Author’s Bio: Dharshini Senthilkumar is an incoming college freshman majoring in biology. She is interested in the medical sciences and hopes to provide awareness on serious medical conditions.

What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease which can affect both sexes but is more common in women. It is an infection caused by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Treatments work well with this condition and help the body get rid of the STD. The sooner the treatment is started, the sooner it will go away.

How is Trichomoniasis transmitted?

The protozoan parasite passes from an infected person to an uninfected person during sexualintercourse. The protozoan causes a urethral infection in men and a vaginal infection in women. Women can contract the STD from another woman’s genitalia or a man’s genitalia. Men, however, can only contract the STD from women. Other parts of the body like the hands or mouth are less likely to be infected as the parasite usually only spreads from genital to genital. However, Trichomoniasis can survive on objects, so sharing sheets, towels, or underwear can spread this STD as well. Even if someone that is infected may not show any signs or symptoms, they can still pass the infection on to others. Therefore, it is important to get tested for STDs if you are even slightly worried.

What are the symptoms of Trichomoniasis?

Only about 30% of infected people show signs or symptoms. The symptoms that do occur generally manifest after 5 to 28 days of being infected. Men and women develop different symptoms. They may not be consistent. Men generally may notice:

Burning during urination or ejaculation
Discharge from the penis
Irritation in and around the penis
Frequent urination
Blood in urine or discharge

Women generally may notice:

Burning and discomfort when urinating
A change in vaginal discharge that can have an unusually foul smell
Irritation or soreness of the genitals
Blood in urine or discharge
Frequent urination
Painful sex
Premature labor

Women infected with Trichomoniasis during pregnancy can pass the STD on to their baby. This would lead to the baby needing treatment immediately after birth. Premature birth is highly likely as well as the baby being born is in most cases underweight.

How Trichomoniasis is diagnosed and treated?

Only a lab test can determine whether someone is infected with Trichomoniasis. The lab test consists of a swab of fluid taken from the genitals and being examined under a microscope. If tested positive, this STD can be treated with the prescription drugs, Metronidazole or Tinidazole. You should not drink alcohol within 24 hours of taking this medication. These pills are taken by mouth 3 times a day for about a week. They are also safe for pregnant women. Reinfection is a possibility. 1 in 5 people get reinfected within 3 months of going through treatment. To avoid this scenario, all sexual partners should be treated at the same time and not have sex until everyone is cured with no symptoms. It is also recommended to get tested again at 3 months to ensure you have not been reinfected.

How long does the infection stay dormant in the body?

Symptoms generally start up after 5 to 28 days of infection. Once treatment is started, symptoms will start to go away in about a week. Without treatment, the STD will remain in the body and increase the risk of getting and/or spreading other STDS, like HIV.

Can someone contract Trichomoniasis on their own?

Trichomoniasis can only be contracted from an infected person to an uninfected person during sexual intercourse. Contact between genitals passes the parasite from one person to another. Women can contract the STD from another woman’s genitalia or a man’s genitalia. Men can only contract the STD from women. Additionally, Trichomoniasis can survive on objects, so sharing sheets, towels, or underwear can spread this STD as well.

How do I prevent Trichomoniasis?

The only way to avoid STDs is to completely avoid sexual intercourse of any type. However, If you are sexually active, there are safety precautions you should take.

Staying in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STD tests.
Use latex condoms correctly- this will lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis or any other STD.
Avoid douching since douching removes the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect from infections. This will increase the likelihood of getting an STD.

Online Doctor Consultations for Trichomoniasis

If you suspect you or your partner are having symptoms of Trichomoniasis, consult our online doctors immediately. Health care providers at our online health clinic can evaluate your symptoms and suggest appropriate std treatment online. At Home Urgent Care provides telehealth services so you can safely and confidently keep your health in check with our primary and urgent care services. Our online consultation services include physicians with expertise in std treatment and medication. Our doctors can evaluate your symptoms and order the appropriate std prescription at your preferred pharmacy. Book an appointment today with our health care experts available at your convenience 365 days a year.

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References

“15 Symptoms of Trichomoniasis.” SimplyHealth.Today, 26 May 2020, simplyhealth.today/15-symptoms-of-trichomoniasis/7/. Last updated on June 15th, 2017 by Samuel Peterson.
“Trichomoniasis Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures: STD Trichomoniasis.” STD, 15 June 2017, www.std-gov.org/stds/trichomoniasis.htm.
“STD Facts – Trichomoniasis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm.
“Trichomoniasis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichomoniasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378609.
“Trichomoniasis.” Womenshealth.gov, 1 Apr. 2019, www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/trichomoniasis.