This infection is caused by a protozoan (single-celled) parasite, called Trichomonas vaginalis. As the name suggests, the most common area of infection in women is the vagina and urethra (urine canal) is the most common area of infection in men.
How do you get Trichomonas?
Trichomonas parasite can be sexually transmitted through vulva-to-vulva contact (area that is outside the vagina) or penis-to-vagina intercourse with an infected partner. Women acquire this disease from infected women or men, but men contract the disease only from women.
Symptoms
- Vaginal odour
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Discharge
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
Complications to consider
Trichomoniasis causes genital inflammation increasing the woman's susceptibility to HIV virus in case of an exposure. It also causes inflammation of the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry the eggs from ovaries to womb) and premature birth of babies with low birth weight.
- The best way to avoid transmission of this disease is abstain any kind of sexual activity. If that is not possible, then commit yourself to a long-term monogamous relationship where your partner has been tested negative for STD.
- You can reduce the risk of contracting trichomoniasis by using latex male condoms, consistently and correctly.
- Genital symptoms like burning during urination or discharge, an unusual rash should be a signal to stop any sexual activity and rush to the nearest health provider.
- If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis (or any other STD) you should receive treatment and notify all recent sex partners so that they can consult a health care provider and be treated.
Treatment
Trichomoniasis is treated with the prescription drug, metronidazole, which is given by mouth in a single dose. Symptoms of this disease in infected males can disappear in a matter of weeks without any treatment. Individuals being treated for trichomoniasis should abstain from sex until they and their sex partners have completed the treatment and show no symptoms.
What to do if you think you have Trichomoniasis?
- If you think you have the symptoms mentioned, it's time to get yourself checked! This is not the time to be embarrassed as trichomoniasis will not disappear by just hoping.
- There are many health departments in Australia with special clinics that treat STDs including trichomoniasis. In case you don't know where to go, call your local family planning clinic for more information. No matter where you receive treatment, your case will be kept absolutely private.
- It's normal to feel embarrassed about having this infection and it may be difficult to go to the doctor or the clinic. But it is necessary to get yourself treated even though it is the hardest thing to do. There is no other way to recover.
- Don't forget to tell your sexual partner. If they are not treated, they can also spread trichomoniasis! And they might infect you all over again.