Trichomoniasis is one of the sexually transmitted diseases. It is caused by a microparasite and affects vaginal tissues and the urinary tract. Symptoms of trichomoniasis are mainly found in women, although men are also carriers, but mostly develop symptoms without symptoms.
What is trichomoniasis?
The trigger for trichomoniasis is infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellate that has an average size of 15 microns. The route of infection is sexual contact of the vaginal mucous membranes. The trichomoniasis infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. For metabolic syndrome basics, please visit theinternetfaqs.com.
The treatment is uncomplicated and is carried out in both sexual partners at the same time to avoid a recurring trichomoniasis infection. What is striking about trichomoniasis is that men only very rarely show any symptoms that can be detected at all when infected. Almost exclusively women are affected, who can suffer from discharge, itching and other symptoms as a result of the trichomoniasis infection.
Causes
Trichomoniasis occurs when a person infected with Trichomonas vaginalis transmits the parasitic flagellates to the mucous membranes of their sexual partner through sexual contact.
These trichomonads settle on the vaginal mucous membrane and supply themselves with nutrients through it. The parasite destroys the natural vaginal flora and causes injuries to the mucous membrane. Trichomoniasis is difficult to recognize at first, since in the majority of cases it is symptom-free for a long period of time. During this time, the carriers can continue to spread them unhindered during sexual intercourse.
Unnoticed, trichomoniasis can continue to increase in the body and the number of trichomoniasis initially increases. Pure physical contact without involvement of the vaginal mucous membranes, on the other hand, does not cause a trichomonas infection. Condom use protects against trichomoniasis, but does not guarantee it.
Typical Symptoms & Signs
- vaginal inflammation
- itching
- Burning in the vagina (vaginal burning)
- vaginal discharge
- Pain and burning when urinating
- Frequent urination
Diagnosis & History
Trichomoniasis is diagnosed in female patients through a vaginal swab. The pear-shaped parasites are clearly visible under the microscope and enable an unequivocal diagnosis.
Treatment should always be given when trichomoniasis is detected, as the symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable for the patient. In addition to a strong smelling discharge, trichomoniasis is indicated by itching. In men and women alike, spread into the urethra eventually caused increasing pain with urination. Severe infestations can cause temporary infertility in women.
Rarely is the course so severe that fever and physical weakness occur as a result of the trichomoniasis infection. The uterus and urinary bladder are also only affected by trichomoniasis in exceptional cases. In most cases, men are only carriers of the trichomonas infection and do not show any symptoms.
Complications
Trichomoniasis leads to a number of very unpleasant ailments, all of which have a very negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. As a rule, those affected suffer from vaginal inflammation. This leads to severe reddening of the skin and also to itching on the skin. There may also be a burning sensation or a discharge from the vagina. In many cases, patients also experience pain when urinating.
This pain also leads to psychological complaints or depression. Frequent urination is also noticeable, which has a negative effect on the patient’s everyday life. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can still lead to infertility. Many patients also suffer from fever or general physical weakness.
Trichomoniasis can usually be treated well with medication and antibiotics. There are no particular complications. The patient’s life expectancy is also not negatively affected if the treatment is successful. However, if the disease recurs, those affected need to be treated again. The partner should also undergo treatment, as the disease is sexually transmitted.
When should you go to the doctor?
To prevent further complications or symptoms from trichomoniasis, this disease should definitely be examined and treated by a doctor. Early detection and treatment is the only way to limit further deterioration of the symptoms. Therefore, with trichomoniasis, a doctor should be consulted as soon as the first symptoms and symptoms appear.
The doctor should be contacted if the affected person suffers from severe itching and a strong burning sensation in the vagina. This is self-ignited and can also hurt in many cases. It is not uncommon for frequent urination to indicate trichomoniasis and should also be examined by a doctor. Most sufferers also experience discomfort or pain when urinating. If the symptoms of trichomoniasis occur, a general practitioner should be consulted immediately. The disease can usually be treated well.
Treatment & Therapy
Although trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infectious diseases, it is easily treated. Once the diagnosis has been made, the doctor has drugs that are specifically designed to combat the parasites.
These are prescription antibiotics that can be administered intravaginally or orally. The drugs do not need any further adjunct in the treatment of trichomoniasis as long as they are taken for the necessary period of time according to the doctor’s instructions.
Patients are strongly advised not to exclusively treat themselves with alternative remedies and methods. This infection must be treated quickly and under medical supervision. If the transmitting sexual partner is known and can be reached, it is necessary for him to be treated for trichomoniasis as well.
It doesn’t matter if he has symptoms. Partner treatment serves to rule out re-infection during the next sexual contact. After treatment with antibiotics, the vaginal flora should be rebuilt, as it is damaged by the fight against trichomoniasis.
Prevention
The only really effective protection against trichomoniasis would be absolute abstinence. Since this is hardly reasonable for a patient, the use of condoms and thorough personal hygiene before and after sexual intercourse is recommended. Those who were previously ill must pay particular attention to protection during sexual intercourse with changing sexual partners, since the trichomonas infection can lead to increased susceptibility to HIV infections due to the scarring of the vaginal tissue.
Aftercare
If trichomoniasis has been successfully treated, regular follow-up examinations should follow in order to be able to identify and treat a renewed infection and subsequent diseases at an early stage. The follow-up examination for women consists of regular checks of the vaginal mucosa and vaginal secretions using smears made by the gynaecologist.
In addition, imaging methods (ultrasound) can ensure that the uterus is not affected. In addition, post-treatment with lactic acid bacteria may be indicated to restore normal vaginal flora. This is especially the case if persistent vaginal dryness combined with itching is present even after treatment for trichomoniasis.
In order to prevent re-infection, both partners should also avoid unprotected sexual intercourse with several people. Unprotected sexual intercourse must be avoided, particularly in the first few weeks after infection, since the infection, like antibiotic therapy, weakens the immune system and increases the likelihood of contracting the HI virus (AIDS).
Men should have regular swabs of their penile foreskin to ensure that there is no renewed infection with trichomonas, especially if they do not stop unprotected sexual intercourse with different partners. In addition, after trichomoniasis, a semen sample should be tested for fertility, as in rare cases the infection can affect the seminal vesicles, which can lead to infertility.
You can do that yourself
The effects of an infection with trichomonads on everyday life depend heavily on the gender of the person affected. Many men are hardly restricted by this. Since inflammation can still occur, however, they should refrain from sexual intercourse and masturbation for the time being.
Even after all symptoms have subsided, affected men should use condoms. The infection is contagious for a longer period of time. Within a partnership, there is a risk of the ping-pong effect if both partners are affected. In women, the symptoms are often so intense that they are severely restricted in their everyday life.
The most important measure for self-help is not to give in even to intense itching. Scratching or rubbing the affected areas should be avoided at all costs. In addition, strict hygiene is required. Pads, panty liners and underwear must be changed regularly. The intimate area should be cleaned daily with water but without soap.
Self-treatment of the infection is not advisable in any case. Most common home remedies have a negative impact on the course of the disease. Treatment with things like vinegar, tea tree oil, or yogurt can cause severe irritation. After successfully treating trichomoniasis with medication, the affected person can prevent a new infection by taking a lactic acid bacteria cure.
