Trichomonas infection (Trich): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Trichomoniasis (trich) which is due to trichomonas infection is a common, curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) among women worldwide.

Trichomoniasis (trich) is caused by trichomonas vaginalis infection which is a single celled parasite (protozoan). It is a sexually transmitted disease that occurs in both males and females. However, many women and men do not show symptoms of the disease. If your partner is not treated, the recurrence rate is high.

It is important to know that about 70 percent of people with trich do not show any symptoms. This article will explain the symptoms and treatment for the disease. Treatment of trichomonas infection is even more important in pregnancy because it can increase the risk of complications.

What causes trichomoniasis (trich)

Trich is caused by the organism trichomonas vaginalis. it is present in the genital tract of infected women and men. Transmission is by sexual contact. It is more common in women that practice unsafe sex.

What are the signs and symptoms of trichomonas infection (trich)

Women who develop symptoms are few. About 70 percent of women and men infected do not show symptoms. In those that show symptoms, It occurs 5 to 28 days of contact. Some of the symptoms of trich experienced by women include

• Vulvar itching, burning, redness, or soreness (sometimes made worse by scratching).

• Vaginal discharge can be foul smelling. It is often described by women as frothy yellowish green in color. If you experience this type of vaginal discharge you should inform your doctor for test and treatment.

• Painful urination (dysuria) and lower abdominal pain

• Women and men will also complain of discomfort during sex.

How is trichomonas infection (Trich) diagnosed?

Women that experience the above symptoms may have trich. However, you cannot confirm trichomoniasis by symptoms alone. The presence of foul-smelling vaginal discharge and soreness in a woman after 5 to 28 days of sex with a new partner can be due to trichomonas infection. However, most sexually transmitted infection and yeast infection can mimic symptoms. It is therefore important to visit your doctor for tests to be carried out.

Wet mount test. During this test your discharge is collected with a vaginal swab and mixed with saline. It is then viewed with the microscope. Presence of flagellated trichomonas vaginalis is diagnostic. However, the sensitivity of this test is low.

Culture of specimen in diamond medium can be done. It is cheap and is more sensitive than wet mount, but results can take longer.

Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) can also be done. Though it is expensive, it is usually the most sensitive of the tests.

What is the treatment of trichomonas infection (trich)?

Vaginal infection in women can have a psychological effect. It can also cause serious problems in a relationship. Early diagnosis and treatment is therefore important. You should see your doctor and explain your symptoms. There is no need to be shy about your problems. Trichomonas infection can be treated and cured. However, recurrence rate is high if your sex partner is not treated. You will also be screened for other STIs including gonorrhea, chlamydia infection.

The drug of choice to treat trichomonas infection in women is metronidazole 500mg by mouth twice daily for 7 days. In men, a single 2g dose is often used. However, tinidazole can be used too. It is a single dose regimen of 2g though it is more expensive. Avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole and for 48 hours after. Also, do not have sex again until you and your partner complete treatment.

In addition, metronidazole can be used in pregnant women to treat trichomonas infection when prescribed by a clinician. However, do not self-medicate in pregnancy, and tinidazole is usually avoided in pregnancy.

Women who are immune compromised (for example, living with HIV) may need closer follow-up and repeat testing.

How can trichomonas infection be prevented in women?

There is no best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases than abstinence. Women that abstain from sex are unlikely to have trich. However, abstinence can be very difficult in women during reproductive years. Use of condoms has been shown to reduce the transmission of trich. Though not 100 percent safe, it reduces disease transmission when used correctly.

In addition, early screening of women with abnormal vaginal discharge is important for early detection and quick treatment.

What are the complications of trichomonas infection (trich) in women and men?

If trichomonas infection is not treated early, it can have long term effects. Some of the complications of trichomoniasis are

• Increased risk of developing HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases

• Increased risk of preterm birth in pregnant women

• Risk of prostatitis or epididymitis in men

Frequently asked questions about TRICH

Can you get trichomoniasis from a toilet seat?

Trichomoniasis is almost always spread through sex. Getting it from a toilet seat is extremely unlikely.

What is trichomoniasis life cycle?

The infective trophozoite are present in the vagina or orifice of the penis. During sex this transmission occurs. The organism multiplies by longitudinal binary fission.

How can i get trichomoniasis if no one cheats?

Many people have no symptoms, and trich can last for months or even years without treatment. So a positive test does not automatically mean someone “just cheated.” The most common reasons are a past infection that was never treated, or reinfection because a partner was not treated. Non-sex transmission is extremely rare.

What is trichomoniasis cure?

Treatment with metronidazole has a high cure rate, but it is important to see your doctor for treatment. You can get trich again if your partner is not treated.

Now its your turn. Let us know if you have trich infection symptoms. Share your suggestions and questions.