PLEASE NOTE! All articles here in this site are informative for common knowledge. Please study different sources for information and visit a local doctor.

 

TRICHOMONIASIS SYMPTOMS

 

TRICHOMONIASIS SYMPTOMS – FACTS ABOUT TRICHOMONIASIS

 

When you think of the trichomoniasis symptoms, you will find annoying and embarrassing signs. The condition is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections accounting for about 7 million cases in the United States alone. The infection affects men and women of reproductive age. However, more women are more predisposed to the problem and the manifestation of symptoms occurs in female than in male. If you suspect that you have the STI, you must see your doctor right away so that you can begin the appropriate treatment.

 

WHAT CAUSES THE TRICHOMONIASIS SYMPTOMS?

 

The main cause of the trichomoniasis symptoms is infection with Trichomonas vaginalis. The infection is otherwise called as “trich”. The parasite lives in the genitals but it has also been isolated in public pools, hot tubs, towels, beddings and clothing. The parasite is transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. There are also rare cases when you can get the infection by swimming in contaminated pools or borrowing the personal belongings of an infected person like underwear, swimsuits and towels.

 

WHAT ARE THE TRICHOMONIASIS SYMPTOMS?

 

The trichomoniasis symptoms do not occur in all patients. In fact, among women, about one-third of the infected population is asymptomatic. They harbor the organism in their body but they do not show the signs and symptoms of the infection. In case you demonstrate the symptoms, they will occur about one week to one month after the exposure to the parasite. Some of the notable signs in women are the following.

• Yellowish-green or gray vaginal discharge
• Frothy texture of vaginal discharge
• Foul smell or fishy odor of the vagina that is even intensified during sexual intercourse
• Extreme itching that does not go away even after washing
• Burning sensation during urination
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Blood spotting
• Urinary tract infection
• Swelling and redness of the vagina and cervix

In men, it is very seldom that the trichomoniasis symptoms appear. Very few of the infected males show the signs of the infection. Here are the notable symptoms that you will find in male patients.

• Thin, whitish urethral discharge
• Painful urination
• Painful sexual intercourse and ejaculation
• Foul smelling seminal fluid
• Itching in the genital area
• Burning sensation inside the penis

Since most of the trichomoniasis symptoms in men are not manifested, you have to see your doctor if your female partner has the infection. This is because more likely than not, you also harbor the parasite in your body and you are not just aware of it.

 

HOW IS THE INFECTION DIAGNOSED?

 

The diagnosis of the infection is through the observation of the trichomoniasis symptoms. But since most of them are similar with the other sexually transmitted diseases, your doctor may request for a laboratory procedure to confirm the diagnosis. The health care provider will have to check sample of discharge under the microscope. Positive samples will have the parasite freely moving in the vaginal or urethral discharge. Aside from the genital discharge, urine may also be used to check for the presence of the trichomonas organism.

 

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

 

When your doctor positively identifies that you have the trichomoniasis symptoms, he will prescribe metronidazole. This is the drug of choice to kill the parasite. You only have to take a single large dose of the drug to get rid of the infection. But in people who are unable to tolerate the large dose, smallers dosage taken for 7 days is still an acceptable method. But aside from metronidazole, patients who demonstrate the trichomoniasis symptoms and female patients who are pregnant are advised to take clotrimazole. This is inserted in the vagina for 14 days to ensure complete treatment.

 

ARE THERE HOME REMEDIES AVAILABLE?

 

There are available home remedies to treat the trichomoniasis symptoms. However, they should not be used to replace the current medications prescribed by doctors. You should only use them to complement your doctor’s techniques and to hasten your recovery. Some of the most effective home remedies for trichomonas include diluted apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and oil of bergamot. Use the natural remedies as your regular douching solutions.

 

WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS?

 

The cure rate with metronidazole is very high. However, there is no guarantee that you will not have the infection again. If you want to protect yourself from further infection, you must follow the preventive measures. They remain to be the most effective way in keeping you safe.

 

WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO PREVENT THE TRICHOMONIASIS SYMPTOMS?

 

Although there is an available treatment for the trichomoniasis symptoms, this does not mean that you should take the preventive measure for granted. The best way to avoid contacting the disease is to follow the following guidelines:

• Sexual abstinence
• Have monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected person
• Wear condom
• Wash your genitals before and after sexual intercourse
• Have a regular pap smear for female
• Do not share your personal belongings with other people especially underwear and towels
• Take a shower right after swimming in public pools.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU LEAVE THE TRICHOMONIASIS SYMPTOMS UNTREATED?

 

Some men and women leave the trichomoniasis symptoms untreated because of the embarrassment in consulting a doctor. If you keep this attitude, you may only cause more damage to your reproductive tract. In pregnant women, this may cause miscarriage and fetal distress. Untreated infection will also increase your risks in acquiring other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV. Studies show that patients suffering from the trichomoniasis symptoms are three to five times more likely to be infected with HIV. This is the reason why doctors will also investigate for other STD’s once you have been diagnosed to have the trichomoniasis symptoms