With sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) becoming increasingly prevalent today, the need to conduct regular check-ups at STD clinics is essential. So long as you have engaged in consensual sexual intercourse with multiple partners, there is always a risk of contracting an unwanted sexually transmitted infection (STI), especially if you are not utilising contraceptives.
Given that specific diseases, such as genital herpes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are incurable, most people believe this holds true for all STDs. However, that is not true. There are several common sexual diseases that can be cured with treatment. Take trichomoniasis, for example. Caused by a protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, trichomoniasis is a curable STD that affects individuals who partake in sexual intercourse without condoms.
While trichomoniasis might not be as well-known as HIV or gonorrhoea, it remains one of the most common STDs in the world. As such, let us share more about this illness, its various symptoms, and how you can prevent it to safeguard your sexual health.
What is trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is an STD caused by a protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, that lives in an infected patient’s semen or vaginal fluids. This contagious disease is transmitted via unprotected sexual intercourse – such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex – or close genital contact with an infected individual (both men and women). If you happen to be sharing sex toys with someone who has the infection, you will also be susceptible to the STD.
It is also one of the most common curable STDs worldwide. In men, the parasite usually infects the urethra inside the penis. As for women, the complications are much more severe, as it can affect either their vagina, vulva, urethra, or cervix regions. The majority of diagnosed patients also tend to be female between the ages of 35 to 40.
Should women who have a pre-existing HIV condition be further infected with trichomoniasis, there is a higher risk of suffering from side effects that can negatively affect their health. Additionally, pregnant women infected with this disease may give birth prematurely, resulting in a baby with low birth weight.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis
Unfortunately, about 70% of infected patients do not experience symptoms, causing them to spread the disease to their sexual partners unknowingly. This is one of the reasons why trichomoniasis is extremely common amongst sexually active individuals, for they can carry the parasite for many months without realising they are infected with an STD. Therefore, to ensure your and your partner’s well-being, we recommend going for regular STD testing if both of you are sexually active.
Some individuals do encounter worrying signs that indicate they are infected with trichomoniasis. These symptoms may start to show anytime between 5 to 28 days after engaging in sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
Possible symptoms for women:
- An often foul-smelling, yellow-green vaginal discharge
- Soreness, swelling, and itching in and around the vagina region
- Pain when urinating or having sexual intercourse
Possible symptoms for men:
- Thin, white discharge from the tip of the penis
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Soreness, swelling, and redness around the head of the penis and foreskin
If you suspect that either you or your partner have trichomoniasis, do not hesitate to reach out to a doctor immediately. Should it be left untreated, you are at an increased risk of contracting HIV.
Treatment for trichomoniasis
Fortunately, trichomoniasis is easily treated with antibiotics. The medication can either be taken in one day as a single dose or spread over a week. However, it is recommended that the sexual partners of diagnosed patients also undergo an STD test to ascertain if they are positive for trichomoniasis. If so, both individuals need to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least a week until they are fully cured and have received the green light from healthcare professionals.
Prevention for trichomoniasis
If you have tested positive for trichomoniasis, it is best to err on the side of caution and get yourself tested for other STIs and STDs. This is because patients who have contracted this STD are usually at risk of gonorrhoea or chlamydia infection. Hence, to eliminate your chances of developing another STI or STD and spreading it to other individuals, you should schedule regular comprehensive STD check-ups with a trusted doctor.
Moreover, should you be sexually active, there are ways you can lower your chances of getting trichomoniasis. For example, it is best to practise monogamy and only engage in sexual intercourse with an exclusive partner who has tested negative for all STIs and STDs. Plus, each time you have sex, using protection like latex condoms can reduce your risks of attaining STDs.
Conclusion
Before you decide to be intimate with your partner, it is advised that both parties have an open conversation regarding their sexual health. This way, you can make an informed decision about the risks you are exposed to when engaging in sexual activities with a particular individual.
At Elyon Clinic, we offer a confidential screening process for our patients’ comfort and privacy. If you suspect you may have contracted an STD, do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. You can contact us at 6802 7208 to book an appointment for a screening session today.
