Features of the pathogen
Trichomonas vaginalis is a single-celled parasite, a motile protozoan that lives in the genitourinary tract. That is why conventional antibacterial drugs do not work on it: a special group of drugs are used for treatment.
Transmission occurs through sexual contact. Trichomonas does not survive outside the body for long, but still longer than many other STI pathogens, so transmission through wet hygiene items is theoretically possible - in practice, this route is extremely rare.
Symptoms
- In women: copious foamy discharge of a yellowish-greenish color
- Strong unpleasant odor
- Severe itching and burning in the external genital area
- Redness and swelling of the mucous membrane
- Pain during intercourse
- Discomfort and pain when urinating
- Nagging pain in the lower abdomen
- In men: scanty discharge from the urethra
- Mild burning sensation when urinating
- Discomfort after intercourse
- In men, there is often a complete absence of symptoms
- Spontaneous disappearance of symptoms in men is possible if the infection persists
Why is it dangerous?
- In women: pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pregnancy complications, premature birth, low birth weight
- Increased risk of contracting HIV and other infections due to damage to the mucosa
- In men: urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis
- Possible deterioration of sperm parameters
- Chronic course with periodic exacerbations
- Disturbance of the normal vaginal microflora with the addition of bacterial vaginosis
Diagnostics
- PCR is the most sensitive method, especially important for men in whom the pathogen is more difficult to detect
- Microscopy of a native smear - allows you to see mobile Trichomonas, but is informative only with a quick study of fresh material
- Stained smear microscopy - less sensitive
- Sowing on special media
- In men, urethral discharge, the first portion of urine, and sometimes prostate secretion are examined.
- Screening for other STIs - the combination is common
- Partner examination
Please note: a negative microscopy result in a man does not rule out infection. That is why, in case of trichomoniasis in a partner, a man is examined using the PCR method, and is often treated even if the result is negative.
Treatment
- Preparations of the nitroimidazoles group are specific agents that act on protozoa; The doctor determines the regimen and dose
- Conventional antibiotics are ineffective for this infection
- Mandatory simultaneous treatment of all sexual partners, even if their tests are negative
- Complete abstinence from alcohol during treatment and for several days after - combination with these drugs causes a severe reaction with nausea, vomiting, palpitations
- Sexual rest until both partners complete treatment
- Local medications as an adjunct, but not as the basis of treatment
- Control examination at the time prescribed by the doctor
- If the first course is ineffective, another scheme is used, sometimes longer
- Special regimens during pregnancy - prescribed by a doctor taking into account the period
- Restoration of vaginal microflora after treatment in women
Why treatment sometimes doesn't work
- Партнёр не прошёл лечение — самая частая причина; происходит повторное заражение сразу после курса
- Курс был прерван при исчезновении симптомов
- Использовались только местные средства без системного препарата
- Одновременно присутствует другая инфекция, которая и вызывает сохраняющиеся жалобы
- Устойчивость возбудителя — встречается редко, но требует другой схемы
- Симптомы связаны не с инфекцией, а с нарушением микрофлоры или другой причиной
Where to get examined in Tashkent
For an accurate diagnosis, PCR is needed, and in case of complications, a urological or gynecological examination.
In Tashkent, you can get tested and receive treatment for trichomoniasis at the UROLOGIC COMPLEX medical center and at the Tashkent Medical Park clinic.
If a partner is diagnosed with trichomoniasis, the man must be examined and, as a rule, treated - even with a negative test and complete absence of complaints. Otherwise, the treatment will be endless in a circle. Clinic contacts are below.
