Trichomoniasis is an invasive disease of the human urogenital system, which occupies the first place in prevalence in this category. According to WHO data, about 10% of the world's population suffers from it. 170 million new cases are reported annually.
How is it transmitted? What symptoms of trichomoniasis indicate its manifestation? How to treat him? What could be the consequences? Now this and much more will be discussed.
Causes and triggers
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease. Therefore, every person who neglects barrier contraception is at risk. Except for people who have a permanent, healthy and faithful partner. You can get infected less often if you use other people's hygiene products.
The provoking factors include a violation of the integrity of the genital organs, due to which the infection penetrates the body more easily, as well as a decrease in the body's immune response.
The biological characteristics of the pathogen
Before proceeding to the consideration of the symptoms of trichomoniasis, it is worth briefly telling about the nature of this disease.
The causative agent is parasites, which are widespread in nature - single-celled anaerobic organisms. In the human body, three types are parasitic: vaginal, oral and intestinal.
These are very mobile and active asexual organisms. Under optimal conditions, they multiply rapidly. They are omnivorous, and the only thing they need is a lack of oxygen and a temperature of 35-37 ° C.
How is the process of the onset of the disease? Once inside the body, parasites quickly attach to the mucous membrane of the genitourinary tract. The human body reacts to this with inflammation. But Trichomonas begin to develop. The products of their vital activity poison the body, as a result of which the immunity is significantly reduced.
It should be noted that these parasites can live both in the genitals and in the bloodstream. There they find themselves through the lymphatic paths and intercellular spaces.
You need to know that Trichomonas are very specific, "cunning" parasites. In the human body, they can take a different form, disguise themselves as plasma blood cells, attach other microbes to themselves, which gives them the opportunity to defend themselves from an immune attack. All this also significantly complicates the diagnosis of the disease.
Moreover, other parasitic organisms (herpes viruses, gonococci, fungi, chlamydia, etc.), entering the body, penetrate Trichomonas, as there they find protection against the immune attack and the action of drugs. And since these parasites are motile, they carry the joined microbes further.
So even in the age of modern technology, when medicine goes forward by leaps and bounds, getting rid of this disease is extremely difficult.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men
Photos demonstrating the manifestation of this disease should be studied by each person suspecting his presence. This is not a pleasant sight, so now you just need to study the symptoms. Specialists distinguish the following series of specific manifestations:
- Pain and burning sensation when emptying.
- Discharge from the urethra with a yellowish tint.
- Poorly aching pain in the genitals.
- False urination. Even after the man went out of need, there remains a feeling of fullness of the bladder.
- There is blood in urine or semen.
- After intercourse, itching appears in the genital area.
- Small size sores form on the urethra.
These are the symptoms of trichomoniasis in men. Photos of people who have encountered this ailment are presented in the article.
It is worth visiting a venereologist even at the slightest manifestations of the disease. Especially strong manifestations in the acute form of the course of the disease. However, then they pass. Even if the man will not undergo therapy. There will be a feeling of cure, only this is most often not the case. Just a disease takes on an asymptomatic course. And it becomes chronic.
It is worth mentioning the incubation period. This is the length of time that elapses from the moment a parasite enters the body until the first symptoms of trichomoniasis appear. In men, its duration depends on the characteristics of the body. This period can fluctuate within 2 to 200 days. It is important to know that it is during the incubation period that a man is dangerous for his partner.
Effects
If the first symptoms of trichomoniasis in a man have appeared, an urgent need to go to a venereologist. Because against the background of this disease, serious consequences can occur. These include:
- Trichomonas urethritis. It is fraught with the appearance of solid formations and structural changes in the urethral tissue. As a result, the clearance is significantly narrowed. With the development of this disease, symptoms similar to prostatitis are observed - urinary retention, as well as cutting, aching, pressing and bursting pains.
- Trichomonas colpitis. It manifests itself in copious frothy secretions of a yellowish color, burning in the inguinal region and pain during intercourse.
- Problems with the prostate gland. Symptoms resembling clinical prostatitis will indicate their development. Erectile function will decrease significantly, there will be pains in the lower abdomen, it will constantly be wanted in the toilet, even with an empty bladder.
- Pyelonephritis. Inflammatory kidney disease.
- Chronic prostatitis. Problems with the prostate can lead to it.
- Vesiculitis. It manifests itself in inflammation of the seminal vesicles. Negatively affects the activity of sperm.
All the consequences are unpleasant. Therefore, having noticed the first signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis (in men they simply cannot be overlooked), it is important to immediately go to a venereologist.
After all, there are two more serious consequences - this is prostate cancer and infertility. The fact is that the waste products of parasitic organisms significantly inhibit the movement of spermatozoa. And if treatment is not started, then the reproductive function will be lost forever.
Diagnostics
As already mentioned at the very beginning, this disease is not so easy to detect. It can be seen even from the photo - the first signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis in men, as in women, are visually similar to the manifestation of other STDs. So doctors have to resort to several diagnostic methods at once:
- Survey of the patient and examination. This is necessary for an initial assessment of the patient's condition. An analysis of the existing symptoms is performed, which helps to determine the presence or absence of concomitant diseases.
