Sexually transmitted diseases - trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease which is contracted by women and men. If left untreated, it can pose a serious danger. More about it in the article.
The symptoms of trichomoniasis usually appear in women only, but both partners have to receive treatment at the same time. (Photxpress)
Sometimes microorganisms are really irritating, especially when they cause various infections that have a harmful effect on your body. One of such microorganisms causing the sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis is the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is a disease spread by sexual intercourse, or it can be spread indirectly, for instance, by a towel. It is particularly harmful because there is a high risk of inflammation of the fallopian tubes and preterm labour as well as low weight of babies.
How do you know you are infected with trichomoniasis?
First, the infection is contracted by both men and women, but men are usually less likely to be infected and have no symptoms. In men, the disease usually affects the urethra and the main symptoms are a burning sensation and pain when passing urine. You can also feel pain during ejaculation. In women, symptoms are more obvious, for instance, a thicker, frothy discharge from the vagina, which is yellow or green in colour and has an unpleasant, fishy smell. Additional symptoms are itching, inflammation or pain in the vulva and vagina. You may also feel pain during sexual intercourse. Women can carry the microorganism causing trichomoniasis in the vagina for several years and have no problems. But when they appear, they can be very dangerous.
How to treat trichomoniasis?
Similar to treatment of other sexually transmitted infections, both partners must be treated, if infected by trichomoniasis, to cure the disease completely. You have to abstain from sexual intercourse during your treatment, which is quick and easy. 
Trichomoniasis is cured with a combination of the local and systemic antibiotics and its treatment lasts one to seven days. The medication normally prescribed by physicians is an antibiotic known as metronidazole (Efloran or Flagyl). It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol during treatment because it may cause nausea and vomiting in combination with the medication.
