STIs Explained: Trichomoniasis

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:30:30 -0700

Since things are heating up everywhere these days, I thought it might be the time to tell you to cool down a little bit and play smart. Yep, it is time to fill you in on a fairly common STI (sexually transmitted infection - it not a disease since it is curable), Trichomoniasis. Tricky to say maybe, but not tricky to prevent!

STIs are considered 100% preventable if you abstain from sex, but let's be reasonable here, that seems pretty unlikely. However you and your partner can both get tested for STIs before you have sex, so you both know you are in the clear.

Since trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is transmitted through genital contact, using latex or polyurethane condoms can greatly reduce your risk in contracting the infection. On the other hand, being in a mutually monogamous relationship is an awesome way to keep yourself safe.

While this may not be a pretty subject, it is good to know what is out there so you can make good decisions and hopefully avoid having to deal with the organ and tissue damage trich can cause. In women, if left untreated trich can cause the fallopian tubes to become inflamed and can also potentially damage your cervix. If your man needs some convincing to get tested tell him that in men, prolonged infection of trich can potentially damage the bladder as well as the prostate. Hopefully that caught your attention!

So for more details about trichomoniasis, then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Trichomoniasis	Can be asymptomatic yellow-green vaginal discharge Vaginal odor Discomfort during intercourse Painful urination or ejaculation	Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis are examined under a microscope - these protozoan can be seen swimming (eww).	This parasitic infection can be cured with the prescription drug, metronidazole (a pill you take orally)

Source

Trichomoniasis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:49 -0700

Illustrations

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Alternative Names

Trichomonas vaginitis; Trich

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Trichomoniasis is found worldwide. In the United States, the highest number of cases are seen in women between age 16 and 35. Trichomonas vaginalis cannot survive in the mouth or rectum, and therefore must be transmitted through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner.

The disease can affect both men and women, but the symptoms differ between the two groups. The infection usually does not cause symptoms in men and goes away on its own in a few weeks. In some cases, a man might have burning, itching, or a discharge. Occasionally, some men with trichomoniasis may develop prostatitis or epididymitis from the infection.

Women with trichomoniasis have a itching and a heavy, foul-smelling, green-white or yellowish vaginal discharge.

Symptoms

Women:

Discomfort with intercourse
Vaginal itching
Greenish-yellow, frothy or foamy, vaginal discharge with a foul or strong smell
Labial swelling or vulvar itching
Itching of the inner thighs

Men:

Burning after urination or ejaculation
Itching of urethra
Slight discharge from urethra

Signs and tests

In women:

A pelvic examination reveals red blotches vaginal wall or cervix. A wet prep (microscopic examination of discharge) shows the infection-causing organisms in vaginal fluids. A pap smear may also detect the presence of the organism.

In men:

The disease can be hard to diagnose in men. Men are treated if the infection is diagnosed in any of their sexual partners. Men may also be treated if they have ongoing symptoms of urethral burning or itching despite treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Treatment

The antibiotic metronidazole is commonly used to cure the infection. You should not drink alcohol while taking the medicine and for 48 hours after the antibiotics are completed.Use of alcohol with metronidazole can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment has been completed.

Sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

With proper treatment, the outcome is likely to be excellent.

Complications

Long-term infection may cause changes in the tissue on the cervical surface. These changes may be seen on a routine Pap smear. In such cases, treatment should be started and the Pap smear repeated 3 to 6 months later.

Treatment of trichomoniasis helps prevents the spread of the disease to sexual partners. Trichomoniasis can also increase the chance of getting HIV from an infected partner.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any unusual vaginal discharge or irritation is noted.

Also call for an appointment if you suspect that you have been exposed to the disease.

Prevention

A monogamous sexual relationship with a known healthy partner can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including trichomoniasis.

Other than total abstinence, condoms remain the best and most reliable protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms must be used consistently and correctly.

Review Date: 10/9/2006

Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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