Symptoms and Consequences of Trichomoniasis

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Symptoms and Consequences of Trichomoniasis

 

Trichomoniasis, often called " trich " , is caused by a single-celled

protozoan parasite known as trichomonas vaginalis. It is usually

transmitted through sexual intercourse, although the parasite can also

live on towels, bedding, and clothing. Trichomoniasis is the most

common curable STD with over 7 million cases in the United States

alone. Both women and men may contract the infection, though women are

at a greater risk. Most people become infected between the ages of 16

and 35. Left untreated, the symptoms of trichomoniasis can become

extremely uncomfortable and may even cause serious damage to your body.

 

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

While both women and men can contract the disease, it is women who

more commonly suffer from symptoms of trichomoniasis. More than 60% of

women infected with trich will experience some symptoms of the

disease. Symptoms of trichomoniasis generally appear within 5 and 28

days of infection, although sometimes it can take as long as 6 months

for symptoms to develop.

 

If you are a woman with trich you will most likely have a yellow-green

or gray vaginal discharge. This discharge will be bubbly or frothy and

have a very bad odor, similar to a yeast infection. Blood can also be

present in this discharge. Your vagina may appear more red than usual

and your labia may become swollen. Pain during urination and sex is

also common in women infected with trich. Lower abdominal pain is a

much less common symptom, but it does occur in about 10% of women who

are infected. These symptoms generally do not go away on their own.

 

Men usually exhibit no symptoms of trichomoniasis. The parasites that

cause the infection stays well inside the urinary tract, making

symptoms rare and diagnosis difficult. About 40% of men will

experience mild symptoms. If you are male and have trich you may feel

a tingling sensation inside your penis accompanied with painful

urination and ejaculation. Your penis may also produce a thin, white

discharge. Your symptoms will probably go away on their own within a

couple of weeks. This does not mean that you are no longer infectious.

You will still be able to spread trichomoniasis to your sexual partners.

 

Consequences of Trichomoniasis

If left untreated, trich can last for years. You will experience some

very uncomfortable symptoms and may also be at risk for various

infections. Men may risk penis infection and urethritis as well as

prostate problems.

 

Women with prolonged infections may damage their fallopian tubes and

the tissues making up the cervix. Trichomoniasis is also associated

with increased risks for HIV infection. Because trich causes the body

to create more cells, the HIV virus has more opportunity to infect

your body. People with Trich are three to five times more likely to

contract HIV.

 

Pregnant women with trich may pass the disease to their newborn,

although this is rare. However, trichomoniasis is associated with

premature birth and low-weight babies. Therefore it is important that

pregnant women be tested and treated for trich if they are infected.