Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women and men: differences from other STDs

The first signs of trichomoniasis in women and men

Trichomoniasis is a disease of the genitourinary system caused by the unicellular parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Most cases of infection are observed in women aged 16 to 35 years. Causes of infection with urogenital trichomoniasis: Trichomonas vaginalis is mainly spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner. In men, microorganisms first affect the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the urethra, then the inflammation spreads to the tissues of the prostate gland and bladder. In women, the primary inflammatory process affects the mucous membrane of the vagina and urethra. Urethritis, cystitis, vulvitis, colpitis, endocervicitis are usually diagnosed.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women and men

The first signs of trichomoniasis are similar to the symptoms of other sexually transmitted diseases. Urogenital trichomoniasis occurs with minimal clinical manifestations and is often detected only during preventive examinations. Trichomonad carriage is diagnosed in 40-50% of patients with mixed urogenital infection.

At the early stage of the disease, men have almost no symptoms. Sometimes there is a burning sensation after urination or ejaculation, itching of the urethra, minor discharge. In 40% of men, Trichomonas vaginalis causes complications: inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis).

Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women:

• discomfort during intercourse;
• itching of the inner surfaces of the thighs;
• vaginal discharge;
• hyperemia of mucous membranes;
• vaginal or vulva itching;
• swelling of the labia;
• strong unpleasant vaginal smell.

Discharges in trichomoniasis can be greenish-yellow, foamy. But mostly the disease proceeds without any subjective sensations. The clinical picture of the inflammatory process in trichomoniasis is similar to other STDs, but less pronounced, so patients rarely consult a doctor. At the same time, the disease turns into a chronic form and causes complications.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the result of the analysis for trichomoniasis and clinical signs of the disease. Material for research is taken from the vagina and or urethra in women, and from the urethra in men.

Scheme of treatment of trichomoniasis with drugs

As trite as it sounds, the treatment of infection begins with prevention. Preventive measures are regular medical examinations. Diagnosed at an early stage, trichomoniasis is quickly and easily treated. Timely diagnosis and treatment of trichomoniasis increase the chances of preserving fertility. The disease, which has turned into a chronic form, can lead to serious complications - inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.

It is important to know:

• both sexual partners should be treated at the same time;
• sex life is not recommended during treatment;
• treatment is carried out for any form of the disease;
• medication should also be taken by a partner who does not have trichomonads;
• mandatory control of treatment results one week after the end of the course of therapy.

The scheme of trichomoniasis treatment with drugs is prescribed by a doctor. The drug of choice is metronidazole. Nitroimidazole derivatives are also used: ornidazole, nimorazole, tinidazole, tenonitrozole. Antibiotics and sulfonamides for trichomoniasis are prescribed according to indications.

Treatment of trichomoniasis in men also includes:

• immunotherapy;
• instillation of the urethra;
• prostate massage;
• physiotherapy.

Additional procedures are usually prescribed only for the chronic form of the disease. The effectiveness of the treatment of trichomoniasis in women increases with the joint use of systemic drugs and metronidazole gel (intravaginally).

Chronic trichomoniasis and possible complications

How to treat chronic trichomoniasis? Therapy of this form of the disease includes three stages:

1. Prescription of drugs that increase immunity, vitamin therapy.
2. Main therapy: 5-nitroimidazole derivatives, enzymes that improve digestion, antibacterial drugs (as indicated), antioxidants.
3. Recovery stage: hepatoprotectors, physiotherapeutic procedures (as indicated).

The appointment of adequate therapy and the patient's compliance with the doctor's recommendations are important for the successful treatment of trichomoniasis. Otherwise, relapses of the disease, post-trichomonas complications are possible. Trichomonas vaginalis can cause infertility, pathologies of pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn.

Monogamous relationships, protected sexual intercourse in case of casual relationships will help to avoid infection. Read more about STD prevention on our website Dobrobut.com.

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