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.