What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis also known as Trich is a common sexually transmitted disease, it is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is contagious and is spread through sexual contact.
Most people with Trichomoniasis do not show symptoms at first until about 28days of infection.
What are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis?
- Yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge with a bad odour in women.
- Discomfort or pain during sex.
- Genital itching.
- Burning or painful sensation while urinating in both men and women.
- Painful sensation after ejaculation in men.
- The need to urinate more than usual.
How can Trichomoniasis be diagnosed?
Genital discharge or fluid is taken in the laboratory and viewed under a microscope to check for the presence of the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite.
How can Trichomoniasis be treated?
Trichomoniasis does not go away on its own without treatment. However, it can be treated with the use of antibiotics like metronidazole and tinidazole which is orally taken twice daily for a week.
Individuals treating Trichomoniasis should ensure they complete the treatment and avoid sexual intercourse until the infection clears off in order to avoid reinfection.
How to Prevent Trichomoniasis?
- Condoms should be used during sexual intercourse
- The number of sexual partners should be reduced
- If you have trich, you and your sexual partners should be tested and treated.
Complications of Trichomoniasis
In pregnant women who have trich, this may cause;
- Low birth weight
- Preterm labour for the mother
- Transmission of the infection from mother to baby during delivery.
