Learn about vaginitis caused by the virus Trichomoniasis

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Thi Minh Tuyet - Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Sexually transmitted diseases are very common today, in which vaginitis caused by the virus Trichomoniasis is a disease that many people have. The disease is more common in women than men, especially in adult women. There is currently no vaccine to prevent vaginitis.

Trichomoniasis vaginitis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The disease has the highest number of infections today and can be completely treated.
Currently, in the United States, it is estimated that about 3.7 million people are infected with trichomoniasis vaginitis. Symptoms of the disease can vary, but most people infected with this disease do not know they are infected and only 30% develop symptoms of the disease.
Trichomoniasis is more common in women than in men, and the incidence is higher in older women.

According to statistics, up to 70% of people infected with trichomoniasis vaginitis do not show signs or symptoms of the disease. Symptoms of the disease can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation.
Symptoms, if any, will appear within 5 to 28 days from the date of infection. In the absence of symptoms, it will take a long time to appear and go away on its own.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis in men are usually:
Itching or irritation inside the penis. Burning after urinating or ejaculating. Penis secretions. For women, there will be the following symptoms:
Itching, burning, redness or pain in the genitals. Discomfort while urinating. Change in vaginal discharge (eg, a lot of mucus), clear, white, yellowish, greenish, accompanied by an unusual fishy odor. Besides, people with the disease will often find it uncomfortable to have sex. And if left untreated, the infection can last for months or even years.

Diagnosis of vaginitis caused by Trichomoniasi s can be carried out clinically or subclinically, depending on the patient's condition so that the doctor can choose the appropriate diagnostic method.
Clinical diagnosis will be based on the following evaluations:
White blood much, yellow or green thin, foamy, fishy smell. Itching and burning may occur.

Severe cases: strawberry fruit sign: vagina and cervix have small, flecked hemorrhages. In the case of subclinical diagnosis, the fresh endoscopy method will be used. If flagellates are detected and many leukocytes are detected, the patient may have the disease.

The disease was determined to be caused by T richomonas vaginalis. This is an apricot-shaped flagellate, 10-20 mm in size, 7 mm wide with 5 pairs of flagella, mobile.
Humans are the sole host of trichomoniasis and are transmitted primarily through sexual contact. In women, the flagella is located in the vagina, while in men, it resides in the urethra and boat pit.
In addition, the disease can be transmitted through utensils, clothes, bathtubs, wet towels, in the water environment contaminated with flagella.
The disease can be transmitted when an infected person is in the incubation period and has not yet shown any symptoms. So this disease is very contagious and difficult to control.

Currently, the disease can be treated with metronidazole or tinidazole. This is an oral medication and is safe for pregnant women with trichomoniasis. However, one thing to note is that alcohol should not be consumed within 24 hours of taking the medicine so as not to reduce the effect of the drug.
Although the disease is treatable, it is still possible for an infected person to be re-infected. According to statistics, about 1 in 5 patients is infected again within 3 months after receiving treatment.
Therefore, to avoid re-infection, the patient must ensure that all sexual partners are treated. At the same time, you can only have sex again after 7-10 days of treatment for the flagella infection and must go to the doctor promptly if symptoms reappear.

Here are some ways to prevent vaginitis caused by trichomoniasis:
Not having oral, vaginal or anal sex is the best way to avoid STDs in general and trichomoniasis in particular. Maintain a long-term monogamous relationship on both sides, make sure your sexual partner has been tested and tested negative for trichomoniasis. Using condoms correctly during sex can help reduce your risk of getting an infection. However, parasites can still cause infections in areas that are not covered by condoms. Therefore, this method only partially reduces the risk of infection. Trichomoniasis vaginitis is an infectious disease that is very contagious, so we need to do good prevention methods and go to the doctor immediately if we see symptoms for timely treatment.
In order to help customers detect and treat other gynecological diseases early, Vinmec International Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, helping customers detect early inflammatory diseases Easy, inexpensive treatment. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.
Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: irregular periods, irregular periods. Abnormal vaginal discharge (with a foul odor, a different color than usual). Vaginal pain and itching. Female customers have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, unsafe sex, abortion,... Female customers have other symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, vaginal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding.