Sexually transmitted diseases - Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, a disease of the genitourinary tract, inarguably is the most common curable STD that mostly affects the young, sexually active women. Although it also affects men, the cases however are uncommon. The most common site of infection in men is the urethra while for women the most common site of infection is the vagina. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 180 million new cases that occur each year for both women and men, 7.4 million in America alone.

The disease is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The organisms may take an amoeboid shape after association to the vaginal epithelium but are usually pyriform in shape. The single organism is quite larger (9X7 mm) than a white blood cell and is projected from the anterior portion of the cell by four flagella. The parasite is primarily transmitted through direct sexual contact and can even be spread through mutual masturbation as well as sharing sex toys. Although infection can continue for long periods in females and less than 10 days for males, generally the incubation time is between 4 and 28 days. Anecdotal evidence claims that asymptomatic infection may perhaps persist for months or even years in most females.

Symptoms and Complications
The symptoms normally appear 4 to 20 days after the infection. In females, the usual manifestations are profuse, frothy, gray or yellow-green vaginal discharge, occasionally with bleeding, an unpleasant vaginal odor, and vulvovaginal discomfort and itching. Other symptoms include perennial painful and frequent urination, vulvovaginal swelling, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and abdominal pain. Cervical hemorrhaging may also be present however only on rare situations.

In males the symptoms are rare and may just include the usual thin pale whitish discharge from the penis and sore or difficult urination. Other manifestations would be irritation inside the penis and slight burning sensation after urination and ejaculation.

Trichomoniasis has been associated to an increased risk for HIV transmission especially when left untreated. Since foremostly it is more common to women, the risk of premature birth, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, low birth weight, and complication or rupture of the placenta is high. In most cases for men only a few are present namely inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) and inflammation of the bladder (cystitis). Another complication that may exist to both male and female is moderate skin irritation on the external genitals and inner thighs.

Treatment and Prevention
Trichomoniasis can simply be treated and cured by Metronidazole (Flagyl®) which is known to be the only drug that can cure it. The prescription usually is in a single or seven day dose often through mouth. The person taking medication should also avoid alcohol at once after treatment, since a chemical reaction can result to nausea and vomiting. The most common side effects of this kind of treatment are mild nausea, vomiting, and metallic taste in the mouth however it is essential to take the medication as prescribed in order for the treatment to work.
Side effects include nausea, headache, and abdominal cramping. Seizures and neurological break have been reported in a number of people taking metronidazole, though these cases are uncommon. Pregnant women should always consult a physician before taking metronidazole as medication. Despite the fact that symptoms in men frequently resolve on their own within a few weeks, an asymptomatic man can transmit infection to sex partners, so medication is advised and consistently prescribed.