Trichomoniasis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite most often affects women, but men can also become infected and transmit it to their partners through sexual contact.
Trichomoniasis Symptoms
The symptoms of trichomoniasis in women are:
- Discharge that smells and can be white, gray, yellow, or greenish in color
- Itching and redness in the genital area
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain when urinating
In men generally do not cause symptoms. If symptoms appear, they may include:
- Irritation inside the penis
- Burning feeling when urinating or ejaculating
- Fluid coming out of the penis
Trichomoniasis Reason
The cause of trichomoniasis is the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The incubation period between exposure and infection is unknown but is estimated to be between 5-28 days.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of trichomoniasis can be traced by examining vaginal fluid or urine samples in men. In addition, other supporting tests that can be carried out are tissue examination and antigen examination.
Trichomoniasis Treatment
The most effective treatment for trichomoniasis is oral medication metronidazole. This drug should not be given if the patient is in the first 3 months of pregnancy, because of its effect on the fetus.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men usually go away within a few weeks without treatment. However, the man can continue to infect his partner until he is finished with treatment. Therefore, both partners must be treated at the same time to stop the spread of the disease.
Patients are advised not to have sex during treatment and before being declared cured. However, even though treatment has been successful, it does not make a person immune forever because they can be reinfected.
Prevention
To prevent contracting trichomoniasis, use a condom during sexual intercourse and avoid changing sexual partners.
It is also better not to borrow personal tools such as towels because this parasite can live outside the human body for 45 minutes. Clean up immediately after swimming in a public bath.
Complications
Pregnant women who contract trichomoniasis are at risk of experiencing:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Transmission of the infection to the baby