Causes, symptoms and treatment of trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is today considered to be one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment of trichomoniasis is relatively easy. Therefore, with the slightest suspicion of a similar illness, it is worthwhile to seek medical help. The sooner you start treatment, the easier it will be.

Causes and symptoms of the disease

Before considering the treatment of trichomoniasis, it is worthwhile to study information about exactly how the infection occurs and what are its main features. The causative agent of the disease is Trichomonas - a unicellular microscopic organism, which belongs to the group of flagellated protozoa. As already mentioned, the infection is transmitted during sexual intercourse with an infected partner. It is worth noting and the fact that the parasite in a humid environment can live another 20 hours. Therefore, the household way of infection is possible, although such cases are extremely rare.

In women, the first symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 weeks after infection. On the external genitalia, irritation and itching appear, and from the vagina - yellowish discharge with an unpleasant odor. In addition, trichomoniasis is accompanied by pain during urination and during sexual intercourse. With further development of the disease, inflammation of the genital and urinary system can appear.

In men, the first stages of the disease can penetrate without any symptoms. In the future, parasites often enter the urethra or prostate gland, causing inflammation. That is why timely treatment of trichomoniasis is so important.

Signs of the disease can also include an increase in inguinal lymph nodes and the appearance of ulcers on the external genitalia. At the first symptoms it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis

Diagnosis of such a disease, as a rule, is not difficult. Women take a swab of the vagina. Only a few minutes of microscopic examination will make it possible to diagnose. In addition, a rather effective method of diagnosis is bacteriological culture (in women), a smear from the urethra.

Treating Trichomoniasis

The scheme of treatment can appoint only a doctor - the independent use of any medication can adversely affect your health. For starters, it should be noted that the causative agent of the disease - Trichomonas - is not a bacterial organism, but the simplest animal. That is why taking antibiotics does not have practically no effect. Therefore, to eliminate pathogenic parasites, the "Metronidazole" agent or preparations containing this substance are used.

The course of treatment can last from two weeks to a month. Quite often, the main signs of the disease disappear after the first days of taking the medication. But it is worthwhile to understand that the disappearance of symptoms is not a reason to stop taking medications.

In addition, effective treatment of trichomoniasis is only possible if both partners are taking it at once. After all, otherwise, repeated infection with the infection is possible. It is worth noting that during the reception of the drug sex and alcohol are prohibited.

After the completion of the course of treatment, both partners must necessarily visit the doctor once again and re-test for trichomonads. In addition, a woman in the next three months should regularly undergo a medical examination, and a man - to visit the andrologist's office. Two months after the completion of treatment, it is recommended to take the tests again. The fact is that Trichomonas can often go into hidden forms, when it does not have any visible symptoms, but can lead to a number of serious complications in the future.

Prophylaxis of trichomoniasis

Agree that the best treatment for trichomoniasis is its prevention. The rules here are very simple. During sexual intercourse, a condom should be used. If nevertheless there was an unprotected sexual intercourse, it is better to see a doctor as soon as possible. Remember, the sooner an infection is identified, the greater the chance of a quick recovery.