Trichomoniasis, Trichomonas

 What is Trichomoniasis?

 

Trichomonas are microscopic protozoal parasites. An infection caused by the microorganism Trichomonada Vaginalis is called trichomoniasis.

• Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted infection. More common in women than men.
• Women over 35 are more likely than young women to become infected with Trichomonas.
• In women, the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, or urethra) is most commonly affected.
• In men, the urethra is most commonly affected.

How can I get Trichomonas? How is Trichomonas transmitted?

• Trichomonas is spread from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex.
  Sex is the insertion of the penis into the vagina, rectum, or mouth; and / or oral sex on the penis, vagina, or rectum.
• Trichomonas is usually passed from the penis to the vagina, or from the vagina to the penis, but it can also be passed from one vagina to another vagina.
• The infection is more common in women and in men who have had many sexual partners.
• It is not common for Trichomonas to infect the hands, mouth, or rectum.
• Factors such as age and general health can affect the manifestation of symptoms when infected with Trichomonas.
• Infected people without symptoms can still transmit the infection to others.
• People who have had trichomoniasis and have received antibiotic treatment can become infected again if they have sexual contact with someone who is infected with Trichomonas.

If I have trichomoniasis and am pregnant, can I infect my child?

 

Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are at increased risk of preterm birth.
Babies born to infected mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight (less than 2.5 kg) and, accordingly, lag behind in development.
Be sure to visit your doctor and conduct an examination and treatment of trichomoniasis during pregnancy.

 

How common is trichomoniasis?

 

Trichomoniasis is considered the most common curable sexually transmitted disease. Globally, about 170 million people have trichomoniasis, but only about 30% experience any symptoms of infection.

• The infection is more common in women than in men.
• Women over 35 are more likely to be infected with trichomoniasis than young women.

What happens if you are infected with Trichomonas?

 

A man or woman may experience discomfort during sex if they have trichomoniasis.

• Untreated, trichomoniasis can last for months or even years.
• Trichomoniasis increases the risk of contracting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections.
• Trichomoniasis can cause inflammation of the genitals, which can increase a person's chances of contracting or transmitting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) .

Signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis?

 

Most women and men with trichomoniasis do not consider themselves infected. Symptoms may not appear until 5-28 days after infection, or even later. The symptoms of infection are different and can come and go.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women:

• Symptoms range from mild to severe inflammation.
• Clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge.
• Offensive vaginal discharge.
• Vaginal itching or burning.
• Redness of the vagina or soreness in the vagina.
• Discomfort when urinating.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Painful intercourse.
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• In some women, symptoms appear suddenly during or after menstruation.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men:

• Itching or irritation inside the penis (urethra).
• Discharge from the penis.
• Burning during or after urination.
• Burning after ejaculation.
• Most men have no symptoms.

How can I tell if I have trichomoniasis?

 

• Most women and men may not have any symptoms.
• You probably won't be able to tell if you have trichomoniasis if you don't get tested.
• This is why it is important to see your health care provider and get tested.

 

Diagnosis and treatment of trichomoniasis 

How is trichomoniasis screened?

Women:

• Your gynecologist  may take a vaginal swab for examination. Usually, a sample is examined to identify the Trichomonas parasite using a microscope (this is the so-called "smear").
• Another way to diagnose an infection is to take the biological material into a special culture medium (culture inoculation for Trichomonas).
• You can do an enzyme immunoassay for the presence of antibodies to Trichomonas.
• Another way to diagnose trichomoniasis is a molecular PCR test in a special liquid medium, which is better than a smear or culture.
• Urine can also be used to perform a molecular PCR test.

Men:

• Your urologist  may take a urethral swab or urinalysis for examination.
• Usually, a sample is examined using a microscope to identify the Trichomonas parasite (called a smear).
• Another way to diagnose an infection is to take the biological material into a special culture medium (culture inoculation for Trichomonas).
• Another way to diagnose trichomoniasis is a molecular PCR test in a special liquid medium, which is better than a smear or culture.
• Urine can also be used to perform a molecular PCR test.

How to diagnose trichomoniasis with a molecular PCR test?

 

• For a woman: a gynecologist takes a vaginal and / or rectal swab.
• For men: a urologist takes a urethral (penile scraping) and / or rectal swab.
The collected biological samples are transferred to the laboratory for a highly sensitive molecular test, which gives the most accurate result.

 

Can Trichomoniasis Be Cured?

Yes! Trichomoniasis is curable.

• Trichomoniasis is treated with antiprotozoal drugs and antibiotics.
• It is possible to treat trichomoniasis in a pregnant woman under the obligatory supervision of a gynecologist.
• People who have recovered from trichomoniasis may get Trichomonas again.
• 1 to 5 people get reinfected with Trichomonas within 3 months of treatment.

Prevention: can Trichomonas infection be avoided?

 

Yes. Follow the guidelines below:

1. Refrain from sexual intercourse; or use a latex condom correctly, every time you have sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with each partner.
2. Limit the number of your sexual partners. The more sex partners you have, the greater your risk of bumping into someone who has this or other sexually transmitted infections.
3. If you are infected, your sexual partner (s) must know about it in order for him to be examined and treated. This will allow you to avoid re-infection.
4. Always see your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.
5. There is no vaccine to prevent trichomoniasis.

If I once had trichomoniasis, will I get immunity?

 

No. You can get Trichomonas again.