Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease occurring in men as well as women, however the incidence of it is commoner among women. This is a disease that is spread through a parasitic infection of the urethra and vagina.
The symptoms of Trichomoniasis can be difficult to spot since there may often be no visible or discernable ones. In fact, up to 50% of women infected do not show any symptoms of trichomoniasis.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of trichomoniasis may show themselves as early as 4 days after infection or sexual contact with an infected individual.
On the other hand, it is also possible that the symptoms may not show themselves until years after the infection. Though the infection is often asymptomatic in many women, common symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
- A frothy, malodorous discharge of greenish or yellowish color is commonly noted.
- The discharge may also have some traces of blood
- A redness or swelling of the labia may also be noticed
- There is also a feeling of itchiness in the area of the vulva or the folds of skin there
- There could be pain experienced while urinating or even a burning sensation when passing urine
- Painful sexual intercourse is another one of the symptoms of trichomoniasis. This pain could be localized in the vaginal area or it could be experienced in the lower abdomen area
- The symptoms of trichomoniasis are often seen to intensify and may be felt more sharply during menstruation
- A medical examination also reveals small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix in some cases
There are certain other facts about trichomoniasis that it is important to know:
- Men generally display no symptoms of the disease
- If untreated, this disease could linger for years
- This infection is a sexually transmitted disease; however it cannot be transmitted though oral or anal sex.
- With this infection, there is an increased risk of HIV transmission
- The infection may also cause some women to deliver prematurely or to deliver lower birth weight infants
- Among males there is the likelihood of the risk for prostate cancer and penis infection as well as inflammation
- As in the case of many sexually transmitted diseases, trichomoniasis is largely preventable through the use of condoms.
