Trichomonas Vaginalis is a bacterium that causes the illness trichomoniasis. It usually spreads through vaginal sex. This includes touching genitalia even when there isn’t ejaculation, like in vulva-to-vulva contact, but it can also spread through touching genitalia in general. The infection, also known as trich, frequently goes undetected, especially in men.

Unlike other STIs, the transmission of trich is not believed to occur during anal or oral sex. A pregnant mother can also pass it to her unborn child during a vaginal birth as opposed to a C-section. Additionally, trich-infected pregnant women are more likely to deliver early and with underweight kids.

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Trich usually affects the vulva, vagina, cervix, and urethra (urinary tract) in women and the urethra in men. However, it is also possible for it to affect the prostate gland or the tip of the penis. In either gender, trich does not typically infect the mouth or the anus.

Between 50 and 70% of patients with trichomoniasis don’t exhibit any symptoms; men are likelier than women to experience this. However, this does not imply that they are not contagious. Trichomoniasis symptoms differ between men and women when they appear, usually 5 to 28 days after the first infection. And if trich signs do manifest, they may come and go rather than persist.

Trichomoniasis symptoms in men can include:

• Inflamed genitals, sometimes with redness, soreness, or swelling around the penis tip or foreskin.
• Itching or irritation around the penis.
• Irritation inside the penis.
• Pain or burning during urination.
• Frequent urination.
• Pain or burning after ejaculation.

Trichomonas symptoms in females can include:

• ‘Fishy,’ or unpleasant extra vaginal discharge and odor
• Inflamed genitals, possibly including redness, burning, soreness, swelling, or itching
• Pain or burning during urination
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal discharge that is an unusual color
• Possibly clear, white, gray, yellow, or green vaginal discharge that is an unusual viscosity, perhaps thinner, thicker, or frothier than normal
• Vaginal discharge with traces of blood
• Discomfort or burning when urinating
• Pain during sex.

How is trichomoniasis determined to be present?

The conventional method for diagnosing trichomoniasis is to swab a seminal or vaginal fluid sample. If you have been diagnosed with a trich infection, you must notify your present partner and any previous partners. They should be tested for the infection and treated to prevent the virus from spreading. And after any unprotected sexual activity with a new partner, it is advised to get tested for trichomoniasis and any other STIs.

What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?

Metronidazole or tinidazole is an effective trichomoniasis medication. Doctors typically advise against having sex for at least a week after finishing antibiotics to ensure the infection is treated and prevented from spreading.

Although the inflammation may increase your risk of getting other STIs if you don’t get treated and engage in unprotected intercourse, there are no major side effects from an untreated trichomoniasis infection.

Final words

As with other STDs, the best approach to avoid contracting trichomoniasis is to abstain from sexual activity. Use internal or exterior condoms correctly each time you have sex to reduce risk.