trichomoniasis

What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, also known as "trich," is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a treatable and curable infection that affects both men and women.

Causes and Transmission

The infection is spread through direct sexual contact with an infected person, and can also be acquired through contaminated sex toys or other objects. The parasite can live for a few hours in moist environments, but virtually all cases are due to venereal transmission of the organism.

Symptoms in Women

In women, symptoms of trichomoniasis range from none to copious, yellow-green, frothy vaginal discharge with a fishy odor, and soreness of the vulva and perineum. Asymptomatic infection may become symptomatic at any time as the vulva and perineum become inflamed and edema develops in the labia.

Symptoms in Men

Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms, but can be infected and transmit the parasite to others. In some cases, men may experience urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) or other symptoms.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for trichomoniasis include:

• History of STIs
• New sex partner or multiple partners

Complications in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to give birth too early, and their babies are more likely have a low birth weight.

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics. If you are infected, it's essential to follow your healthcare provider's directions when taking medications to treat the infection. Stopping treatment can lead to complications and prolonged recovery time.

References:

• [1] Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among women of reproductive age, caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.
• [3] Trichomoniasis is an extremely common and treatable infection. Millions of people are diagnosed with trich every year.
• [5] Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections.
• [7] In women, symptoms of trichomoniasis range from none to copious, yellow-green, frothy vaginal discharge with a fishy odor...
• [11] Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, also known as "trick," is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The symptoms can vary depending on the individual, but here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Discharge: A frothy, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or penis is one of the most noticeable symptoms. In women, this discharge may be thick, thin, or frothy and yellow-green in color.
• Itching and Irritation: Itching or irritation inside the vagina or penis can occur due to the infection.
• Burning Sensation: A burning sensation when urinating or having sex is another common symptom.
• Painful Urination: Pain or discomfort while urinating can also be a sign of trichomoniasis.
• Unusual Smell: An unusual smell from the vagina or penis, often described as fishy or foul-smelling, can indicate an infection.

Symptoms in Women

In women, symptoms may include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Increased discharge production
• Itching or irritation inside the vagina
• Painful urination

Symptoms in Men

In men, symptoms may include:

• Froth-like discharge from the penis
• Burning after ejaculation or painful urination
• Itching or irritation inside the penis

It's essential to note that some people with trichomoniasis may not experience any symptoms at all. If you suspect you have been infected, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Dec 13, 2023 — What are the signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis? · Itching or irritation inside the penis · Burning after peeing or ejaculating · Discharge from ... (Search Result 1) [2] Signs of trichomoniasis in males and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) · Froth-like discharge from your penis. · Burning after ejaculation or painful urination ... (Search Result 2) [3] frothy, foul-smelling discharge. spotting. itching/swelling in and around your vagina. the urge to pee more than usual. Pain or burning when you pee. (Search Result 3) [4] Symptoms in women · abnormal vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin or frothy and yellow-green in colour · producing more discharge than normal, which may also ... (Search Result 4) [5] Symptoms and Signs of Trichomoniasis ... In women, symptoms of trichomoniasis range from none to copious, yellow-green, frothy vaginal discharge with a fishy odor ... (Search Result 5)

Diagnostic Tests for Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), can be diagnosed through various laboratory tests and physical examinations. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect trichomoniasis:

• Rapid Antigen Tests: These tests look for certain proteins from the parasite in vaginal fluid samples [1].
• Laboratory Testing: A swab is taken from the vagina or penis, which is then analyzed in a laboratory to check for signs of infection [3].
• Solana Trichomonas Assay: This rapid test detects T. vaginalis DNA and can yield results within 40 minutes after specimen collection [4].
• Lab Test: A sample of vaginal or penile discharge is examined under a microscope to check for signs of infection [5].
• Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): This test detects the parasite in a vaginal or cervical swab, and can also be done on a urine sample [7].
• Wet Preparation Microscopy: A swab is used to collect material from the vaginal fornix, which is then placed into a small amount of saline solution and examined under a microscope [8][9].

These diagnostic tests are essential in confirming trichomoniasis infection, allowing healthcare providers to develop an effective treatment plan.

References: [1] Rapid antigen tests for trichomoniasis [3] Laboratory testing for trichomoniasis [4] Solana trichomonas assay [5] Lab test for trichomoniasis [7] Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for trichomoniasis [8] Wet preparation microscopy for trichomoniasis [9] Wet preparation microscopy for trichomoniasis

Treatment Options for Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, can be effectively treated with antibiotic medication.

• Metronidazole: This is one of the most commonly used antibiotics to treat trichomoniasis. It comes in various forms, including oral tablets and intravaginal creams.
• Tinidazole: Another effective antibiotic for treating trichomoniasis, tinidazole can be taken orally or administered intravaginally.
• Secnidazole: This antibiotic is also approved by the FDA for treating trichomoniasis.

Treatment Regimens

The recommended treatment regimens for trichomoniasis typically involve a single dose of antibiotics. For example:

• High-dose oral tinidazole (2 g daily) plus intravaginal tinidazole (500 mg 2 times/day) for 14 days is an effective regimen [3].
• A single dose of metronidazole or tinidazole is usually sufficient to treat the infection [10].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that treatment can be given during pregnancy, and antibiotics are effective against infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. In the United States, several antibiotics, including metronidazole, tinidazole, and secnidazole, are approved by the FDA for treating trichomoniasis [6].

References

• [1] Metronidazole (Flagyl); Tinidazole (Tindamax). Both drugs are antibiotics and kill the parasite that cause trich.
• [3] The first is high-dose oral tinidazole 2 g daily plus intravaginal tinidazole 500 mg 2 times/day for 14 days.
• [6] In the United States, several of these drugs, metronidazole, tinidazole, and secnidazole are approved by the FDA for trichomoniasis.
• [8] Medications for Trichomoniasis · metronidazole (Flagyl, Likmez) · tinidazole (Tindamax) · secnidazole (Solosec) · other amebicides.
• [10] Your nurse or doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection — either metronidazole or tinidazole.

Differential Diagnoses for Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similar symptoms with other conditions. Here are some of the differential diagnoses that should be considered:

• Bacterial Vaginosis: A bacterial infection that causes an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina, leading to symptoms such as a strong fishy odor and itching.
• Candidiasis (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis): A fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, which can lead to symptoms such as redness, itching, and white patches on the vulva and vagina.
• Cervicitis: An inflammation of the cervix, which can be caused by various factors including STIs, trauma, or irritation.
• Chlamydia (Chlamydial Genitourinary Infections): A bacterial infection that can cause symptoms such as discharge, burning during urination, and abdominal pain in both men and women.
• Cystitis, Nonbacterial: An inflammation of the bladder, which can be caused by various factors including STIs, trauma, or irritation.
• Epididymitis: An inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that stores sperm behind the testicle, which can be caused by bacterial infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

References:

• [2] Trichomoniasis is one of the three common infectious causes of vaginal complaints among reproductive-aged females, along with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candida vulvovaginitis.
• [7] Trichomoniasis must be differentiated from other causes of vaginitis such as: Bacterial vaginosis; Candidiasis (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis); Cervicitis; Chlamydia (Chlamydial Genitourinary Infections); Cystitis, Nonbacterial; and Epididymitis.
• [9] The diagnosis of trichomoniasis has traditionally depended on the microscopic observation of motile protozoa from vaginal or cervical samples and from urethral or prostatic secretions.