Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a single-cell parasitic protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis, which was first discovered in 1836.
It is often diagnosed in patients who are already infected with other STDs such as:
- gonorrhea
- nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)
Symptoms
Trichomoniasis infection frequently has no symptoms. There have been rare cases where the incubation period of the infection has covered years, but usually symptoms appear within 4-20 days of exposure, and include:
In women
- blood spotting in vaginal discharge
- heavy, yellowish-green or gray, frothy vaginal discharge
- infection in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body
- itching, burning or pain in the vagina
- lower abdominal pain
- musty vaginal odor
- pain and/or burning when urinating
- pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- swelling in the groin
- swollen and irritated vagina and cervix
- urinating more than usual
- vaginal or vulval redness
- worsening symptoms when menstruating
In Men
Men rarely have any symptoms, however, if symptoms do occur they include:
- infection of the urethra or prostate gland, which is involved in semen production
- painful and/or difficult urination
- thin, whitish discharge from the penis
- tingling inside the penis
* Men mostly do not show symptoms but it is advisable to seek treatment if their partner has Trichomoniasis as infection is likely.
Transmission
The parasite rarely causes symptoms in men and re-infection of women by untreated partners can often occur.
It can be spread during:
- anal sex
- mutual masturbation when bodily fluids from one partner come in contact with the other's genitals (in rare cases)
- oral sex
- vaginal sex
Unlike most STDs, Trichomonas can survive for some hours outside the body on infected objects and can be transmitted by sharing:
- bodily fluids
- contaminated bedding
- damp towels
- sheets
- toilet seats
Diagnosis
Trichomonas is a pear-shaped protozoa with a tail (flagellate).
Diagnosis can be made by:
Culture Tests
A culture of the organism or an antibody test may be done, especially in men, as relatively few of the parasites are found in discharges from the penis
Examination under a Microscope
Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis are examined under a microscope
Laboratory Testing
Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis may be sent to a laboratory to see if Trichomonas is present and may take up to 2 weeks for the results
Pap smears
Pap Smears are sometimes used to confirm diagnosis
Treatment
Antibiotics are usually successful (cure rate 95%) even though this infection is not a bacteria. It is usually administered in a single dose.
Procedure
Sexual partners need treatment at the same time to eliminate the parasite and to prevent re-exposure and re-infection.
Antibiotics used are:
Metronidazole
This antibiotic is also called Flagyl
Caution
If taken with alcohol it can cause severe:
- nausea
- vomiting
Azithromycin
This antibiotic is also called Zithromax and has fewer side effects but is more expensive
5-notroimidazoles
These drugs are successful for both partners
If left untreated Trichomoniasis can:
- be spread to your sexual partner(s)
- cause infections in the urethra or prostate gland in men
- continue to cause uncomfortable symptoms