Ever heard of the term trichomoniasis? Indeed, trichomoniasis is a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. Although not impossible to treat, trichomoniasis only causes symptoms in about 15-30% of sufferers, and these symptoms are easier to identify in women. In general, trichomoniasis in women is often referred to as " trichomonas vaginalis ", and is sometimes referred to as " trich " (trick). If you feel you are experiencing it, immediately consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis, especially because the existence of trichomoniasis can not only be identified based on the symptoms.
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Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
Step 1. Monitor the condition of vaginal discharge
In most women, it is normal to have clear to milky white vaginal discharge. However, you should be wary if the discharge from the vagina looks greenish or yellowish, and foamy. A sharp unpleasant smell is also one of the symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge.
Trichomoniasis is transmitted by direct contact with vaginal secretions, which generally occurs during penetration. However, nonsexual transmission is also possible through other objects, such as a douche nozzle. Fortunately, the parasite that causes trichomoniasis can only survive for 24 hours outside the body
Step 2. Recognize abnormal genital symptoms
Trichomoniasis can make the genital area red, experience a burning sensation, and feel itchy in some sufferers. However, understand that these symptoms can also refer to other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Trichomoniasis can cause irritation around the vulva or vaginal canal.
- Vaginal irritation is still considered normal if it only lasts for a few days or can improve after treatment. However, if the irritation persists or gets worse, consult a doctor immediately so that you receive a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Step 3. Don't ignore the pain or discomfort that comes with urinating or having penetrative sex
Trichomoniasis can actually cause inflammation and pain in the genital area which can make sexual intercourse painful. Therefore, immediately see a doctor if you experience these symptoms, and do not have sexual intercourse with penetration until the results come out.
- Avoid any form of sexual intercourse that involves penetration, including anal and oral sex, until you are proven to be free of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Inform your partner of any suspected sexually transmitted disease, so that he or she can also be examined and treated. Some clinics can help you anonymously share sexual infections with your partner. In other words, your name will not be included in the information. In addition, partners will not be notified of the specific type of infection they have, but will be encouraged to get tested immediately.
Part 2 of 3: Carrying out Examination and Treatment
Step 1. Identify the risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases
In fact, all forms of sexual activity carry the risk of disease! However, in some cases, a person's chances of developing a sexually transmitted disease will increase. That is why, you need to identify these “cases” to determine whether or not a medical examination is necessary. In particular, a medical examination should be performed if:
- You have unprotected sex with a new partner.
- You or your partner have had unprotected sex with another person.
- Spouse admits to having a sexually transmitted disease.
- You are, or plan to, become pregnant.
- Your doctor or nurse finds abnormal vaginal discharge, or your cervical area looks red and swollen.
Step 2. Allow the doctor to take a vaginal sample to detect the presence of trichomoniasis
Most likely, the doctor or other health professional will take a sample of tissue or mucus in the vagina using a special tool that looks like a cotton bud. Sometimes, the surface of the tool used will look like plastic instead of cotton. In general, the device will be rubbed into parts of the body that may be infected, such as in or around the vagina. Don't worry, the process will only feel uncomfortable but not painful.
- The doctor may be able to directly examine the sample with the help of a microscope and provide the results right away. Or, you need to wait 7 to 10 days to get the results. While waiting for the results of the examination to come out, avoid all forms of sexual activity so that the infection does not spread.
- Blood and cervical tests cannot be used to detect trichomoniasis. Therefore, make sure you do a special examination to detect trichomoniasis or sexually transmitted diseases.
Step 3. Take the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor
If the test result is positive, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to treat trichomoniasis. In some cases, your doctor may ask you to take medication before the test results come out. Usually, the doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic called metronidazole (Flagyl) which is able to stop the growth of bacteria and protozoa (trichomoniasis is a protozoan parasite). Some side effects of antibiotics that may appear are dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, decreased appetite, constipation, changes in the sense of taste, and dry mouth. In addition, the color of your urine may appear darker than usual.
- If you are, or may become pregnant, don't forget to tell your doctor. Do not worry, metronidazole is safe for consumption by pregnant women.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking antibiotics.
- Call your doctor if the side effects don't go away or if they get worse and disrupt your daily routine.
- Call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if you have seizures, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, or changes in mood or mental condition.
- Many women who contract trichomoniasis also develop bacterial vaginosis. Fortunately, the antibiotics used to treat trichomoniasis can also be used to treat bacterial vaginosis.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Trichomoniasis
Step 1. Schedule regular sexual health checks
Remember, regular sexual health checks are a must, even if you feel you are not experiencing a sexually transmitted disease, especially because trichomoniasis symptoms will only be seen in 15-30% of sufferers. That is, 70-85% of people with trichomoniasis do not show any symptoms!
- If not treated immediately, trichomoniasis can increase a person's risk of contracting the HIV virus, and/or increase the chance of transmitting HIV to their sexual partners.
- Trichomoniasis in pregnant women can cause premature rupture of the membranes that protect the baby, and make the baby have to be delivered prematurely.
Step 2. Practice safe sex
If you are not in a monogamous relationship with a partner who is free from sexually transmitted diseases, always wear a latex condom to prevent the risk of disease transmission. Some protection methods you can apply:
- Wearing a condom during oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse.
- Don't share sexual toys. If you have done so already, wash the used toy or cover the surface with a new condom when you are going to use it again.
Step 3. Inform your sexual partner of the infection
If you have sexual intercourse that involves penetration or unprotected direct genital contact with a partner, share the infection with your partner so that he or she can be examined and treated, if necessary.
Some clinics can help you anonymously share sexual infections with your partner. In other words, your name will not be included in the information. In addition, partners will not be notified of the specific type of infection they have, but will be encouraged to get tested immediately
Tips
The only way to prevent transmission of trichomoniasis is to practice safe sex. In other words, always use a latex condom or have sexual intercourse with only one partner who does not have a similar infection
Warning
- Swelling of the genital area caused by trichomoniasis can increase your susceptibility to the HIV virus. In addition, this condition will also increase the risk of transmitting the HIV virus to your sexual partners.
- Even though you've previously had trichomoniasis and were successfully cured, in fact the infection can come back to you if you don't have sexual intercourse with penetration carefully.
- Untreated trichomoniasis can transform into a bladder infection or reproductive disorder. In women who are pregnant, trichomoniasis can lead to premature rupture of the membranes preterm, and the risk of transmitting the infection to neonates when the baby is born.
