Common in young women, trichomoniasis affects 7.4 million people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, it spreads through sexual contact. In order to treat trichomoniasis, doctors have to give patients specific tests to detect the parasite. If a person infected with trichomoniasis does not get treated, she can pass the parasite onto other people.
Symptoms
Symptoms of trichomoniasis are different in women than in men. For example, women can have vaginal order and discharge, which MedlinePlus describes as greenish-yellow or foamy. Itching can occur in a woman's inner thighs, vagina or vulva. Women who have trichomoniasis can have discomfort when having intercourse. Men can have itching and a slight discharge from the urethra. They can also have burning after ejaculation or urination.
Preparing for Tests
Before going to the doctor, patients should prepare some information. For example, MayoClinic.com notes that patients should calculate their number of sexual partners. They should let their doctor know if they have had any sexually transmitted diseases in the past. If they have symptoms, they should let the doctor know when they started.
Tests in Women
The tests for trichomoniasis mainly focus on women. One test for trichomoniasis is the pelvic examination, in which the doctor will look for red blotches on the cervix or the vaginal wall. MedlinePlus explains that the doctor may do a wet prep, which takes a sample of the vaginal discharge. The laboratory technician looks at the sample under the microscope and looks for any organisms. Another test is the Pap smear, in which the doctor takes a sample from around the cervix to test for the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis.
Tests in Men
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that Trichomonas vaginalis is harder to detect in men than in women. As a result, a diagnosis in men depends on his partner. MedlinePlus points out that if a man's sexual partner has trichomoniasis, he will receive treatment. The doctor may give the man treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea. If he still has symptoms, he will then receive trichomoniasis treatment.
Treatment
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that metronidazole, an antibiotic, or tinidazole, an anti-parasitic, can treat trichomoniasis. Even after treatment, people can get trichomoniasis again. As a precaution, people should refrain from intercourse during treatment. Both partners should get treated, as they can pass the parasite back and forth if one still has it.
