Vaginal Trichomoniasis: What Problems It Can Lead To

Vaginal trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that has a cure. Although it does not always cause obvious symptoms, it is important to detect it and treat it so as not to run any risk

Vaginal trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is contracted by contact with a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis .

Although this microorganism can also attack men, it is more common among women, especially at young ages.

Most cases do not cause complications and can be cured with medication. In fact, sometimes its symptoms go unnoticed or are mistaken for those of other conditions.

Despite this, it is important to take care of it, since in general it carries a series of risks.

Since there is a probability of reinfection, both members of the couple should undergo treatment.

To better understand its development, below we want to review some of its most relevant aspects and its possible consequences.

How do you get vaginal trichomoniasis?

A person infected with the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite can infect someone healthy through sexual intercourse. When vaginal trichomoniasis occurs it is because the parasite attacked the lower part of the genital tract, that is, the vulva, vagina or urethra.

During intercourse the microorganism passes from the penis to the vagina or vice versa. There is also a risk of transmission from one vagina to another. However, the exact incubation period between exposure and infection is unknown. It is believed to span from 5 to 28 days.

It is not common for the parasite to attack other areas of the body such as the anus or the mouth. Also, it is not yet clear why some people develop symptoms of infection and others do not.

It should be clarified that an infected person can infect another, even when there are no symptoms.

Risk factor’s

• Having sex without barrier protection
• History of sexually transmitted infections

• Multiple sexual partners
• Previous episode of trichomoniasis

Symptoms of vaginal trichomoniasis

The absence of symptoms can facilitate the spread of vaginal trichomoniasis. It is estimated that 7 out of 10 people do not have any signs of the infection.

In other cases, the manifestations are so mild that women do not notice it or mistake it for a yeast infection.

However, since it is most likely to cause vaginitis, some identifying signs are:

• Greenish or yellowish, frothy, or fetid vaginal discharge
• Bleeding in the vaginal discharge
• Itching and irritation of the vulva and vagina
• Inflammation of the genital area
• Pain during intercourse
• Burning and pain when urinating
• Constant urge to urinate

Complications of vaginal trichomoniasis

An untreated vaginal trichomoniasis can last for months or years, even if there is no recurrent discomfort. The worrying thing about this situation is that the infection can lead to other complications that, without a doubt, do affect the quality of life.

For example, in some women it causes the appearance of a strawberry cervix, due to inflammation and redness of the cervix. In case of pregnancy it carries dangers of great consideration, as it increases the risk of premature birth and rupture of the fetal membranes.

In addition, in this case the baby can also be born underweight or it can be infected by passing through the vaginal canal. If so, your doctor should evaluate the possibility that you will develop respiratory or genital lesions.

On the other hand, trichomoniasis can lead to conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and frequent oral lesions. This is because the immune system is weakened and susceptible to attack by infectious agents.

The problem even increases the risk of contracting the HIV / AIDS virus as a consequence of genital inflammation.

Diagnosis of vaginal trichomoniasis

Analysis of symptoms can help to suspect vaginal trichomoniasis. However, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor takes a sample of vaginal discharge and looks at it under a microscope.

Culture analysis was, until recently, the most widely used test. However, today there are innovative and rapid tests, such as rapid antigen analysis or nucleic acid amplification.

Trichomoniasis treatment

Trichomoniasis can be cured with a single dose of a prescribed antibiotic. The most commonly used drugs, even in pregnant women, are metronidazole and tinidazole.

For best results, both members of the couple should take the medication. In addition, they will have to avoid sexual intercourse until the infection is cured.

Note: after receiving the treatment, the consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided for up to 72 hours later. Ingesting them can cause severe nausea and vomiting.

In conclusion, even if vaginal trichomoniasis occurs mildly and without complications, it is best to treat it.

In the same way, before any suspicion, it is better to go to the doctor. It should not be ignored that many transmissions are due to lack of diagnosis.