Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The organism is mainly found in the vagina of women and urethra of men; and spreads by unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Thrichomonas infects about 7.4 million women and men each year, but men usually show no symptoms of the infection. The incubation period for Trichomoniasis ranges from about five to 28 days and it is a treatable condition.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The most common symptom for women and men includes discharge from the vagina and penis respectively. Men usually show no symptoms but most women do. The most common symptom is yellowish-green frothy discharge which also has a musty smell, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaginal itching and redness is very common along with lower abdominal pain. Pain can occur during sexual intercourse and urination. Men usually don't show symptoms but when they do, painful urination is common.
Diagnosis involves a pelvic exam and lab test. The doctor usually looks for red sores in the vagina or cervix as an initial diagnosis. Lab testing involves observing a sample of discharge under the microscope for evidence of the organism. Other diagnostic methods like a vaginal culture or DNA testing may be used if physical observation is difficult, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Treatment
Trichomoniasis is treated with the antibiotics Metronidazole or Tinidazole which is taken orally in a single dose, reports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Side effects of medication include metallic taste, dizziness, vomiting, nausea and headache. Alcohol should also be avoided for at least 72 hours after taking medication to avoid severe nausea and vomiting. It is always better to treat both sexual partners at the same time because men usually don't show symptoms of infection and may infect other partners unknowingly. Patients should avoid sex until they have completed treatment. It proves important to understand that once an individual has received treatment for the disease, that they may still get infected again if they do not remain careful.
Prevention
Several ways exist to prevent the spread of Trichomoniasis. Abstinence remains the definite way to avoid the disease, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, but if one is sexually active, it is advisable to have one faithful uninfected partner. Condom use also proves very important for all types of sex. Couples should develop an understanding between one another about the importance of when to use condoms. This avoids any misunderstandings where one partner wants the protection from the disease while the other may not feel concerned. People should get regular checkups and be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. This removes a lot of the stress and tension in a relationship. Many people wrongly believe that birth control products such as pills, spermicides, IUDs--Intra Uterine Devices and diaphragms provide protection against these infections. In reality, sexually transmitted diseases remain unaffected by these products so people should take care when using them.
