Trichomonas Vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis is also known as trichomoniasis and is an infection that occurs as a result of the attack by the germ named trichomonas vaginalis. Though both the sexes have equal likelihood to develop the condition, women are more at risk. In men, where urethra is the only structure that gets affected, women will have both vagina and urethra affected.

The most common way in which this disease is spread is via unprotected sexual intercourse. This condition is not easy to detect as the symptoms are mild or not at all. Even when symptoms are present it resembles a lot of other conditions.

Symptoms

Even though this condition is quite common, about half of the infected individuals never exhibit any symptom. It takes almost 5 to 28 days from the day of exposure to the organism, for the symptoms to be evident. The common symptoms include tenderness, inflammatory response and itching sensation in and around the vagina. Sometimes the itching may even spread to the thighs. An abnormal vaginal discharge is also prevalent. It may look lathered and may be yellowish or green in colour. The quantity may also be increased and may have a bad odour.
Person might experience painful sensation while passing urine or discomfort during sexual intercourse. Lower abdominal pain is also noticed.

In case of men, the symptoms like pain following passing urine and even after ejaculation, thin white coloured secretion from penis, and difficulty in indulging in sexual intercourse is noticed.

Males may also find that their foreskin is inflamed.

Causes

The causative organism for Trichomonas Vaginalis is a protozoon called Trichomonas Vaginalis. The mode of transmission is via unprotected sexual intercourse. An unborn baby also may get affected once the mother is infected. Though rarely, this disease may also spread by sharing sex toys. Genital area is the primary area getting affected. In men, where urethra is the only structure that gets affected, women will have both vagina and urethra affected.

Treatment

• Antibiotics
  The most commonly used antibiotic is metronidazole, which is 95% successful.
  But this drug is contraindicated in case of pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Pregnancy
  A clotrimazole pessary can be used by pregnant women. This medication need to be placed within the vagina.
• Sexual partners
  As long as a person is under treatment for this condition, he/she should avoid sexual intercourse or the partner may get affected.

Very rarely, this condition has disappeared on its own. But it is always recommended to have timely medical intervention as it can cause body image disturbance or even spread to your partner.

Complications

The barrier mucus in the cervix may get damaged and the persons susceptibility to several infections increases.

Pregnancy
A woman developing this infection during pregnancy has a grave effect on the baby. It may also result in premature or low birth weight babies.

Prevention

The best preventive measure is to practice safe sex. Any doubts should be cleared immediately by a proper medical check up before it’s late.