Vaginal inflammation, or vaginitis, is a common issue that can lead to debilitating symptoms and dreaded complications. Bacteria, yeasts, or parasites can induce vaginal discharge abnormalities, pain during urination or sexual activity, localized burning and itching, and other symptoms of vaginitis. Infertility may result from the infections, which can also cause lower abdominal pain and spread to other reproductive organs. Due to the changing sexual preferences, the underlying infections that cause vaginitis can spread quickly. Ten to twenty-five percent of vaginal infections are caused by trichomoniasis. It is important to be informed about the commonest causes and treatment of this common vaginal infection.
Knowing Trichomoniasis
The cause of the common genital infection known as trichomoniasis, also known as sexually transmitted disease (STD), is an imperceptible parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. Though even men are not immune, it is more prevalent and noticeable in young women who are sexually active.
The commonest symptom in women is a copious, foamy or frothy foul-smelling yellowish gray, vaginal discharge. There can be vaginal itching which can range from mild to incapacitating. Burning or pain during urination and pain during intercourse are other complaints. In some women and most men, this infection may not be evident. Men sometimes complain of burning when they urinate, pain in the genitalia, or urethral discharge.
Transmission of infection
People contract trichomoniasis from one another, usually through intercourse. Individuals who have several sexual partners are at a higher risk of contracting the infection. Typically, the infection is transferred from female to male partners. If there is a homosexual relationship, infected women can transfer the infection to other women. It is unlikely that contaminated toilet seats or douche nozzles will transmit the infection. Since the parasite cannot survive outside of the human body for very long, there is a greater likelihood of person-to-person transmission than there is from inanimate objects. Infants may contract the virus from mothers who are infected, and children may contract it as a result of sexual abuse.
Diagnosing Trichomoniasis
When exhibiting symptoms, trichomoniasis can be highly suspected and identified through a clinical history and physical examination. When the parasites are visible and easily identifiable due to their characteristic pear-shape and the presence of a few whip-like structures called flagella, the diagnosis can be verified by looking at the discharge under a microscope. The physician might inquire about your sexual habits and examine your genitalia. The discharge can then be sampled using a cotton-tipped swab stick, and the sample is tested in a laboratory. As an alternative, some quick diagnostic exams could be done. If the microscopic examination yields negative results but the doctor still has a strong suspicion of infection, the samples might be cultured.
The pH of the vagina, which provides an estimate of how acidic the secretions are, will also be of interest to the doctor. Though not unique to the infection, trichomoniasis may cause the vagina’s normally acidic pH to rise and take on a more basic nature.
Furthermore, your physician might want to make sure that other sexually transmitted infections (STDs) like gonorrhea, syphilis, or HIV are not coincidentally present and might suggest testing for them. This is due to the fact that common and risky sexual practices increase the risk of trichomoniasis spreading to other STDs. Men should be screened and evaluated for the infection because they frequently have no symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend that you and your female partner do the same.
In around 60 and 70 percent of cases, trichomoniasis can be detected in urine.
Treating Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is treatable. Treatment is necessary for all cases, symptomatic and asymptomatic, as well as their contacts. It’s possible that you’ll need to take 2 grams of metronidazole or tinidazole, an antibiotic. As an alternative, 500 mg of metronidazole can be taken twice a day for five to seven days. These drugs usually cause the parasites’ essential functions to malfunction, which leads to the parasites’ death. Cure rates with these are good. A repeat course might be beneficial for more difficult infections. Alternatively, an extended treatment may be advised. Any extended regimen should not be started until re-infection has been ruled out. A bitter aftertaste is a common side effect of tinidazole or metronidazole. When receiving metronidazole or tinidazole treatment, you should also refrain from drinking for at least three days. Drinking alcohol while taking these medications can cause flushes, headaches, and vomiting. You might be recommended to apply gels locally concurrently. When combined with oral treatment, local therapy produces encouraging results; when used alone, the results are not good.
You should abstain from sex when undergoing treatment. Even if your spouse is symptom-free, they still require medical attention. When the treatment is over and neither of you is experiencing any symptoms, you and your partner can get back to having sex.
If you are expecting, you should try to avoid taking metronidazole in the first few months of your pregnancy as it may cause birth defects in the unborn child. On the other hand, you might be recommended to take a 2 g dose if the advantages of treatment exceed the risks. It might be necessary for you to temporarily stop nursing your child for a few days while receiving treatment if you are breast feeding.
Trichomoniasis can spread to the nearby urinary system and other reproductive organs if left untreated. Inadequate treatment during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infection of the unborn child. HIV transmission and other STDs are more likely to occur when trichomoniasis is present.
Preventing another Trichomoniasis infection
If you have ever had trichomoniasis, you could be at risk of getting it again if safe sex practices are not followed. After the initial episode, immunity against re-infection does not develop. Safe sex practices are the most effective way to stop a re-infection. Always use a condom. This will guard against the spread of other STDs like HIV in addition to preventing a trichomonas infection. Each and every time you have sex, use a fresh condom. Practice safety in oral sex. Cover the penis with a condom and the vulva with a dam. Avoid sharing vaginal douches or sex toys. Prefer monogamous relations. See a sexual health professional on a regular basis, particularly if you have several partners. If you ever receive a positive test result for an infection, let your partners know so they can get treated as well. Avoid having sex and see a doctor if you experience any symptoms, such as heavy discharge, burning, or pain in your genitalia, or if you see any localized ulcers.
When on treatment, avoid having sexual relations to avoid re-infection. You might need to skip out on sex for a week, even if you are only taking metronidazole as a single dose treatment. Treatment reduces spread of infection.
Be Trichomoniasis free
Trichomoniasis is a widely prevalent sexual infection that is easily treatable. An early diagnosis and a timely treatment can help to contain the spread of the infection, and also that of other sexually transmitted infections. Practicing safe sex goes a long way in preventing sexually transmitted diseases, including that caused by Trichomoniasis.
