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Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both women and men, and causes symptoms that may vary between both sexes.
This disease is caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis and its diagnosis can be made through a physical examination and laboratory tests. This disease is curable, and its treatment can be done with antibiotic remedies such as metronidazole or secnidazole, which should only be used when recommended by the gynecologist or urologist.
Some of the main symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
- Discharge with unpleasant smell;
- Pain when urinating;
- Urgency to urinate;
- Genital itching;
- Burning sensation in the genitals.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and from man to woman, and in some cases, no symptoms at all.
In addition, it is necessary that the person knows that, after contagion, the disease can take between 5 to 28 days to manifest the first symptoms.
Trichomoniasis symptoms in men and women
The symptoms of trichomoniasis in men and women may differ, as follows:
Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women | Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men |
---|
White, gray, yellow or green vaginal discharge with unpleasant odor | Unpleasant odor discharge |
Urgency to urinate | Urgency to urinate |
Vaginal itching | Itchy penis |
Burning sensation and pain when urinating | Burning sensation and pain when urinating and during ejaculation |
Genital redness | |
Small vaginal bleeds | |
Learn how to identify other sexually transmitted infections.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of Trichomoniasis must be made by the gynecologist in the case of women and by the urologist in the case of men. Through a specular examination performed in the gynecologist's office, he is able to visualize the vaginal secretion and its appearance. A sample of the secretion can be collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis and accurate identification of the agent causing the infection.
The symptoms of Trichomoniasis can be easily confused with the symptoms caused by other sexually transmitted diseases, and therefore the medical examination always needs to be complemented with laboratory tests.
What is the treatment
The treatment of this disease can be done using antibiotics such as metronidazole or secnidazole, which allow the elimination of the microorganism from the body, curing the disease.
As this is a sexually transmitted disease, it is recommended to avoid sexual contact throughout the treatment and up to a week after it ends. In addition, it is also recommended that the sexual partner consult the doctor, since even without symptoms, there is the possibility of having contracted the disease. Learn more about the treatment of trichomoniasis.