Trichomoniasis Infection Symptoms, Risk, Treatment & Prevention: Understanding This Common STD That's Hardly Talked About

Though a common sexually transmitted disease (STD), trichomoniasis is not as discussed as gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis or chlamydia. But unfortunately, trichomoniasis infection has seen a rise in recent years. It is high time women, especially those sexually active, learn and understand about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 3.7 million people with trichomoniasis infection in America. However, only 30 percent of these people exhibit the symptoms and it's the women who are most susceptible, but it can also happen in men.

Trichomoniasis Infection Symptoms

Those who don't show any symptoms could mistake the infection as something less threatening, such as a typical yeast infection. The Health Site underscores the different symptoms to trichomoniasis to include the following:

- Mild irritation and inflammation of the genitals
- Yellow, grey or green discharge
- Foul-smelling genital area despite consistent hygiene
- Itchiness in the genital area
- Pain during sex or urination
- Abdominal pain, which can be rare

Trichomoniasis Infection Risk & Treatment

Trichomoniasis infection can persist for years when left untreated. This is because it is caused by a tiny parasite transmitted through sexual intercourse, per Mayo Clinic. The disease can increase risks of other health problems, such as women delivering their babies prematurely or HIV infection, per the National Institutes of Health.

There are over the counter products to treat the symptoms of itchiness, inflammation or discharge, but if these do not work, then a visit to the gynecologist is the best thig to do. A person with trichomoniasis infection should be properly screened for STD so that the doctors can prescribe the right antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis Infection Prevention

Unfortunately, trichomoniasis infection can recur, especially if their sexual partner isn't screened and treated with antibiotics. Experts advised that it might be best to forego having sex until treatment is complete. Use of condoms and discussing your sexual history with your partner openly should also help stave off the disease.

"Trichomoniasis is so common, but people forget about it because it doesn't often cause problems - and when it does, it is treatable," per Dr. Elissa Meites via Contemporary Obgyn. She recommends health workers to help increase awareness and facilitate early detection so that the spread of the diseases is curbed.