Trichomoniasis caused by a parasite known as trichomona is an infection occurred as part of the sexually transmitted disease. It is the common infection in the United States. The spread of the parasite, trichomona, is through oral, vaginally, or anal sex. It even spreads if an individual does not show any signs of the infection. It means that you can receive the virus from your partner even if they do not show any indication of the presence of trichomoniasis. Additionally, the spread of the virus is also possible with genital touching. A man need not ejaculate to spread the infection. A woman can receive trichomona by indulging in sexual activity with another woman.
Who Is At Risk?
Trichomoniasis is a widespread sexually transmitted infection in women than their counterpart. In the United States alone, there are over 2 million women affected with the virus who belong to the age group 14 – 49. Furthermore, the percentage of the affected women is high among African-American women when compared with that of Hispanic and white women. The risk increases for African-American women as the age goes up and with the number of partners.
Signs and Symptoms
Trichomoniasis, the sexually transmitted infection, does not show any symptoms in women. In case there are any signs, they appear a week after the exposure and includes the following:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Discomfort and pain during intercourse and urination
- Frothy discharge with the bad smell that can be greenish, yellowish, or clear
- Itching and irritation of the vulva, vagina, penis, and urethra
How to Diagnose Trichomoniasis?
To find out if you are suffering from trichomoniasis, your doctor or the nurse will perform:
- Pelvic examination
- Collect a fluid sample from the vagina using a cotton swab and check it under the microscope to look for the presence of the parasite
- Carry out a lab test such as fluid culture
If the results of the test turn positive, it is necessary for you to carry out other tests related to sexually transmitted infections. It will be helpful in learning about additional diseases and prevent them from growth.
Can Trichomoniasis be Cured?
How to cure trichomoniasis? Curing trichomoniasis with the help of antibiotics is possible. The medicines include tinidazole and metronidazole. They are available in the pill form, and you will be swallowing a single pill for each dose. If the test results are positive for you and the doctor advises the use of the treatment, it is also necessary for your sex partner or partners to receive the same treatment. Additionally, it is essential to refrain from participating in a sexual act until the completion of the treatment. You will be consulting your doctor after completion of the medication to look for the signs of the symptoms.
What Happens To Trichomoniasis If Unattended?
It is difficult for any individual to identify the presence of trichomoniasis because it does not display any significant symptoms. Due to this, you will be transmitting it to others when you are sexually active. If left unattended, the risk of getting HIV is high when there is a risk of exposure to HIV. Furthermore, the risk of transmitting HIV to your sex partner or partners is high if you test positive for HIV. According to Disease Control and Prevention Center, screening for trichomoniasis once a year is essential for women diagnosed with HIV.
What To Do Upon Detecting Trichomoniasis?
Treating trichomoniasis is easy. However, it requires testing before confirming the presence of the parasite. Upon detecting the parasite, the doctor will provide you a treatment consisting of antibiotics to kill the parasite. During the treatment period, avoid sexual contact to prevent the spread to others.
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