Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease. Here are some effective tips to help prevent its spread.
Have you ever experienced itching, burning, or an unpleasant vaginal discharge after sex? It could be due to trichomoniasis. Also known as trichomoniasis, this condition is caused by a tiny parasite. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and even through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. While many people may not experience symptoms, trichomoniasis can cause irritation, burning, and an unpleasant discharge. There are preventative measures you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place, such as wearing condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners you have. Here’s everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and other ways to prevent trichomoniasis.
What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is one of the most common and treatable STIs. Common symptoms that women may experience include vaginal discharge (which may be clear, white, yellow, or green), genital itching, lower abdominal pain, a burning sensation when urinating, and an unpleasant odor. Some women may also experience pain during sex, according to a study published in the StatPearls Journal. It is important to note that trichomoniasis is mainly spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. The parasite can be transmitted even if the infected person does not have symptoms.
Trichomoniasis is a common and treatable sexually transmitted disease, but awareness and proper sexual health practices are important for prevention and early detection. It is diagnosed by physical examination, laboratory tests, and microscopic examination of vaginal discharge (for women) or urine samples (for men). To detect the infection, a doctor looks for parasites under a microscope in vaginal or urethral discharge collected for testing. If parasites are seen, no further testing is needed. However, if parasites are not seen and symptoms suggest TV, other tests include rapid antigen tests or nucleic acid amplification tests, says gynecologist Dr. Pooja C. Thukral.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
According to a study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Prevention Care, common symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
Symptoms in women
- Vaginal discharge: frothy, yellow-green, and may have a strong, unpleasant odor.
- Vaginal itching and irritation: There is persistent itching and discomfort in the vaginal area.
- Pain when urinating: A burning sensation when urinating.
- Pain during intercourse: Discomfort or pain felt during sexual intercourse.
- Vaginal redness and swelling: Inflammation of the vaginal and vulvar tissues.
- Lower abdominal pain
Symptoms in men
- Urethral discharge: A thin, whitish discharge from the penis.
- Burning sensation when urinating or ejaculating: Pain or discomfort when urinating or ejaculating.
- Internal penile stimulation: Itching or irritation inside the penis.
Causes of Trichomoniasis
Some of the causes of trichomoniasis explained by experts are:
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1. Sexual contact
The most common route of transmission is vaginal sex with an infected partner, but oral and anal sex are also possible, though less common, routes of transmission.
2. Sharing sex toys
Trichomoniasis can be spread by using contaminated sex toys, sharing them without washing them properly, or using condoms.
3. Multiple sexual partners
Having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of getting trichomoniasis.
4. Unprotected sex
Not using a condom during sex increases the risk of transmitting many sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to use a condom before becoming intimate.
5. Previous or concurrent STI
Having other STDs may increase your risk of getting trichomoniasis.
How can I prevent trichomoniasis?
To prevent trichomoniasis, you need to adopt safe sex practices and be proactive about your sexual health. Here are some prevention tips from experts.
1. Consistent and correct use of condoms
Using latex or polyurethane condoms during vaginal, anal, or oral sex greatly reduces the risk of transmitting trichomoniasis. You must use condoms correctly from the beginning to the end of sexual intercourse. Check the expiration date and make sure the condom is not damaged.
2. Regular STD screening
Regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including trichomoniasis, helps with early detection and treatment. Also, both partners should be tested before engaging in any new sexual activity to ensure that no undiagnosed STIs are present.
3. Limit the number of sexual partners
Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STDs can significantly reduce your risk. Limiting the number of sexual partners will reduce the likelihood of encountering an infected individual.
4. Rapid treatment of infection
If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis or another sexually transmitted disease, seek immediate treatment to prevent spreading the infection to others. Also, if you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis, tell all recent sexual partners to get tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
5. Avoid sharing sex toys
Do not share sex toys with others. If you do, wash them thoroughly and cover them with a new condom after each use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your sex toy and use an appropriate disinfectant to kill potential pathogens.
6. Communication and Education
Talk openly with your sexual partners about their STD history, STD testing, and prevention strategies. Keep learning about STDs, how they spread, and how to prevent them. Educating yourself and your partners can help you take better protective measures.
7. Practice abstinence or postpone sexual activity.
Abstinence from sex is the most effective way to prevent trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted diseases. Delaying sexual activity until both partners are in a committed relationship and have been tested can reduce your risk.
Things to keep in mind!
Antibiotics are available in single or split doses. It is important to finish the antibiotics, even if you feel better quickly. It is also important to treat your partner at the same time to prevent reinfection. However, the most important thing is to talk to your doctor before taking any antibiotics.