Trichomoniasis

Overview
Trichomoniasis is a one of the most common STD , affecting millions of people worldwide , both women and men , although symptoms are more common in women.

The pathogen
Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomoniasis vaginalis. It was first described by Donne in 1836.

 The vagina is the most common site of infection in women , and the urethra is the most common site of infection in men. It weakens the immune system , making an infected person more susceptible to HIV.

Frequency
Trichomoniasis is widespread. It is most common among people aged between

15 an 35 years.
In the U.S , about 3 million people are infected

every year.

Transmission and risk factors

:The primary risk factors for trichomoniasis include

Engaging in unsafe sex.

Having sex with more than one partner. Being in a sexual relationship with someone who has multiple sex partners.

 Trichomoniasis is spread through penis-tovagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women , whereas men usually contract it only from infected women.

Symptoms
Between 10% and 50% of women infected with T. Vaginalis are asymptomatic. Symptoms usually appear within 5 to 28 days of

exposure.
Symptoms are nonspecific and cannot be used to

differentiate trichomoniasis from other genital

infections.

Symptoms in women include :

Unusual and increased vaginal discharge (bubbly, pale green or gray) with a strong unpleasant odor. Itching , burning or redness of the vulva and

vagina.
Sexual intercourse and urinations may be painful. In rare cases , lower abdominal pain may occur.

: Symptoms in men include

Discharge from the penis , the head of the penis may have get inflamed and hurt.
Burning with urination.

Diagnosis
To diagnose Trichomoniasis , a health care provider must perform a physical examination and laboratory test (microscopic examination). In women, a pelvic examination can reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix. Laboratory tests are performed on a sample of vaginal fluid or urethral fluid mixed with a drop of saline on a slide to look for the diseasecausing parasite.

Treatment
The mainstay of therapy for Trichomoniasis is the Metronidazole , the antibiotics , given by mouth in a single dose. The symptoms of Trichomoniasis in infected men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment. Both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite. Persons being treated for Trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they and their sex partners complete treatment and have no symptoms.

 Without treatment , the infection persists. It has been shown to persist in women for many years

and in men for many months.

When left untreated , Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV infection , and premature delivery of baby.