Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease. Counteracting the disease is possible with the help of antibiotics. The occurrence is common, and many people do not show any signs of its presence. Millions of people suffer from the STD. The reason for the cause is a parasite that is present in pre-cum, semen, and vaginal fluids.
It is difficult to find about it, as people do not show any signs of its presence. Everyone with trichomoniasis feels fine and unaware of the situation. However, when it does show symptoms, the common sign that one can notice is vaginitis. Vaginitis is a condition when the vagina or vulva becomes irritated. The parasite that causes the situation also affects urethra. Significant signs include itching, irritation, painful peeing, and smelly discharge.
How Do You Contract Trichomoniasis?
The cause for trichomoniasis is due to the parasite called trichomona. A person having the infection transmits to other when he or she participates in an unprotected sexual act. The virus passes through the pre-cum, semen, and vaginal fluids. You can also infect others or self when you touch the genitals with infected hands, use contaminated sex toys, and by vulva-to-vulva contact. It affects vagina, penis, vulva, and urethra, but does not infect other parts of the body.
Trichomoniasis does not spread when you have physical contact such as kissing, hugging, holding hands, sharing food, sneezing, coughing, and sitting on toilet seats. Many infected people are unaware that they have trich. It makes them the host and helps them to spread it to others.
What are the Symptoms?
It will be difficult find about the symptoms of trichomoniasis because it is hard to develop, and even if a person experiences the same, lack of pain or noticeable signs makes it hard. However, testing for trich will be helpful to find if you are suffering from the same.
At least seven people show no signs of trichomoniasis out of ten. If the infection occurs on the penis, then it is unlikely to cause any symptoms. At times, the symptoms are negligible that it makes it hard to notice the same or think that there is an infection. Therefore, the only way you can confirm the presence of the same is by taking the test.
The following are the common signs that you can notice:
- Green, gray, or yellow bad-smelling discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Swelling of the genitals
- Itching sensation around the genital region
- Discharge of blood
What Happens During The Test?
The doctor or the nurse who is attending the test will use a cotton swab to collect samples from the vagina or penis and observe them under a microscope. Testing for trichomoniasis is as simple as urinating in a cup. In a few occasions, the test includes a simple procedure of rubbing the genitals using a cotton swab, which helps in the collection of skin cells.
The appearance of trichomoniasis is similar to that of bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. Therefore, the doctor or the nurse uses different methods to test the same. The idea of testing for trich scares everyone. However, it is your responsibility as an adult to take the STD testing. The good news is that trichomoniasis is curable. Therefore, the sooner you learn about its presence, the sooner you can receive the treatment.
Things to do before the testing
- Do not participate in sex
- Keep away from using deodorants, sprays, and powder on genitals
- Do not take a bath, as it washes away the fluids that are helpful for the test
- Ensure that the appointment does not encounter with periods.
