Trichomonas vaginitis

 

Trichomonas vaginitis is a vaginal infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.

• Trichomonas vaginitis is usually transmitted sexually.

• It causes a green or yellow discharge, which may be numerous, has a fishy smell, and is accompanied by itching or irritation.

• If the symptoms indicate vaginitis, the doctor will examine a sample of vaginal discharge and/or cervical secretions and check under a microscope whether the infection is caused by microorganisms.

• Long-term use of condoms can prevent this infection.

• A single oral dose of metronidazole or tinidazole can cure most patients.

(See also overview of vaginal infections .)

Trichomonas vaginalis can cause symptoms as soon as it enters the vagina, or it can enter the vagina or cervix (the part of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina) for several weeks or months without causing any symptoms. The bladder can also be affected. For men, trichomoniasis usually causes no symptoms and may stay in the urinary tract for days or weeks without causing symptoms. Therefore, women and men may not be aware that they have infected their sexual partners.

Causes of Trichomonas Vaginitis

Trichomonas sexual infection is almost always a sexually transmitted disease ( vaginal trichomoniasis ). Women get sick by having sex with men or women. And men only get the disease after having sex with women. Many patients with this disease also suffer from gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Because Trichomonas vaginalis can survive asymptomatic in women for a long time.

Trichomoniasis can occur in children. If so, the cause may be sexual abuse .

Symptoms of Trichomonas Vaginitis

Patients with trichomonal vaginitis may have green or yellow vaginal discharge, sometimes large, foamy, or both symptoms appear at the same time. May smell fishy. The genital area may be itchy, and the vagina may be red and tender (inflamed). Pain during intercourse. If the bladder is infected, there may be painful urination.

Infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease , and pregnant women can lead to premature delivery and miscarriage.

Diagnosis of Trichomonas Vaginitis

• Physician's assessment

• Examination of vaginal discharge and/or cervical secretions samples

If a girl or woman develops an abnormal vaginal discharge that persists for more than a few days, or has other vaginal symptoms, she should see a doctor.

Doctors judge trichomonal vaginitis based on symptoms , such as leucorrhea that is green or yellow foam. Then ask questions about vaginal discharge, other symptoms, and possible causes (such as sexually transmitted diseases).

In order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor performs a  . During the vaginal examination, the doctor uses a cotton swab to take a sample of vaginal discharge. Then examine the sample under a microscope. With the information provided by this test, the doctor can usually determine the microorganism that is causing the symptoms.

Usually, doctors also use cotton swabs to take some secretions samples from the cervix to check for other sexually transmitted diseases.

If the child has trichomonal vaginitis, the doctor should perform an evaluation to determine whether there is sexual abuse.

Prevention of Trichomonas Vaginitis

Always use condoms correctly during sexual intercourse to help prevent the spread of this infection. However, Trichomonas vaginalis can infect areas that are not covered by condoms. Therefore, condoms cannot completely protect people from infection.

Treatment of Trichomonas Vaginitis

• Metronidazole or Tinidazole

If sexual partners are receiving treatment at the same time, a single oral dose of metronidazole or tinidazole (antibiotic) can cure up to 95% of patients with trichomonal vaginitis. Therefore, sexual partners need to be treated at the same time. Do not drink alcohol for at least 72 hours after receiving metronidazole or tinidazole treatment. Drinking alcohol after taking the medicine can cause nausea, vomiting, cramps, flushing and headaches.

During sexual intercourse, condoms should be used until the infection is cured to prevent the spread of infection.

Vaginal trichomoniasis

 Urogenital trichomoniasis is a widespread disease of the genitourinary system caused by the simple nocellular parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. There is trichomoniasis in 3 forms: acute, chronic and trichomoniasis.

CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF TRICHOMONIASIS

In acute trichomoniasis, the inflammatory process is rapid.

• Women are worried about yellow-green vaginal discharge, often frothy, with an unpleasant odor; itching; soreness during intercourse and urination; discomfort in the lower abdomen; redness and ulceration, swelling of the genitals.
• In men having urethral discharge, itching, pain in the perineum, painful urination, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the skin of the head of the penis.

With Trichomonas , the patient does not have symptoms, but with laboratory analysis, Trichomonas are found. This form is dangerous in that the carrier can, without knowing it, infect the sexual partner.

Currently, trichomoniasis is characterized by an abundance of erased forms, a chronic course, which is largely facilitated by incompetent and untimely treatment.

COURSE OF THE DISEASE

Urogenital trichomoniasis  can occur as a mixed or combined infection. Therefore, with self-medication, even having achieved a cure for one disease, it is difficult to count on the success of curing the second or third.

