Trichomoniasis is known to be the most widespread yet treatable sexually transmitted disease. It is one of the most frequent infection of a women's vagina.
There are around 7.4 million cases of trichomoniasis in the US each year and 180 million reported cases all over the world.
How is Trichomoniasis Transmitted?
Trichomoniasis is produced by a single-celled parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. It can affect both men and women. The most general location of infection in men is the urethra, while it usually occur in the vagina for women. Example is penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected person. Women get trichomoniasis from affected men or women, while men usually acquire the disease only from infected women. Trichomonas vaginal can also be contracted through oral or anal sex with an infected partner. ; newborns with mothers infected with trichomoniasis were evidenced of the parasite in their lungs. You cannot contract this STD from intimate kissing, sharing utensils, or toilet seats.
How is Trichomoniasis Recognized?
The symptoms of this sexually transmitted disease in women may include vaginal discharge that is yellow-green in color, fishy odor of the vagina, pain during sexual intercourse and urination, and irritation or itching of the vulva. Then generally do not show signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis, but may experience burning during ejaculation or urination and evidence of discharge from the penis.
How is Trichomoniasis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of this STD requires both sexes to undergo physical exam and lab testing. It is diagnosed by observing the trichomonads under a microscope. The infection in men is more difficult to detect compared to the women. For the female community, the specimen is collected during an examination in the pelvic wherein a doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and swabs the wall using a cotton-tipped applicator to collect the specimen. The sample is then sent to the laboratory to be analyzed. The visual analysis of the specimen under a microscope may reveal small red ulcerations or sores in the vaginal cervix. If this case appears, the term used is "strawberry cervix".
How is Trichomoniasis Treated?
Trichomoniasis can be commonly treated with drugs that are prescribed by the doctor.
Your having trichomoniasis once does not keep you from getting the disease again. People are still prone to reacquiring the disease even after a successful treatment. So in order to be completely sure that you don't have trichomoniasis, you should be sure to get tested every now and then.
