The causative agent of trichomoniasis
Trichomonas vaginalis is a single-celled organism.the simplest animals belonging to the class of flagellates. Externally, it has a pear-shaped form, equipped with mobile flagella, due to which it is very active. Due to its small size (up to 10-30 microns), trichomonas can be detected using special devices. The favorite habitats of trichomonas include the female vagina and male urethra, sometimes it can be found in the upper parts of the genitourinary system. This causative agent of trichomoniasis quickly dies when dried, exposed to direct sunlight, even with slight heating. Therefore, the main method of transmission of this pathogen is sexual contact, theoretically it is possible to become infected with trichomoniasis through everyday life: if personal hygiene is not observed, through swimsuits, towels, etc. Among the features of trichomonads, one can highlight the ability to disguise itself as host cells, their harmful partnership with bacteria that penetrate inside and create a favorable anaerobic environment for them. Most often, infection with trichomoniasis is accompanied by an exacerbation of other diseases of the genital area. Other sexually transmitted diseases may be hidden under the symptoms of trichomoniasis in women. This disease has a very negative effect on the course of pregnancy, childbirth and the health of the child, a real threat of miscarriage or premature birth is created, infection of the child during childbirth is not excluded.
Symptoms of the disease
Trichomoniasis is most common in women,Men are usually carriers of this disease. The issue of the occurrence of trichomoniasis in women should be given a more thorough consideration. From infection to the manifestation of its first signs in women, it takes about 10-15 days, but it can be longer. There are cases when no symptoms are observed. In this case, being a carrier of the disease and not suspecting it, a woman infects her sexual partners with trichomoniasis. Let's name the main symptoms of trichomoniasis in women. These are abundant foamy discharge from the vagina of a grayish-green or yellow color, with a sharp and unpleasant odor. Due to the discharge, there is often a strong, corrosive itching of the genitals from the outside. Frequent painful urination, painful intercourse, nagging pain in the lower back and lower abdomen may be observed. Almost always, the general condition of the body worsens: weakness appears, the body temperature may rise. Most likely, the manifestation of such signs of the disease will force any woman to urgently consult a specialist for examination. From the above, it becomes clear that trichomoniasis has symptoms similar to many diseases of the genital area. Already during the initial examination, the doctor can detect ulcers on the surface of the labia, swelling and looseness of the cervix, its inflammation and some others. The doctor makes a final diagnosis after a full examination of the patient and based on the results of the necessary tests. If this infectious disease is not noticed and treated in time, then its chronic sluggish nature begins to manifest itself. Symptoms of a chronic disease become vaguely expressed. From time to time, nagging pains appear in the lower abdomen, pain intensifies during the menstrual cycle, there is constant vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. Various diseases of the genital area, decreased immunity, various hormonal imbalances, as well as a change in the acidity level of the vagina towards its decrease - all these signs can cause trichomoniasis, which is chronic in nature, and lead to active progression of the disease.
Diagnosis of Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis cannot be cured without medical help.will work. Therefore, it is very important to consult a specialist in a timely manner - a gynecologist or venereologist. The main role in establishing the correct diagnosis is given to laboratory research methods. For this, smears are taken from the woman's urethra, vagina and rectum. There are various methods for determining trichomoniasis in women. These include the PCR method (polymerase chain reactions), the immunological method, microscopy of raw and stained smears, sowing material in artificial nutrient media. In modern medicine, an instrumental method for determining trichomoniasis in women is often used - colposcopy, i.e. examination of the cervix and vagina using a microscope. It should be noted that important signs of the presence of the above infectious disease in a woman are multiple small hemorrhages on the cervix, which becomes similar to a strawberry.
Treating Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis in women should be treated usingdrugs of the nitroimidazole group, among which the most popular are metronidazole, ornidazole, tinidazole. The course of treatment is adjusted only by a doctor. Vaginal suppositories, for example, Macmiror complex, are used for local treatment. Usually, the doctor simultaneously prescribes multivitamins and immunostimulating drugs that help increase resistance to infection. Also, when treating trichomoniasis, to exclude dysbacteriosis of the mucous membranes of the genital tract, intestines, drugs from the probiotic group are used. It is important to conduct simultaneous treatment of the sick woman and all her partners with whom there was sexual contact. Otherwise, re-infection with this unpleasant venereal disease - trichomoniasis - will occur. In case of a relapse of the disease, the drug should be changed, since treating trichomoniasis with the same drug is ineffective. During the treatment period, it is necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse and drinking alcohol, pay special attention to your personal hygiene, and change your underwear frequently. If all the doctor's instructions are followed, trichomoniasis is completely cured. After completing the treatment, the woman must again take tests for laboratory examination.
Prevention of disease
You can prevent infection with trichomoniasis by following preventive measures similar to other sexually transmitted diseases of the genital area. These include
- adherence to one partner;
- correct use of protective equipment in case of accidental sexual contacts;
- timely access to a doctor.
Consequences of neglected trichomoniasis
If trichomoniasis is not treated in a timely manner, thenavoid very dangerous consequences for a woman. First of all, it can threaten a woman with infertility, cancer. Also, this disease seriously disrupts the body's immune system. In especially advanced cases, trichomoniasis can cause oxygen starvation, severe exhaustion, and anemia.
