Trichomoniasis: How to Prevent This Sexually Transmitted Disease

Have you ever felt itching, burning or discomfort in the genital area after sex? This may be due to trichomoniasis. Also known as trich, this disease is caused by small bacteria. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be transmitted through the genitals, mouth or anus, or even just through skin-to-skin contact between the genitals. Although most people have no symptoms, trichomonas can cause itching, burning, and bothersome discharge. There are some precautions you can take to prevent this from happening, such as using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners you have. Here’s everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and ways to treat trichomoniasis.

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. It is one of the most contagious and treatable diseases. Common symptoms that women may experience include vaginal discharge (which can be clear, white, yellow, or green), vaginal itching, abdominal pain, burning during urination, and a foul odor. A study published in the StatPearls Journal found that some women may also experience pain during intercourse. It is important to note that trichomoniasis is most commonly spread through the genitals, mouth, or anus during sexual intercourse with a partner. The disease can spread even if the patient has no symptoms.

Trichomoniasis is a highly contagious and treatable disease, but knowledge and sexual health are important for prevention and early detection. Diagnosis is made through a physical examination, laboratory tests, and microscopic examination of vaginal fluid (in women) or urine samples (in men). To diagnose an infection, your doctor will look under a microscope for parasites in the vagina or urethral secretions collected by your doctor for testing. If an infection is found, no further tests are needed. However, if the parasite is not found and symptoms appear suggestive of TV, other tests, including rapid antibody tests or nucleic acid amplification tests, may be done.

Trichomoniasis symptoms

These are some of the symptoms of trichomoniasis found in a study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Preventive Care.

Symptoms in women

• Vaginal discharge – usually frothy, yellow-green in color and may have a strong, unpleasant odor.
• Genital itching and irritation – itching and discomfort in the genital area.
• Pain during urination – burning during urination.
• Pain during sexual intercourse – Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal rash and swelling – Inflammation of the vaginal and vulvar tissues.
• Lower abdominal pain

Symptoms in men

• Urethral discharge – Thin white discharge from semen.
• Burning sensation during urination or ejaculation – Pain or discomfort during urination or ejaculation.
• Internal Penile Irritation – Itching or irritation in the genital area.

Cause of trichomoniasis

Here are some of the causes of trichomoniasis explained by experts.

1. Sexual contact

Infection is usually transmitted from the infected partner through sexual intercourse. However, people can also be infected with the virus through oral and anal sex, which is a less common but possible mode of transmission.

2. Sex toys

Trichomonas vaginalis can be spread by using contaminated sex toys and not washing them properly, or by sharing sex toys without using a condom.

3. Multiple sexual partners

Having more than one sexual partner increases the risk of contracting trichomoniasis.

4. Unprotected sex

Not using a condom during sexual intercourse increases the risk of many sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to use a condom during intercourse.

5. Past or concurrent sexually transmitted diseases

There are other sexually transmitted diseases that increase susceptibility to trichomoniasis.

How to prevent trichomoniasis

Preventing trichomoniasis includes maintaining safe sexual practices and good sexual health. Here are some prevention tips explained by experts.

1. Continue to use condoms correctly

Using latex or polyurethane condoms during genital, anal and oral sex reduces the risk of contracting trichomonas. Make sure condoms are used correctly from the beginning to the end of intercourse. Check the expiration date and make sure the condoms are intact.

2. Regular STI testing

Regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including trichomoniasis, facilitates early diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, before starting a new sexual relationship, both partners should be tested to ensure that neither partner has an undiagnosed sexually transmitted disease.

3. Limit number of sexual partners

Maintaining a relationship with a partner who tests negative for sexually transmitted infections may reduce the risk. Limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

4. Treat the disease quickly

If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis or any other infectious disease, seek treatment immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to others. Also, if you have been diagnosed with trichomoniasis, tell anyone you have had sex with recently so they can be tested and treated to prevent further infection.

5. Don’t share sex toys

Do not share sex toys with others. If you share, be sure to wash thoroughly and cover with a new condom for each use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning sex toys and use disinfectants to eliminate potential germs.

6. Communication and education

Have honest conversations with your sexual partner about sexual history, STI testing, and prevention strategies. Learn about sexually transmitted diseases, how they can be transmitted, and how to prevent them. Educate yourself and your partner on the best precautions you can take.

7. Abstinence or delaying sex

Abstinence from sex is the best way to prevent trichomoniasis and other infectious diseases. Delaying the onset of sexual intercourse until you are in a relationship and both partners have been tested to reduce risk.

Something to remember!

Antibiotics are given all at once or in divided doses. It is important to finish your antibiotics, even if you feel better quickly. It is important to treat your partner at the same time to avoid infection. But most importantly, you should consult your doctor before taking antibiotics.