!! It should be remembered that most antibiotics do not work on Trichomonas, since it is not a bacterium. But also a significant problem of treatment is the immunity of the causative agent of trichomoniasis to metronidazole and other anti-trichomonas drugs. Therefore, it is better to entrust the selection of an adequate dose of the drug to a specialist doctor. Also, self-medication and improper treatment contribute to the transformation of the usual forms of Trichomonas into immobile forms. Such changes complicate the microscopic diagnosis of genitourinary trichomoniasis .

Trichomonas can be a reservoir of gonococci , chlamydia, mycoplasma, pathogenic streptococci and staphylococci, fungi.

TREATMENT OF TRICHOMONIASIS

In the early stages of the disease, treatment is faster and more effective. Launched trichomoniasis is dangerous for its complications , such as infertility, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs in women, prostatitis and epididymitis in men, as well as complications of pregnancy.

For a more successful treatment, the following points must be observed :

• treat all sexual partners at the same time after their examination;
• eliminate factors that reduce the body's resistance (concomitant diseases, hypovitaminosis);
• against the background of treatment, sex life and alcohol consumption are excluded;
• after the end of the course of treatment, it is necessary to take control tests, even if the patient does not feel the symptoms of the disease.

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.

Trichomoniasis - Information Bulletin of the Center for Treatment and Prevention

 

What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis (or trichomoniasis) is a widespread sexually transmitted disease (STD). It occurs due to infection with a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis. Since the symptoms of trichomoniasis vary, most people who are infected cannot independently determine whether they have the disease.

How common is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is the most common curable sexually transmitted disease. According to experts, the number of infected people in the United States is 3.7 million. However, only about 30% of those affected have symptoms of this disease. The infection is more common in women than in men. Older women suffer from it more often than younger women.

How can you get trichomoniasis?

During sex, microorganisms are passed from an infected person to a healthy person. In women, the lower genitals (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra) are most commonly affected. In men, the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, microorganisms are transferred from the penis to the vagina or from the vagina to the penis. They can also pass from one vagina to another. Microorganisms can also infect other parts of the body, such as the hands, mouth, or anus. It is not yet known why some infected people develop symptoms of trichomoniasis while others do not. It probably depends on the age and general health of the person. Even in the absence of symptoms, a carrier of the disease can pass it on to others.

What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis?

About 70% of infected people show no signs or symptoms of the disease. When symptoms occur, symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people develop symptoms 5–28 days after infection. Others develop symptoms much later. Symptoms may come and go.

Symptoms of the disease in men:

• itching or irritation inside the penis;
• burning after urination or ejaculation;
• discharge from the penis.

Symptoms of the disease in women:

• itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals;
• discomfort when urinating;
• change in vaginal discharge (smell or quantity changes), they can become transparent, white, yellowish or greenish with an unusual fishy smell.

Having trichomoniasis can cause discomfort when having sex. Without treatment, the disease can last for months or even years.

What are the complications after trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis increases the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections. For example, trichomoniasis can cause inflammation of the genitals, making it easier to get HIV or transmit HIV  to a sexual partner.

How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant woman and an unborn child?

Pregnant women with trichomoniasis  are more likely to have premature babies (premature births occur). In addition, children born to such mothers are more likely to have low birth weight (less than 2.5 kg).

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?

Trichomoniasis cannot be diagnosed based on external symptoms alone. Therefore, contact a medical institution where you will be examined and laboratory tests performed.

How is trichomoniasis treated?

Special medications (metronidazole or tinidazole) are used to treat trichomoniasis. They come in pill form. These drugs are safe for pregnant women. After taking them, it is not recommended to consume alcohol for 24 hours.

A person who has recovered from trichomoniasis may get it again. About one in five people who recovered will become infected again within 3 months after the end of treatment. To avoid re-infection, you need to make sure that all sex partners are treated. In addition, you must wait 7-10 days after the end of treatment and only then have sex again. If symptoms reappear, it is necessary to retest.

How can I prevent getting trichomoniasis?

The only way to avoid STDs is not to have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

If you are sexually active, to reduce the likelihood of contracting trichomoniasis:

• Maintain a long-term, mutual monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and tested negative for STDs.
• use latex condoms correctly every time you have sex. This can reduce the likelihood of infection. However, microorganisms can enter areas that are not covered by a condom, so condoms cannot completely protect you from trichomoniasis.

You can also talk with your new sex partner beforehand about the potential risk of an STD. And based on the results of this conversation, make an informed decision, taking into account the risks that you are ready to take in your sex life.

If you or someone you know has questions about trichomoniasis or any other STD, see your doctor.