Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most common curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) in young, sexually active women. The disease affects both men and women, however, and the CDC estimates that 7.4 million new cases occur each year.
Trichomoniasis often goes undiagnosed, causing many infections to go untreated. This contributes to the development of several serious consequences linked with trichomonas infection.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Trichomoniasis in pregnant women has been associated with preterm birth, or delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy, and low birth weight infants, or babies weighing less than 5.5 lbs. The CDC estimates 124,000 cases of trichomonas infection occur in pregnant women each year.
Other adverse outcomes associated with trichomoniasis include premature breaking of the amniotic sac surrounding the baby before labor, and increased risk of stillbirth. The Mayo Clinic also states that the mother can pass on the infection to her infant as he passes through the birth canal.
Increased Transmission of HIV
According to the NIAID, trichomoniasis may cause at least a 3- to 5-fold increase in the risk of transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The CDC reports that the inflammation caused by trichomoniasis can make a woman more susceptible to HIV and increases an HIV-infected woman's risk of passing the virus on to sexual partners. In HIV-infected men, trichomoniasis may result in significantly increased amounts of HIV excreted in the semen. This greatly increases his risk of transmitting the virus on to sexual partners.
Infertility
Trichomoniasis contributes to infertility in both women and men. A review done by David Soper, M.D. states that women with trichomoniasis have higher rates of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The CDC defines PID as infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs, and reports that 1 in 10 women with this infection will become infertile. In men, trichomoniasis can decrease sperm motility and viability, both of which may lead to male infertility.
Non-Gonococcal Urethritis
Trichomoniasis is a common cause of male non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), or infection of the urethra due to causes other than gonorrhea. If not properly treated, NGU can lead to serious complications such as epididymitis, or inflammations of the epididymis, and infertility.
Cervical Neoplasia
A review done by David Soper, M.D. cited several studies that have found an association between trichomoniasis and increased risk of cervical neoplasia. Cervical neoplasia is the presence of cervical changes or abnormalities that are generally considered to be precancerous.
References
- CDC: Trichomoniasis Fact Sheet
- NIAID: Trichomoniasis
- Trichomoniasis.org: Trichomoniasis Complications
- WHO: Guidelines for the management of sexually transmitted infections
- "American Journal Of Obstetrics and Gynecology"; Trichomoniasis: Under control or undercontrolled?; David Soper, MD; Jan 2004.
