10 Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease. It can affect any sexually active person although it is more common in women aged 16 to 35 years. Additionally, trichomoniasis is 10 times more common in African American women than it is in Mexican and white Americans 1https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stats.htm.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a protozoan called trichomonas vaginalis. This means that the infection is transmitted through unprotected intercourse. In most cases, trichomoniasis affects the vulva, vagina, urethra or cervix in women; and the urethra in men. The infection has an incubation period of 5 to 28 days within which symptoms appear. However, for unknown reasons, about 70% of people with the infection do not get trichomoniasis symptoms 2.
Symptom #1: Vaginal Discharge
While it can be normal to have a clear or milky white vaginal discharge, if you notice a change in color or consistency, this could be a symptom of trichomoniasis. In the event that there is such infection present, an inflammatory process of the affected area will ensue, and white blood cells will start working on overdrive to fight the infection. As a result, both men and women can experience abnormal discharge from the urogenital tract.
Women can experience abnormal yellow-green vaginal discharge of purulent, bloody or frothy characteristics. Conversely, men with trichomoniasis are more likely than women to be asymptomatic.
Symptom #2: Irritation or Itching of the Vulva
Irritation, redness, burning or itching (pruritus) of the vulva, labia or of the vaginal interior may be symptoms of trichomoniasis. At first, itching may be occasional, but may intensify as the parasites multiply and increase in numbers. If it remains untreated, the itching may also affect the inner thighs.
It is important to get tested and seek treatment as soon as possible. Remember that if you are positive for the infection, both you and your sexual partner should receive treatment for trichomoniasis.
Symptom #3: Foul Odor
Trichomona vaginalis is one of the three most common causes of vaginitis or inflammation of the vaginal canal. As such, it can cause a vaginal discharge accompanied by a foul odor, often described as musty.
This infection can also lead to the inflammation of the outer part of the cervix. Cervicitis may also be accompanied by a foul-smelling purulent discharge, that is made up by destroyed parasites and white blood cells.
Symptom #4: Lower Abdominal Pain
There are many causes of abdominal pain in women (i.e. cervicitis, ectopic pregnancy, urinary tract infections). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an inflammatory disorder of the upper female genital tract, that can be caused by several pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrea, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Trichomona vaginalis.
PID is the most severe form of trichomoniasis, and it usually ascends from the vagina and cervix into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and adjacent pelvic structures. It can manifest with few or no symptoms, while other patients complain of severe lower abdominal pain. Some women may also experience abnormal vaginal discharge. Patients at risk are usually women younger than 25 years who does not use contraception and has multiple sexual partners. If you experience this symptom, you must seek medical attention immediately.
Symptom #5: Postcoital bleeding
Postcoital bleeding refers to bleeding that originates from the vaginal canal after sexual intercourse and may or may not be associated with painful intercourse. There are many other conditions that can cause this symptom.
In trichomoniasis, inflammation of the cervix can be present (cervicitis). One of the classic signs of infection with this parasite is the presence of a “strawberry cervix” or a diffuse redness in the area due to inflammation and increased blood flow (hyperemia). This is a specific sign, but is rarely seen on patients. The erosion of this friable tissue can produce bleeding after intercourse.
Symptom #6: Pain During Sex
Painful intercourse or dyspareunia can be described as persistent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. It can have many causes, that range from structural to psychological issues.
Women with trichomoniasis may experience dyspareunia due to the inflammation of the vaginal canal and the outer part of the cervix. This symptom is generally accompanied by some of the symptoms mentioned above (i.e. vaginal discharge, itching or burning). Be sure to speak to your physician if you’re experiencing painful intercourse.
Symptom #7: Dysuria
Trichomoniasis may cause inflammation of the urinary tract, specifically of the urethra (urethritis). The urethra is a thin canal that connects the lower opening of the bladder with the exterior. When patients have urethritis, they may report dysuria or a painful sensation when urinating.
Both women and men can report this symptom. When men experience infectious urethritis, they can also report purulent discharge and urethral itching or pruritus.
Symptom #8: Irritation or Itching Inside the Penis
Irritation or itching of the urethra is a common symptom of trichomoniasis in men. An irritating or itching feeling occurs as a result of the inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) caused by the parasite.
If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to complications like urethral stricture disease, epididymitis, prostatitis or even infertility. Additionally, untreated trichomoniasis can expose patients to more serious infections, including HIV.
Symptom #9: Discharge from the Penis
Discharge from the penis is another symptom of trichomoniasis in men. However, because other STDs such as gonorrhea may present with urethral discharge, it is necessary to undergo testing to find out the exact cause of the symptom.
Abnormal purulent discharge from the urethra, along with irritation or itching in males, occurs as a result of urethritis. Treatment with antibiotics clears the infection within days.
Symptom #10: Infertility
Infertility can have many infectious causes. Furthermore, trichomoniasis plays an important role in male and female fertility.
In women, it can produce a chronic inflammatory process of the reproductive tract that can difficult embryo implantation in the endometrium. Moreover, trichomoniasis is an important cause of pelvic inflammatory disease. PID can impair fertility in women, because the inflammation of the upper genital tract can lead to scarring and adhesions within the lumen of the fallopian tubes. Also, in men, trichomoniasis can impair fertility by causing a deficit of sperm cell quality and motility.
