Trichomonas are single-celled parasites that can cause a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomoniasis in humans. These parasites occur in both men and women and affect the mucous membranes in the urinary tract and vagina, but can also be found in the cervix, bladder or rarely in the rectum.
This article deals with the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of trichomonads. It is not intended as professional advice. We are not doctors, psychologists, social workers etc. and can only explain the terms and the context and refer to support services. For specialist treatment etc., please contact a help centre near you.
Causes of Trichomonas
The parasite is usually transmitted from one infected person to another through unprotected sexual intercourse. It is also possible to become infected through indirect transmission, such as sharing sex toys that have not been spotless. A high number of sexual partners and an early sexually transmitted infection also increase the risk of contracting the parasite, which causes inflammation in the affected mucous membranes.
Trichomonads do not survive long outside the human body, which is why infection is usually only possible through direct mucosal contact during sex. Although transmission can occur through the sharing of toilet seats, towels or clothing, or when bathing together, this is rare.
Symptoms of Trichomonas
The symptoms of trichomoniasis can be very mild or completely absent in some people. In others, however, they can be very unpleasant and distressing. Often, men experience only mild to no symptoms, which is why it is often recognised late and spreads unnoticed. The symptoms can vary according to gender:
Symptoms in women:
- abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be thick, foamy, yellowish-green or grey
- Itching and burning in the vagina or around the genital area
- Pain during urination or sexual intercourse
- Rightness and swelling of the vagina and/or external genital area
- Slight vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse or between periods
Symptoms in men:
- Itching and burning in the urinary tract (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder)
- Pain during urination or ejaculation
- Distension or swelling of the penis or the external genital area
- Discharge from the urinary tract, which may be watery or milky
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it is important to see a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis. It is also possible for trichomoniasis to cause no symptoms, which increases the risk of passing on the infection if it is not treated.
Get tested!
There are several methods to test for trichomonads. Some of the most common tests are:
- Vaginal swab: This is the most commonly used test to diagnose trichomoniasis in women. A swab is taken from the vaginal wall or cervix and examined under a microscope for signs of infection.
- Urine sample: In men and women, a urine sample can be taken to test for trichomonads. This method is particularly useful in men, as it makes it possible to diagnose an infection without having to take a swab from the urine.
- PCR test: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive test that can detect the DNA of trichomonads in a swab or urine.
- Rapid test: Some tests are available as rapid tests, where a swab or urine can be tested directly on site. However, these tests may not be as reliable as other methods and are not usually recommended as the preferred method for diagnosing trichomoniasis.
Treatment of trichomoniasis
Trichomonad infections can be treated with antibiotics. The active ingredient usually recommended is metronidazole, an antibiotic that works directly against the pathogen. It is usually given as a tablet that the patient takes once a day, often over a period of five to seven days. Alternatively, tinidazole can be used as the active ingredient.
When treating trichomoniasis, it is important that both the infected person and their partner are treated to prevent re-infection. It is recommended to refrain from sexual activity during treatment and to wait up to seven days after completion of therapy before having sex again.
It is also important to exclude or treat other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may occur at the same time as trichomoniasis.
In rare cases, trichomoniasis may be resistant to metronidazole and other antibiotics may be required. It is important to follow the instructions of the healthcare professional carefully and to take all prescribed antibiotics until the end of the treatment period to ensure a complete cure.
Treatment usually lasts only 1 day for men and 7 days for women.
Preventive measures
As with all STI prevention measures, it helps to be informed about the modes of transmission and the risks of infection, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and to decide whether and which preventive measures are appropriate. To reduce the risk of Trichomonas infection, the following measures can be taken:
- Use condoms: Use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of infection. However, condoms cannot fully protect against trichomonads, as the infection can also be transmitted through skin contact or oral sex.
- Monogamy: A monogamous relationship in which both partners are not infected significantly reduces the risk of trichomonad infection.
- Avoiding showers: Avoid using vaginal douches, as they can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection.
- Regular STI testing: Get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially if you are sexually active and change partners frequently.
- Educate your partner: If you have a Trichomonas infection, inform your partners to also get tested for STIs and get treated if necessary.
- Personal hygiene: Good personal hygiene, including regular washing of genital areas, can help reduce the risk of infection.
Preventing also means protecting others. If you have a Trichomonas infection, it is important to abstain from sex until the treatment is complete. The same applies to bathing together, swapping worn clothes or used sex toys. It is also important to inform anyone you might have infected. Regular sex partners are usually treated at the same time to avoid mutual infection (ping-pong effect). As there may be no symptoms in men, it is best to be tested regularly in order to diagnose and treat an infection before it leads to complications and transmission.
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