Trichomoniasis: An Overview

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 374 million infections were acquired in 2020.¹ And, out of this, approximately 156 million infections were estimated solely due to trichomoniasis infection.¹ But, the good news is that, this infection can be cured if diagnosed early with appropriate treatment. 

The first and foremost thing to understand is the symptoms that may arise in an infected individual, male or female, with trichomoniasis. So, without further ado, let us read through this article!

What Is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, also known as “trich” is a very common Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (a parasite). Symptoms of trichomoniasis might vary, and most individuals cannot determine if they are infected. ²

How Does Trichomoniasis Infection Spread?

In women, the infection is mainly found in the lower genital tract (cervix, vagina, urethra, or vulva). While in men, it is found inside the penis (urethra). Sexually active people are usually at risk if they have unprotected intercourse with an infected person. The parasite usually cannot infect other body parts such as hands, mouth or anus. Having said that, an infected individual who does not experience any symptoms can also pass the infection. ²

Nonetheless, studies also suggest that women aged 50 years and older are prone to acquire the infection due to the change in their vaginal acidity and estrogen deficiency. So, if nonsexually active older women experience abnormal vaginal discharge, trichomoniasis can be ruled out as a possible cause.³

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Trichomoniasis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70% of the infected individuals do not show any signs or symptoms. ² But, if symptoms appear, they might range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people experience symptoms within 5 to 28 days while others might develop them much later. A few common symptoms seen in men and women are mentioned below - ^2,4

Risk Factors

There are quite a few reasons why an individual could be at a risk of getting a trichomoniasis infection such as: ⁵

• Having multiple sexual partners
• History of other STDs
• Previous episode of trichomoniasis 
• Unprotected intercourse

In an infected individual, trichomoniasis can increase the risk of acquiring or spreading other STIs. For instance, trichomoniasis can cause irritation or inflammation in the genital area which can easily lead to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Furthermore, if a woman is pregnant and is diagnosed with trich, she might be likely to have a premature birth or a low birth weight baby. ²

So, if you fall under any of the above risk categories, you should consider getting tested for trichomoniasis.

Treatment And Prevention

Once diagnosed, trich is the most common curable Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). It can be treated with the medications recommended by your healthcare provider which are usually safe for expectant mothers as well. ²

So, to reduce the transmission of trichomoniasis, it is advised to use condoms consistently. But, if you’re infected, it is recommended to avoid physical contact until you’ve completed the treatment.

Takeaway Message

Even if trichomoniasis is a curable STD, you should adopt proper preventive measures to avoid transmission. However, if you or your partner are experiencing any symptoms, you should get tested as soon as possible. One quick and convenient way to get tested is by using an at-home STD test kit. These kits allow you to collect a sample, schedule a pick-up, and receive expert-reviewed results within a few days. Many at-home STD test kits use advanced technology, such as RT-PCR, to detect multiple STIs in both men and women. Taking a test regularly can help you monitor your sexual health and take necessary precautions.