Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis . Trichomoniasis can be prevented by safe sexual behavior, namely not having multiple sexual partners and using condoms.

Trichomoniasis is generally asymptomatic. When they appear, symptoms can appear several days after infection. Complaints that arise can be pain during sexual intercourse or urination.

If left untreated, trichomoniasis in pregnant women can cause babies to be born prematurely or born with low weight. Trichomoniasis can also be transmitted to the baby during delivery.

Causes of Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by the T richomonas vaginalis parasite which is spread through sexual contact. This parasite can also be transmitted by sharing sex aids that are not cleaned first.

The risk of developing trichomoniasis will increase in someone who:

Frequently changing sexual partners
Not using a condom during sexual intercourse
Have had trichomoniasis
Have had a sexually transmitted disease

This parasite cannot be transmitted through oral sex, anal sex, kissing, toilet seats, or sharing cutlery.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Most people with trichomoniasis do not feel any symptoms. Even so, sufferers can still transmit trichomoniasis to others. If there are symptoms, usually complaints will appear 5-28 days after infection.

In women, trichomoniasis can be characterized by the following symptoms:

A lot of vaginal discharge and makes the vagina smell fishy
Leucorrhoea is greenish yellow , can be thick or watery, and frothy
Itching accompanied by redness and burning in the vaginal area
Pain during intercourse or when urinating

Whereas in men, symptoms of trichomoniasis that can appear include:

Pain, swelling and redness around the tip of the penis
White discharge from the penis
Pain when urinating or after ejaculation
More frequent urination than usual

When to see a doctor

It should be noted, the symptoms of trichomoniasis can come and go. If not treated immediately, the infection can last for months, even years.

To prevent this, immediately consult a doctor if vaginal discharge that smells bad (in women), white discharge from the penis (in men), and pain during urination and intercourse.

You also need to see a doctor if your partner has symptoms of trichomoniasis, even if you don't have any symptoms yourself.

Trichomoniasis diagnosis

A person can be suspected of suffering from trichomoniasis if they experience the above symptoms. To be sure, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the patient's genitals, as well as take samples of vaginal fluid (in women) or urine (in men) for examination in the laboratory.

Examination of vaginal fluid or urine samples takes several days. While waiting for the results, the patient will still be treated to reduce the risk of infection transmission.

Treatment of Trichomoniasis

To treat trichomoniasis, your doctor will prescribe metronidazole . This drug can be taken once in large doses, or in smaller doses for 5–7 days, twice a day.

Please note, to prevent reinfection, the patient's sexual partner must also receive the same treatment without having to undergo an examination first.

During the treatment period, patients are prohibited from having sexual intercourse until declared cured by the doctor. Patients should also not consume alcoholic beverages until 24 hours after taking metronidazole , because it can cause nausea and vomiting.

Trichomoniasis usually resolves within 7 days. However, patients need to check back with the doctor in 3 weeks to 3 months after treatment. This is to ensure he is not reinfected.

Trichomoniasis complications

If left untreated, trichomoniasis can cause serious complications, especially in pregnant women. Complications that can occur are babies born prematurely or born with low body weight , and transmission of trichomoniasis to babies during delivery.

In addition, trichomoniasis that occurs in women can make sufferers more susceptible to HIV infection.