Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects men and women equally. It is a very common but treatable disorder and causes symptoms in only about 30% of infected people - although they are more easily noticed in women. When the disease affects women, it is called vaginal trichomoniasis; however, it can only be diagnosed by a gynecologist through tests and cannot be recognized by symptoms alone.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
Step 1. Pay attention to vaginal discharge
You may notice unusual, frothy, yellowish-green discharge; bad smell is another anomalous sign. For most women, it is completely normal to have vaginal discharge, which can vary in color from clear to milky white.
The infection spreads through contact with vaginal secretions, a very frequent situation during sexual intercourse; however, it is sometimes possible to spread it in other ways as well, for example through the spout of vaginal showers, damp towels or poorly sanitized toilet seats. Fortunately, the parasite only lives 24 hours outside the body
Step 2. Recognize unusual genital symptoms
In some infected people, trichomoniasis can cause redness, burning and itching in the genitals; these are symptoms that may indicate this or other STIs.
- Trichomoniasis causes irritation of the vaginal canal or vulva.
- Vaginal irritation is a fairly normal phenomenon, as long as the discomfort only lasts a few days or better after the treatments; if it persists or worsens, you should contact your gynecologist to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Step 3. Don't ignore pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or urination
This infection can cause inflammation and pain in the genitals, resulting in discomfort during sex. If you have these symptoms, go to the gynecologist and avoid sexual intercourse until you have tested for infections or sexually transmitted diseases.
- Avoid any kind of sexual intercourse, including oral and anal, until you have made the necessary checks and you are not healed.
- You should also inform your sexual partner (s) if you are concerned that you have an infection or disease of this type and encourage him to undergo diagnostic tests and any treatment if necessary. Some clinics help the patient to inform the partner by providing the support of a psychologist or counselor during the meeting, so that the interview takes place in the best possible way. The specialist can also explain the pathology to the partner in detail, describe the necessary examinations and therapies.
Part 2 of 3: Undergo Tests and Treatments for Trichomoniasis
Step 1. Know when you are at risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs / STIs)
Having sexual intercourse, there is always the possibility of contracting some pathology; in some circumstances the odds are higher and knowing them can help you and your doctor determine if diagnostic tests are needed. You probably need to get tested if:
- You have had unprotected sex with a new partner;
- You or your partner have had unprotected sex with other people;
- Your partner informs you that he has a sexually transmitted disease;
- Are you pregnant or planning to have a baby;
- The gynecologist notes abnormal vaginal discharge or the cervix is red and inflamed.
Step 2. Run the test for trichomoniasis, which consists of collecting vaginal cell samples
The gynecologist may ask you to collect some material from the vagina using a cotton swab. Sometimes, the swab is more like a plastic ring rather than a cotton swab; in any case, it is rubbed on different parts of the body that could be infected, such as the inside of the vagina or the surrounding area. Usually, it is a painless procedure that creates only a little discomfort.
- The gynecologist can sometimes immediately examine the sample under a microscope and immediately inform you about the outcome of the examination; in other cases, you have to wait up to 10 days before getting the answer. In the meantime, absolutely avoid having sexual intercourse so as not to spread the disease, in case you turn out to be infected.
- Blood tests and Pap smears cannot diagnose trichomoniasis; then ask to be subjected to specific tests for this or other STIs.
Step 3. Take the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor
If you test positive for the infection, your gynecologist will prescribe these medications to treat the disease. Sometimes, the doctor decides to give you the medicines even before carrying out the tests, as a safety measure; may recommend oral antibiotics, such as metronidazole (Flagyl), which blocks the proliferation of bacteria and protozoa (trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan). Side effects include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, taste changes and dry mouth, as well as darker colored urine.
- If you are planning to have a baby or are pregnant, you must inform your doctor; however, metronidazole is safe for pregnant women.
- Contact your gynecologist if side effects persist or worsen to the point of compromising everyday life.
- If you experience seizures, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, mood swings, or mental changes, see your doctor right away or go to the emergency room.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Trichomoniasis
Step 1. Schedule routine checkups to make sure of your sexual health
It is always important to have periodic examinations at your gynecologist's office, even if you think you don't have any sexually transmitted infections. Remember that only 30% of infected women manifest the symptoms of trichomoniasis, the other 70% are completely asymptomatic.
- If you don't cure it, the infection increases the chances of getting HIV or passing it on to your partner.
- Infected pregnant women risk prematurely rupturing the membranes that protect the fetus and giving birth prematurely.
Step 2. Have safe sex
If you are not involved in a mutually monogamous love affair with a healthy partner, always use latex condoms (male or female) to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Some methods to ensure your health are:
- Using condoms during oral, anal or vaginal intercourse;
- Avoid sharing sex toys or, alternatively, washing them or covering them with a new condom each time a different person uses them.
Step 3. Inform your partners of the infection
Alert all people you have had unprotected sex with or direct genital contact with so that they can get tested and, if necessary, can be treated.
Some clinics help you by providing the support of a counselor or psychologist so that the interview takes place in a controlled environment and in the best possible way. The professional can provide the other person with all the details about the disease, describe the tests, the necessary treatments and answer all possible medical questions
Advice
The only way to avoid contagion is to practice safe sex; use latex condoms or refrain from sexual intercourse, unless you are in a mutually monogamous relationship with a healthy partner
Warnings
- Untreated trichomoniasis can develop into bladder infections or reproductive system problems. In pregnant women, it can cause premature rupture of membranes and premature birth; furthermore, the infection is transmitted to the newborn during birth.
- If you don't take precautions during sex, you could still get infected, even though you've already been treated for trichomoniasis.
- Genital edema caused by this infection increases vulnerability to the human immunodeficiency virus; it also increases the chances of passing HIV to the partner.
