What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis (or “trich”) may be a quite common sexually transmitted disease (STD). it's caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Although symptoms of the disease vary, most of the people who have the parasite cannot tell they're infected.
How common is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is that the commonest curable STD. within us, CDC estimates that there have been quite two million trichomoniasis infections in 2018. However, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger ladies to possess been infected with trichomoniasis.
Two Trichomonas vaginalis parasites, magnified (seen under a microscope) Two Trichomonas vaginalis parasites, magnified (seen under a microscope)
How do people get trichomoniasis?
The parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the foremost commonly infected part of the body is that the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). In men, the foremost commonly infected part is that inside the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite usually spreads from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis. It also can spread from a vagina to a different vagina. it's not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, just like the hands, mouth, or anus. it's unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others don't. It probably depends on factors sort of a person’s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others.
What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis?
About 70% of infected people don't have any signs or symptoms. When trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, they will range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to twenty-eight days after being infected. Others don't develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go.
Men with trichomoniasis may notice:
Itching or irritation inside the penis;
Burning after urination or ejaculation;
Discharge from the penis.
Women with trichomoniasis may notice:
Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals;
Discomfort with urination;
A change in their discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) will be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with an unusual fishy smell.
Having trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to possess sex. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or maybe years.
What are the complications of trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis can increase the danger of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. for instance, trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation that creates it easier to urge infected with HIV or to pass the HIV virus on to a sex partner.
STDs During Pregnancy
How does trichomoniasis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to possess their babies too early (preterm delivery). Also, babies born to infected mothers are more likely to possess a coffee birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds).
How is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
It is impossible to diagnose trichomoniasis-supported symptoms alone. For both men and ladies, Pride & Prevention Center can examine you and obtain a laboratory test to diagnose trichomoniasis.
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is often treated with medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole). These pills are taken orally. it's safe for pregnant women to require this medication. it's not recommended to drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this medication.
People who are treated for trichomoniasis can catch on again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after receiving treatment. To avoid getting reinfected, all sex partners should get treated with antibiotics at an equivalent time. Wait to possess sex again until everyone has been treated and any symptoms get away (usually a few weeks). Get checked at 3 months to form sure you've got not been infected again, or sooner if your symptoms come before then.
How can trichomoniasis be prevented?
The only thanks to avoiding STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you're sexually active, you'll do the subsequent things to lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis:
Be during a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results; Use latex condoms the proper way whenever you've got sex. this will lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis.
Another approach is to speak about the potential risk of STDs before you've got sex with a replacement partner. That way you'll make informed choices about the extent of risk you're comfortable taking together with your sex life.
If you or someone you recognize has questions on trichomoniasis or the other STD, ask PPC World!
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