- The collection of biological material by the direct immunofluorescence method is a smear from the urethra (or from the vagina, if the patient is a woman), which helps to detect the presence of a specific antigen. It is treated with specialized reagents, and then examined under a luminescent microscope. If there is Trichomonas in the biomaterial, then it will glow. It is the nature of the glow that makes it possible to determine the number of bacteria, as well as the level of their activity.
- Microscopic examination. Again, a smear is taken, but in addition to it, the doctor also requires the collection of sperm and fluid separated by the prostate gland. The biomaterial is treated with sodium chloride, and then examined under a microscope.
- Bacteriological sowing. One of the most reliable methods. The patient takes biomaterial, after which he is "planted" in a specific environment where only certain bacteria can grow. If a person is infected, then a few days later large trichomonas colonies form in it.
- PCR method. The most reliable way to help confirm the presence of a chronic form of the disease. It involves the study of biomaterial (saliva, smear from the urethra and blood), during which the presence of pathogen DNA is detected in it. The accuracy of the method reaches 100%, and the results are revealed within a day.
It is necessary to go to the diagnosis as soon as possible, which will help confirm the first signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis in a man. It is important to start treatment on time, otherwise you will have to deal with the consequences mentioned above. Women are also affected.
Medicines for men
Of course, only a doctor can prescribe competent treatment. The genitourinary system is a very delicate, sensitive mechanism. Self-medication experiments can result in serious problems that will require even longer, more complex and expensive treatments. But usually men are prescribed such drugs:
- "Metronidazole". It is an effective antiprotozoal agent that fights against anaerobic bacteria. The course of treatment lasts 10 days. If the disease has a chronic form, then the man is prescribed intravenous injections of drugs based on metronidazole.
- Ornidazole Acts as metronidazole, which also disrupts the DNA structure of parasitic bacteria. This is one of the most effective drugs, because you can get rid of the disease only by destroying the non-protein shells of Trichomonas, which respond exclusively to medicines in this category.
- "Tinidazole". This drug inhibits the synthesis and damages the structure of DNA pathogens.
- "Ternidazole". It is a derivative of imidazole. It has a trichomonacid effect.
- Nimorazol. A bactericidal agent that destroys parasite DNA.
- Integrated tools, which are based on several active ingredients. These include Ginalgin, Klion-D, Macmirror, and others.
In addition to the above, ointments can help cope with the symptoms of trichomoniasis in men and contribute to treatment. The most effective are Clotrimazole, Metrogil-gel and Clindamycin.
Also, drugs such as Solkotrikhovak and Pyrogenal can enhance the effect of antibacterial therapy. Their intake helps to develop immunity to the disease. It is also necessary to take immunomodulating medications, the most famous representative of which is Kagocel.
Concomitant therapy
Eliminate the symptoms of trichomoniasis in men and cope with the disease is difficult only with the help of medications. There is no way to do without concomitant therapy.
The most important part of treatment is urethral lavage. With its help, it is possible to get rid of pathogens that are concentrated in the urethra. The procedure is not the most pleasant, but effective. It is carried out with the use of such means:
- A solution of silver nitrate diluted to 0.5%. Apply once every two days.
- Ethacridine Lactate. An option that is not suitable for everyone - there were cases of an allergic reaction.
- One percent collargol.
- Furacilin solution in a ratio of 1: 5000.
A man can do the washing himself. It is only necessary for the doctor to prescribe the drug. Then it will need to be purchased at the pharmacy along with an antiseptic solution for processing the entrance to the urethra and a 20-ml syringe. And it is better to find a special device equipped with a catheter and a tip.
The rest is simple. The head must be exposed, the surface treated, and then slowly introduce the solution in a volume of 5 ml. All fluid should exit the urethra after a few seconds. After this, the procedure must be repeated several more times.
In addition, physiotherapy helps to cope with the symptoms of trichomoniasis, the photo of the causative agent of which is presented above. The most popular methods are electrophoresis, UHF and prostate massage.
Symptoms and complications in women
Now we can proceed to consider them. In girls, the disease occurs all for the same reason mentioned earlier. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women, whose photos, like in the case of men, cause unpleasant emotions, are somewhat different.
In half of the patients, the disease is completely asymptomatic. And in 1/3 of the total number of infected girls, symptoms begin to develop after six months from the moment of infection. You should be wary if any of the following are noted:
- Abundant liquid or foamy discharge with a greenish or yellowish tinge. They have an unpleasant, sharp, “fishy” smell.
- Itching and burning of the external genitalia.
- Frequent urination and discomfort experienced during this process.
- Pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region.
- Redness and swelling of the vestibule.
- Pain during sex.
Often, against the background of symptoms of chronic trichomoniasis in women, colpitis begins to develop. It manifests itself in constant itching and burning of the surface of the genitals and in grayish or white foamy secretions.
