Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginaliscausing symptoms such as yellowish or greenish discharge, pain and burning when urinating and itching in the genital region.
This infection can affect women or men, being transmitted through sexual intercourse without a condom with an infected person and affecting the vagina, vulva, cervix or urethra.
The treatment of trichomoniasis is carried out by a gynecologist, urologist or general practitioner, and generally involves the use of antibiotics in the form of ointments or tablets to eliminate the protozoan, and it is important for the couple to undergo the treatment.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis
The main symptoms of trichomoniasis are:
- Pain and discomfort when urinating;
- Greenish or yellowish discharge with a strong smell, in the case of women;
- White and fluid discharge, in the case of men;
- Redness in the genital region.
In women, symptoms tend to be more intense during and after the menstrual period due to changes in the pH of the vagina.
In men, it is common for the parasite to remain in the urethra, which can cause a more serious infection, with swelling of the prostate and inflammation of the epididymis. Check out other symptoms of trichomoniasis in men and women.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis may appear 5 to 28 days after contact with the protozoan, however, in some cases, it is possible for the infection to be asymptomatic.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
What does trichomoniasis discharge smell like?
Trichomoniasis discharge in women can have an unpleasant, fishy smell and be thick, thin, or frothy and yellowish-green in color.
Read too: Bad-smelling discharge: what it could be (and what to do)
What to do in case of suspicion
In case of suspected infection by Trichomonas vaginalisit is important to consult the gynecologist in the case of women, the urologist in the case of men, or the general practitioner for an evaluation to be carried out and tests to confirm the infection.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of trichomoniasis can be confirmed by a gynecologist, urologist or general practitioner through a physical examination, evaluation of symptoms and health and sexual history.
In addition, a urine test may be recommended, as well as an analysis of vaginal or penile discharge or secretion.
Therefore, through these tests, it is possible to confirm trichomoniasis and initiate the most appropriate treatment with the aim of preventing complications.
Read too: 10 STI tests: what they are, what they detect (and when to do them)
How transmission happens
Trichomoniasis is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse without a condom with an infected person.
However, transmission during pregnancy or childbirth is also possible, because the parasite is capable of migrating to the birth canal and infecting the baby, resulting in infantile trichomoniasis, in which there may be respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis.
OTrichomonas vaginalis It is quite resistant to changes in the environment and, therefore, can survive in urine, sponges and towels for a few hours and in water for a few minutes.
Therefore, transmission can also occur through the use of objects, however, this route of contamination is rarer.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for trichomoniasis must be carried out under the guidance of a gynecologist, urologist or general practitioner and aims to alleviate the symptoms of the infection, eliminate the protozoan and prevent complications.
The remedies for trichomoniasis that may be recommended by your doctor are:
- Metronidazole tablet: the normally recommended dose is 500 mg in tablet form, twice a day, for 5 to 7 days;
- Metronidazol creme vaginal: for application in the vaginal canal, use the applicator, once a day, preferably at night, for 10 to 20 days, according to the genecologist’s recommendation.
- Tinidazole tablet: recommended when treatment with metronidazole was not effective. The dose normally indicated is 2 g of tinidazole, in a single dose.
During treatment, it is contraindicated to consume alcoholic beverages, as it can cause discomfort, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain, as well as reducing the activity of the antibiotic used.
The partner must also be treated, even if there are no symptoms, so that there is no chance of reinfection, and it is also recommended that sexual intercourse be avoided during the treatment period.
In the case of trichomoniasis during pregnancy, it is important to consult the obstetrician so that an assessment can be carried out and the risk of using antimicrobials can be assessed and, thus, the best treatment can be indicated.
Home treatment option
Home treatment for trichomoniasis should complement the treatment recommended by the doctor, with vaginal washing with pau d’arco tea being a good option, which is a medicinal plant that has antiviral and antibiotic properties, being able to eliminate the Trichomonas vaginalis.
The tea is made with 1 liter of water and 3 tablespoons of dried leaves. After boiling for about 10 minutes and straining, you can now wash it. Discover other home remedies for vaginal discharge.
Is trichomoniasis curable?
Trichomoniasis can be cured when the treatment is carried out for the time indicated by the doctor, even if the symptoms improve quickly, as this is the only way to ensure that the protozoan has been eliminated and there is no longer a risk to health and/or transmission.
When the infection is not treated or treatment is not carried out according to the doctor’s instructions, there is a greater risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted infections due to the greater fragility of the immune system, such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and bacterial vaginosis.
Signs of improvement and worsening of trichomoniasis
Signs of improvement in trichomoniasis appear approximately 2 to 3 days after starting treatment and include relief from itching, disappearance of discharge, reduction in redness and a decrease in the frequent urge to urinate, for example.
On the other hand, when a person does not start or carry out adequate treatment, signs of worsening may appear, such as increased redness in the intimate area, a foul smell, swelling or the appearance of wounds.
Furthermore, pregnant women with trichomoniasis who do not start appropriate treatment may have other serious complications such as premature birth or transmission of the infection to the baby during birth.
How to prevent
Trichomoniasis can be prevented by using a barrier condom, such as a male or female condom, in all sexual relations, whether vaginal, anal or oral.
Using a condom also helps prevent other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, genital herpes, gonorrhea or chlamydia, for example.
Read too: Sexually transmitted infections: top 10 STIs, treatment (and cure)
