Trichomoniasis infection
Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted protozoan infection of humans in industrialised countries, estimated to be around 170-190 million infections annually.1 A protozoan infection is caused by a parasite, unlike other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) that are caused by viruses or bacteria.
The infecting parasite is called Trichomonas vaginalis. It passes between people during sexual intercourse, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. Very rarely it can be passed from a mother to newborn child in labour, and it can survive on damp towels and cloths for a few hours.
The parasite infects the lower genital tract. In women, this includes the outer part of the genitals (vulva), vagina, opening of the uterus (cervix) and the urinary opening (urethra). In men, the parasite infects the inside of the penis (urethra). Most people with trichomoniasis have no signs or symptoms. However, symptoms may develop over time.
Symptoms in women include:
- A large amount of thin, often foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, which might be clear, white, grey, yellow or green
- Genital redness, burning and itching (in 10% of women a strawberry appearance is present on the cervix)2
- Pain with urination or sex
- Discomfort over the lower stomach area
Men mostly present with no symptoms, but slight discharge, irritation, painful urination and pain on ejaculation can manifest in some carrying the infection. Preventative measures to reduce likelihood of contracting Trichomonas vaginalis include using protection when having sexual intercourse.
Diagnosis involves a physical examination and swab carried out by a healthcare professional. If the swab is positive for Trichomonas vaginalis, then anti protozoan medication will be recommended. Research has shown that trichomoniasis infection is associated with increased HIV acquisition and transmission, and it has also been found to be associated with cervical carcinogenesis in sexually active women.1,3
References
- Hamar B, Teutsch B, Hoffmann E, et al. Trichomonas vaginalis infection is associated with increased risk of cervical carcinogenesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 470 000 patients. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2023;163(1):31-43.
- Bicha MM, Arefeayinie AL. Strawberry Cervix- A Clinical Image of Trichomonas vaginalis: A Case Report. Arch Obstet Gynecol. 2023;4(3):65-68.
- Davis A, Dasgupta A, Goddard-Eckrich D, El-Bassel N. Trichomonas vaginalis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection Among Women Under Community Supervision: A Call for Expanded T. vaginalis Screening. Sex Transm Dis. 2016;43(10):617-622.
