Trichomoniasis
There are now more than one million cases of Trichomoniasis in the UK. Trichomoniasis affects both women and men. Along with Chlamydia, herpes, and Hepatitis B, is one of the most commonly occurring common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women.Often referred to as "trich," trichomoniasis usually infects the vagina in women and the urethra in men. Every year, there are more than one million cases of Trichomoniasis in the UK.
Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The vagina is the most common site of infection in women, and the urethra (urine canal) is the most common site of infection in men. The parasite is sexually transmitted through unprotected penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva (the genital area outside the vagina) contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women, but men usually contract it only from infected women.
Men
Men typically contract trichomoniasis from female sex partners, but women can get trichomoniasis from both male and female sex partners. Most men with trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms; however, some men may temporarily have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
In men, symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
- Irritation of the penis
- Pain during urination or ejaculation
- Pale white discharge from the urethra
- Itching of the urethra
Women
Some women have symptoms of infection which include a frothy, yellow-green or grey vaginal discharge with a strong odour. The infection also may cause discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching of the female genital area. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure.
The genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis can increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV infection if she is exposed to the virus. Having trichomoniasis may increase the chance that an HIV-infected woman passes HIV to her sex partner(s).
In women, symptoms include:
- A frothy, yellow, green, or grey vaginal discharge
- Strong vaginal odour
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pain upon urination
- Vaginal itching
- Swelling of the labia
- Abdominal discomfort
Risk Factors
Because trichomoniasis is such a common sexually transmitted disease, any man or woman who is sexually active can contract the parasite. However, there are certain factors that can increase your risk for being infected with trichomoniasis.
These risk factors include:
- Having multiple sex partners
- Having a partner who has had multiple sex partners
- Engaging in unprotected sexual activity
- Having gonorrhoea or non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU)
- Sharing sex toys
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis may have babies who are born early or with low birth weight.
If left untreated, complications include:
- Increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
- Increased risk of transmitting HIV to other sexual partners
- Fallopian tube inflammation
- Inflammation of the prostate (prostatis)
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We aim to provide an atmosphere of professional yet sympathetic treatment in a relaxed and friendly environment which promotes best practice in the area of sexual health and well being. Doctor-Patient confidentiality is at the core of everything we do.
