About Trichomoniasis

Although approximately 700 million people are known to suffer from trichomoniasis worldwide, the exact number of cases suffering from this condition is difficult to obtain. This is due to the fact that this condition is usually asymptomatic and diagnostic tests have poor sensitivity with this condition. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a protozoan known as trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite is known only to harbor on humans and no other living organisms. It is more commonly transmitted from one person to another during coitus or sexual intercourse although in some cases, it can be acquired from touching or coming in contact with damp or wet objects such as toilet seats and washcloths.

Studies show that it commonly occurs on women ages 14 to 49 years old. Both men and women can be carrier of trichomonas vaginalis. Complications associated with trichomoniasis include infection of the adnexa, endometrium, and Skene’s and Bartholin’s gland in women. Vaginitis is its common manifestation for women. In cases of men, it is usually asymptomatic. If symptoms are present in men, it is usually manifested as urethritis. Other complications in men include infection of the prostate gland, foreskin, glans penis, and epididymis. Other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea may also cause susceptibility of a person to trichomonas vaginalis infection.

Onset of symptoms may appear 5 to 28 days after acquiring the infection. Trichomoniasis may be asymptomatic. However, in some cases it manifests some signs and symptoms such as foamy vaginal discharge which has a very strong odor and may appear yellow or gray in color, pain during coitus, burning sensation when urinating, and pruritus or itchiness around the genitals. Diagnosing this infection can be performed through pelvic exam and other laboratory tests such as culture and sensitivity test, vaginal pH, as well as DNA test.

The drug of choice for trichomoniasis is metronidazole (Flagyl). It is classified under a class of antibiotics known as nitroimidazoles. It can be taken orally or as a gel and applied topically. These topical preparations are usually used to those who are hypersensitive to metronidazole or any of its drug components. All infected persons are recommended to be under treatment regardless whether they manifest trichomoniasis symptoms or not. This is to prevent transmission of infection to others. Another important part of the treatment is to abstain from any sexual acts since this can pass the infection from one person to another. Complications of trichomoniasis include HIV and tubo-ovarian abscess

After complying with the treatment regimen, physicians will most likely refer them for other STD screening tests, as well as HIV screening test. This will help in identifying whether the person is totally free from any sexually transmitted diseases. Statistics show that 30 percent of treated patients experience the recurring of trichomoniasis. Therefore, it is important to prevent trichomonas infections from occurring again by abstaining from sex, engaging in a monogamous sexual relationship or using condoms.