Trichomoniasis refers to a sexually transmitted type of infection that affects women and men both. However, the problem is common among women.
Causes of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis or Trich takes place because of a one-celled protozoan referred as Trichomonas vaginalis that travels among people via genital contact at the time of performing sexual intercourse. In a majorit of women, the organism leads to urethral or vaginal infection. Once the infection starts, it spreads easily via unprotected contact of genitals. Trich does not spread from any normal physical contact, like kissing, hugging, sharing dishes or sitting on any toilet seat.
What are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in Females?
The problem of Trichomoniasis, abbreviated as Trich does not show any symptom. According to the reports of medical experts, only about 30percent of total people suffering from the problem of Trich report symptoms related to the problem. Moreover, in another study, about 85 percent of women affected with Trich do not show any symptom.
However, when symptoms in patients, particularly females occur, they usually start from 5 days to 28 days after a particular individual suffers infection. However, in some people, it requires a relatively long time.
Common symptoms of Trich among women are-
- Vaginal discharge, which may be of green, yellow, gray or white and usually frothy involving an unpleasant smell
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Itching or burning sensation in the genital area
- Swelling or redness of the genital
- Pain during sexual intercourse or urination
- Frequent urge for urination
Ways to Recognize Trichomoniasis Symptoms
Monitoring the Vaginal Discharge
Abnormal discharge appears as frothy and greenish-yellow in color. Especially, a strong odor highlights a sign and symptom of abnormal vaginal discharge. For a large number of women, vaginal discharge is normal and it may range from milky white to clear one.
Trichomoniasis spreads via contact with vaginal discharge that takes place often at the time of vaginal intercourse. However, non-sexual type of transmission may take place because of the usage of items, such as moist clothes, douche nozzles and toilet seats, which do not wash properly. Positively, parasite in this case last for maximum 24 hours period outside of your body.
Recognizing Any Abnormal Genital Symptom
Trichomoniasis causes burning, redness and itching sensations across genital areas in some of the infected women. These symptoms either indicate the possibility of trich infection or another type of STI. Reason for this are-
Trich causes irritation within the vulva or vaginal canal. Vaginal irritation problem becomes normal in case it lasts only for 3 to 4 days or maximum 10 days. However, in case the vaginal irritation persists or becomes worse, it is better to discuss with your gynecologist about it and get appropriate diagnose and treatment for it within time.
Stay Aware with Unpleasant or Painful Sexual Intercourse and Urination
Trichomoniasis may result in soreness and inflammation in genitals, which can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable. In this situation, you should schedule your appointment with your doctor and never participate in intercourse until and unless you undergo with STDs or STIs test procedures.
You should strictly avoid all types of sexual intercourse, which include oral and anal sex until you undergo with the mentioned tests and clear it.
You have to inform your sexual partner in case you suspect you have STD or STI and encourage him to undergo with the test and treatment. A few clinics help in informing your partners in an anonymous way by providing a contact slip that informs them to know in case they expose to a sexually transmitted type of problem.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Trichomoniasis: https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
- Mayo Clinic – Trichomoniasis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichomoniasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378609
- MedlinePlus – Trichomoniasis: https://medlineplus.gov/trichomoniasis.html
Also Read: