Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis ( TV ). The disease can affect both men and women, but sexually active young women are more susceptible to contracting. The disease is transmitted through intercourse.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
If it occurs in women, trichomoniasis affects the vagina and urinary tract or urethra. While in men, trichomoniasis attacks the urethra, the area of the penis (for example the foreskin), and the prostate gland.
Symptoms in women:
- The lower abdomen pain.
- Appears pain or discomfort during urination or intercourse.
- Whitish becomes thick, thin, foaming, or yellowish and greenish and smells fishy.
- Arise pain, swelling and itching in the area of femininity. Sometimes the itch also appears on the inner thigh.
- Frequency of urination more often than usual, and accompanied by pain.
- White fluid appears from the penis.
- Emerging pain, swelling, and redness in the area of the tip of the penis. The pain can also occur during urination or during ejaculation.
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Causes of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite of T richomonas vaginalis which is usually spread through unprotected sex or sharing of sex toys. The incubation period of this parasite is not known for certain, but generally occurs within 5 to 28 days.
Not all types of sex can transmit trichomoniasis. This disease can not be transmitted with oral sex, anal sex, kisses, and sharing the use of cutlery, toilet seat, or towels. The risk of trichomoniasis will increase if:
- Having sex without a condom.
- Frequent pairing.
- Never had trichomoniasis before.
- Have a history of sexually transmitted diseases
Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis
The diagnosis of trichomoniasis can be ascertained by examining vaginal fluid samples in women or urine in men in the laboratory. These checks generally take several days. There are now more rapid new test methods, namely rapid antigen test and nucleic acid amplifcation . But both cost more than manual checks in the laboratory. If a person is positively infected with trichomoniasis, treatment should be taken immediately to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Treatment of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis can be treated effectively with antibiotic drugs of metronidazole or tinidazole. The doctor will prescribe both of these drugs in a certain dosage to be taken for 5-7 days. Under certain conditions, doctors only prescribe one of the two drugs in large doses. During the treatment period, the patient is asked to avoid sexual intercourse until it is declared cured by the doctor. Patients are also required to avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours after taking metronidazole or 72 hours after taking tinidazole because alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting.
Complications of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis can cause complications if left untreated. A pregnant woman who is exposed to trichomoniasis can transmit the condition to the baby it contains. In addition, it can also increase the risk of preterm birth and infant weight less. Trichomoniasis in women makes the sufferer more susceptible to infection with HIV virus that causes AIDS.
Prevention of Trichomoniasis
Some steps below can be done to reduce the risk of trichomoniasis infection, including:
- Be faithful to one partner and not alternate sex partner.
- Use condoms when having sex.
- Make sure the tool / sex toy used clean and wrapped in condoms. Avoid sharing tools / sex toys with others.
- If you feel you have been infected, it is better not to have sexual intercourse and immediately contact a doctor to undergo examination.
- Couples should also get treatment, and it is advisable not to have sexual intercourse before you and your partner finish treatment, and no longer show symptoms.