively safe. In women, trich is most commonly found in the vagina, on the vulva, and in the urethra. In men, the urethra is by far the most frequently infected part of the genitals.

Trichomonas Vaginalis may be a parasite, but that doesn't mean you will see little creepy crawlies hanging out in your crotch if you're infected. The parasites are so tiny that they can only be seen under a microscope.

It is possible for the parasite to spread through parts of the genitals that are not covered by the condom, however, and the same holds true for many other STDs, including genital herpes and genital warts.

Not having sex at all is the only way to prevent trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted diseases. Only being intimate with one partner, who is also monogamous, is the second-best option. It's not completely safe for two reasons, though — people do become unfaithful sometimes and when they do, they rarely tell their partners, and apart from that it is possible that one of you picked an STD up during a previous relationship without realizing it, especially in the case of an often "silent" (symptomless) STD like trichomoniasis.

Up to 70% of all people infected by trich do not have any noticeable symptoms

Those who do develop symptoms may do so shortly after they were infected, or may not have symptoms until much later on. The symptoms can come and go, and by the time you start paying attention to them it is entirely possible that the idea that you could have an STD does not even occur to you.

Women are more likely to have trichomoniasis symptoms than men. They may be bothered by itching, burning, a red or sore vulva and pain while urinating. Unusual vaginal discharge, in colors like green or yellow, can also be a symptom. Men with trich symptoms tend to have a burning and itching sensation inside the penis. They can have penile discharge as well, and may be in pain after ejaculating.

Trichomoniasis can remain with you for a long time if you don't get treatment — we're not talking weeks, but months or even years. There are some possible complications, including a higher risk of preterm birth and a low birth weight for babies of moms who have the STD. The most significant threat trichomoniasis poses is the fact that it makes you more vulnerable to other, more serious STDs including HIV. This is mostly due to the genital inflammation trich causes; it literally opens the door to viruses.

Some studies also indicate that trichomoniasis increases the risk of cervical cancer and prostate cancer, again because of the inflammation caused by the parasite. This still needs to be explored in further research before it can be called a fact.

Trichomoniasis Diagnosis And Treatment

A 2010 report estimated that 2.2 percent of the American adult population was affected by trichomoniasis, and that 7.4 million people who were not previously infected catch trich every year. Trichomoniasis is more common in women than in men, but research shows that men are more likely to expel the parasite from their body without treatment, which is not the case for women. Could you be infected? There is only one way to find out.

If you have read up on sexually transmitted diseases, you will know that many of them have similar vague symptoms. It is not possible to diagnose any STD other than genital warts, an active herpes outbreak, or pubic lice though a physical examination alone. Trichomoniasis is diagnosed if parasites are visible under a microscope. You may wonder how your healthcare provider gets to look at the parasites under a microscope. No, it's not a blood or urine test — they will need a mucus swab from your genitals. That's not as bad as it sounds, though. Any woman who has had a PAP smear is already familiar with the procedure.

You may go in to see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above. Since most people do not have symptoms, you are most likely to find trichomoniasis and many other sexually transmitted diseases through routine STD testing rather than a checkup triggered by signs of a problem. Have you not been tested for sexually transmitted diseases recently? I hope you use this article as a reminder to make an appointment now.

The parasite that causes trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics, usually metronidazole or tinidazole. Both of these can be taken orally and are safe during pregnancy. As with all antibiotics, it is very important to complete the course. You should not deviate from the timing of the pills either, so setting the alarm on your cellphone at the time you need to take your antibiotic is a good idea.

Most people who have tested positive for trichomoniasis will also have had tests for other sexually transmitted diseases. If you had any, these will also need to be treated. After you are done with your antibiotic course, your doctor may ask you to provide another swab to make sure that the parasite is gone.

Keep in mind that reinfection is almost inevitable if your partner, who is likely to have trich if you had it, does not get testing and possibly treatment. Send your sex partner(s) to the doctor the moment you find out that you have trich, and don't have sexual intercourse again until you are both (all?) cured.

Prevention is always better than cure — so do your best to practice safe sex, and your odds of ending up with any nasty STD goes down dramatically. Because life happes, however, regular wellness checks are the second best option. As long as you get treated ASAP, trich doesn't have be that big a deal.