March 31, 2023 Author : Saraiva da Cunha Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection . It is estimated that in 2020 there were 156 million new cases of trichomoniasis worldwide; The disease is caused by a parasite, a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis; Contagion of trichomoniasis occurs through vaginal intercourse with someone who is infected, even when there are no symptoms; Usually women are infected by men or other women; men are infected only by women and do not transmit the infection to other men. Symptoms and diagnosis Many people who have trichomoniasis do no notice it, as the infection may not cause symptoms. The absence of symptoms is more common in men than in women. When there are trichomoniasis symptoms: In men , trichomoniasis causes inflammation and infection of the urethra (urethritis) with: Irritation or burning sensation when urinating; Possible discharge from the urethra. In women , common symptoms are: Pain, burning sensation or discomfort when urinating; Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse; Pruritus (itching) in the genital area; Vaginal discharge more abundant and thicker than usual, yellowish or greenish and with an unpleasant odor. Medical attention should be sought: Whenever the aforementioned symptoms are present; When there was sex with someone who has trichomoniasis or is just suspected of having it. The diagnosis of trichomoniasis is based on symptoms that may be present, in the reported history, examination of the patient, and diagnostic tests. For these tests, a sample of vaginal discharge is used in women and a sample of urine or urethral discharge in men. Treatment of trichomoniasis The treatment of trichomoniasis is simple and effective. It is done with antiparasitic drugs . Treatment must be performed by the person diagnosed with trichomoniasis and also any recent sexual partners, even if they have no symptoms; If sexual partners are not treated, the risk of re-infection is high, as well as the risk of infecting others; During treatment it is necessary to refrain of having sex; At the end of treatment it is often necessary to repeat tests to check that the infection has resolved. Complications of trichomoniasis Untreated trichomoniasis increases the risk of: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections; Urethritis (inflammation and infection of the urethra) and cystitis (inflammation and infection of the bladder); Pelvic inflammatory disease; Prostatitis in men; When trichomoniasis occurs in pregnant women: premature delivery, low birth weight and symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath and urinary tract infection, among others, in newborns. Prevent trichomoniasis Using a condom every time you have sex reduces the risk of getting infected. Not having sex, even using a condom, when one of the involved has trichomoniasis or infection suspicion , prevents from becoming infected or infecting someone else. After trichomoniasis has been diagnosed and successfully treated it continues to be possible to become infected again. Therefore, always adopting preventive measures is important both to avoid an infection and a re-infection. Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trichomoniasis . Sobel JD, Mitchell C. Trichomoniasis: clinical manifestations and diagnosis . Meet the infectious diseases clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
