Trichomoniasis is a disease sexually transmitted caused by parasites Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis can be prevented by safe sexual behavior, namely not changing sexual partners and using condoms.
Trichomoniasis is transmitted through sexual contact. In addition to sexual intercourse, sharing the use of sex aids with people with trichomoniasis can also transmit this disease. Trichomoniasis is often asymptomatic. Even if there are no symptoms, someone who has trichomoniasis can still pass it on to others.
Causes of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which is spread through sexual contact. This parasite can also be transmitted through sharing sex aids that are not cleaned first.
The risk of trichomoniasis is increased in someone who:
- Frequently changing sexual partners.
- Do not use condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Have had trichomoniasis.
- Have had a sexually transmitted disease.
This parasite cannot be transmitted through oral sex, anal sex, kissing, toilet seat, or sharing eating utensils.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
Most people with trichomoniasis do not feel any symptoms. Even so, sufferers can still transmit trichomoniasis to other people. If there are symptoms, usually complaints will appear 5-28 days after infection.
In women, trichomoniasis can be characterized by the following symptoms:
- Vaginal discharge that is a lot and smells fishy, or vaginal odor.
- Vaginal discharge is greenish yellow, can be thick or watery, and foamy.
- Itching accompanied by burning and redness in the vaginal area.
- Pain during sexual intercourse or when urinating.
In men, the symptoms of trichomoniasis that appear can include:
- Pain, swelling, and redness at the tip of the penis.
- White discharge from the penis.
- Pain when urinating or after ejaculation.
- Urinating more often than usual.
When to go to the doctor
Please note, the symptoms of trichomoniasis can come and go. If not treated immediately, the infection can last for months, even years. To prevent this, immediately consult a doctor if you experience vaginal discharge that smells bad (in women), white discharge from the penis (in men), and pain occurs when urinating and having sex.
You also need to see a doctor if your partner has symptoms of trichomoniasis, even if you don't have any symptoms yourself.
DiagnosisTrichomoniasis
A person can be suspected of having trichomoniasis if they experience the above symptoms. To be sure, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the patient's genital organs, and take samples of vaginal fluid (in women) or urine (in men) to be examined in the laboratory.
Examination of a sample of vaginal fluid or urine may take several days. While waiting for the results, the patient will still be treated to reduce the risk of transmitting infection.
If the results of the examination show that the patient has trichomoniasis, the doctor will recommend the patient's sexual partners to be examined and treated as well.
Pengobatan Trichomoniasis
To treat trichomoniasis, the doctor will prescribe metronidazole. The drug can be taken as a single and large dose, or taken 2 times a day, for 5-7 days, in smaller doses.
During the treatment period, the patient is prohibited from having sex until declared cured by the doctor. Patients should also avoid consuming alcoholic beverages 24 hours after consuming metronidazole, because it can cause nausea and vomiting.
Trichomoniasis usually resolves within seven days. However, the patient needs to be checked back to the doctor within 3 weeks to 3 months after treatment, to make sure he is not re-infected.
Complications of Trichomoniasis
If left untreated, trichomoniasis can cause serious complications, especially in pregnant women. Complications that can occur are babies born prematurely or born with low weight, and transmission of trichomoniasis to babies during the delivery process.
In addition, trichomoniasis that occurs in women can make sufferers more susceptible to HIV infection.
Prevention of Trichomoniasis
To reduce the risk of being infected with trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted diseases, take the following steps:
- Do not change sexual partners.
- Use a condom when having sex.
- Do not share the use of sex aids, and clean them after each use.