Trichomoniasis, which also goes by the name “trich,” occurs due to a parasite called as trichomona. Trichomoniasis tops the chart of sexually transmitted infections. Luckily, the disease is curable with the help of antibiotics. Approximately, 4 million people alone suffer from the infection each year in the United States. The number rises with age, and the percentage of infected women is high when compared with that of men because of the changing sex partners.
People affected by the parasite live a healthy life, as there are no visible symptoms. Due to this, learning about the presence of the parasite becomes hard. The only way to learn about it is by carrying a test, where the doctor collects the cells of the genital region. Observing under the microscope reveals the presence of the parasite. Luckily, the sexually transmitted infection is curable with the help of metronidazole, an antibiotic.
General Symptoms
The common symptoms include irritation, itchiness, swelling of the genital region, and painful urination. In men, the symptoms include burning sensation after urinating and pain after ejaculation. For women, the signs include discharge of clear, yellow, or green colored fluid with bad smell, vaginal bleeding, and pain in abdomen after intercourse.
Prevention
Prevention of the passing of the parasite from one person to another is possible by using condoms because it is a sexually transmitted infection. Additionally, using condoms also prevents other STDs and STIs.
Can a Man Have Trichomoniasis And Test Negative?
Can there be a false report? The symptoms a person experiences from trichomoniasis require at least five days. When it goes unnoticed and the period is above 28 days from the incubation, the person suffers from the advanced stage. The window period changes from one to another. During this period, the parasite spreads widely. Due to this reason, there is a chance for a person to exhibit false results.
Overcoming False Negative Report
A better way to receive accurate results is by taking it after completion of the incubation period, which is after 28 days after the exposure period. During this period, one can experience itchiness or discharge of fluids (in women). It is preferable to participate in safe sex to avoid STDs and STIs. A person tested positive for trichomoniasis has a high chance of acquiring HIV and AIDS. Fortunately, trichomoniasis is curable with the help of metronidazole antibiotic. The treatment varies from one to another but lasts for about a week. Alternatively, the doctor can give a single pill with a dosage of 2000 mg.
Testing for Trichomoniasis
Without testing for trichomoniasis, it is impossible to learn about its presence. It carries for months and even years in some instances. It will be difficult to diagnose the presence of the parasite based only on the symptoms.
To test for the presence of the parasite, collecting a sample of discharge from women and cells from the genetic area for men is the norm. A doctor or a nurse collects the sample with the help of a cotton swab. They use a microscope to look at the sample. Heading for a general STD test is not the choice, as they do not contain testing for trichomoniasis. Therefore, patients should request for one separately.
Non-invasive testing includes a collection of the first 20 ml of the urine. Patients should not urinate for at least an hour before collecting their sample for the test. Nucleic acid probe and rapid antigen blood tests are available that provide instant results. However, they do not offer the accuracy as that of the test that uses a specimen.
Conclusion
Taking the trichomoniasis diagnosis test after the incubation period is preferable to receive accurate results. Additionally, participating in safety sexual acts is essential to avoid STDs and STIs.
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