Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases – curable – in the world . Despite being so common, only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis.
Most people who get trichomoniasis do not have any type of symptoms but for those who suffer from it they are the following: for men , itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urinating or ejaculating, or even having some discharge from the penis; For women , the symptoms include itching, burning, redness or pain in the genitals, discomfort when urinating, or vaginal discharge that is more abundant than normal and even light green, yellowish or gray in color and with a slightly repulsive odor.
Causes of trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is spread during sex through the penis to the vagina, from the vagina to the penis, or from the vagina to another vagina and can cause discomfort during intercourse. Women who have sex with women can also get trichomoniasis through vaginal contact. They can also get it in the prostate, the gland between the bladder and the penis. It is rare to have trichomoniasis in other parts of the body, such as the hands, mouth, or anus. Also, being infected increases the risk of contracting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. The infection is more common in women than in men. Older women are more likely than younger women to get trichomoniasis. To avoid this, it is recommended to use condoms to reduce the risk of infection; however, it is also possible to contract or transmit the infection using them since they do not completely cover the entire area.
Anyone with trichomoniasis can spread it, even if they have no symptoms.
It is not clear why some people with the infection have symptoms and others do not, but it probably depends on factors such as the individual’s age and general health.
How does it affect pregnant women?
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are more likely to have their babies too early (preterm labor). Also, babies born to infected mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight (less than 2.4 kg).
How to prevent
We have said it initially. The best way to prevent trichomoniasis or any STD is not to have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you have them, it is advisable to follow these indications :
- Use condoms. Condoms are the best way to prevent STDs when you have sex. Other methods of birth control, such as birth control pills, injections, implants, or diaphragms, will not protect you from STDs.
- Get tested for STDs . Talking with your partner about the test results before having sex would be the best thing to do.
- Being monogamous. Having sex with just one partner can lower your risk of getting STDs.
- Limit the number of sexual partners . The risk of getting STDs increases with the number of partners you have.
- Do not douche. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria from your vagina that protect you from infection, which can increase your risk of STDs.
- Do not abuse alcohol or drugs. Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs increases risky behavior and thus puts us more exposed to a sexually transmitted disease.