If you do not pay attention to the signals given by the body about infection in time, then the infection can spread to the fallopian tubes and uterus. The fact that this happened is indicated by increased pain in the lower abdomen and increased body temperature.
Also, if you ignore the first symptoms of trichomoniasis, an ascending urinary tract infection may begin to develop. These include pyelonephritis and cystitis.
Treatment for women
After the diagnosis, the methods of which were described above (it is universal, and is suitable for patients of both sexes), the doctor prescribes treatment with drugs. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in women are also not so easy to eliminate, so the therapy is carried out comprehensively. Here is what it is aimed at:
- The elimination of harmful microorganisms, which is carried out using anti-trichomonas drugs.
- Recovery of vaginal microflora and genitourinary system.
- Strengthening immunity.
- Fixative therapy.
An integrated approach is the key to success. As well as the right drugs. Most often, the doctor prescribes the following medicines:
- “Flagil”, “Klion” and “Trichopol”. These drugs have a detrimental effect on all varieties of the causative agent of the disease. The active substances in their composition are quickly absorbed. A systematic method contributes to their accumulation in the female body - this ensures the presence in the blood of the necessary concentration of the drug, which is harmless to the patient and harmful to bacteria.
- Fazizhin, Triconidazole and Tinidazole. Each medication has an effect identical to the drugs mentioned above.
- Clindamycin. This is the fastest and most effective drug of all. It is drunk twice a day at 300 milligrams for the time indicated by the doctor.
You can reduce the intensity of the symptoms of trichomoniasis with the following drugs:
- Ornidazole. Drink once a day for 6 days.
- Ginalgin. These are vaginal tablets that must be used once a day. The course lasts 10 days.
- Clindamycin. This is the name of an effective topical cream that helps relieve inflammation. Apply once a day no longer than four days in a row.
This disease is extremely common among girls. And they are more susceptible to reinfection, unlike men. Therefore, you will have to undergo therapy, which includes getting rid of the pathogen, relieving symptoms and strengthening immunity.
Pregnancy Disease
A woman who has noticed the first symptoms of trichomoniasis while in a position endangers herself and the fetus. The disease is indeed a threat, therefore, examination for its presence is mandatory for all pregnant women.
The pathogen cannot have a direct effect on the fetus, since for this it will have to cross the placental barrier, which is unrealistic. However, the infection is often mixed. For example, Trichomonas penetrates the body along with gonococcus. What happens in this case? The probability of infection of the fetus increases significantly, as the body is attacked intensely.
It should also be noted that the long presence in the body of Trichomonas leads to a violation of reproductive function.
A neglected case of STDs and sexually transmitted infections can cause a miscarriage. In addition, vaginal trichomonads sometimes cause premature birth, due to the early discharge of amniotic fluid.
The infant itself can become infected at a time when it will come through the birth canal. But the bottom line is that doctors know about a woman’s disease, so treatment for a newborn begins right there. In the vast majority of cases, it leads to a speedy recovery of the child. And with breastfeeding and other similar procedures, he can not get infected again.
Preparations for pregnant women
They should also be briefly listed. How to treat the symptoms of trichomoniasis in pregnant women? Of course, differently than in the case of girls who are not in position. The safest drugs that do not exactly lead to fetal defects and do not interfere with its development are:
- Betadine. Antiseptic and disinfectant for external and local use.
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- Polygynax. It has a bactericidal effect and significantly improves trophic processes in the vaginal mucosa.
During the second and third trimester, you can use tools that include imidazole - an organic compound that is part of vitamins, alkaloids and amino acids. These include Atrican, Tinidazole, Metronidazole, and Naxojin.
Of course, you must always consult a doctor and regularly undergo examination during a disease that occurred during pregnancy. Treatment of symptoms of trichomoniasis and the disease itself in pregnant women is carried out only under the supervision of specialists. Minimum dosages and short courses of therapy are prescribed. The likelihood of relapse in this mode is high, so medical supervision is mandatory.
Disease in children
It is possible. If, for example, the baby became infected during the exit through the birth canal, and the diagnosis did not reveal trichomoniasis. This happens very rarely, but there is a chance, therefore, repeated examinations and diagnostics for newborns whose mothers were sick are mandatory.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis in children can also appear if they sleep in the same bed with infected parents.
And, of course, cases of the disease are often observed in adolescents and in those approaching this age. All because of too early onset of sexual activity and neglect of contraception. But the saddest cases of infection are transmission of the infection to the child by an infected rapist, forcing him to contact.
What symptoms are observed with trichomoniasis - it was said earlier. In children, the disease manifests itself in the same way as in adults. Unfortunately, since their body has not yet matured, treatment can lead to side effects. However, the harm will still be much less than with the development of such a dangerous disease.
Diet
It must be observed by every person who has confirmed the symptoms of trichomoniasis. Chronic or primary - it does not matter.
The fact is that the disease develops against a background of weakened immunity, which decreases even more with time. This is accompanied by hormonal disruptions and vitamin deficiency. So to increase the protective functions of the body is simply necessary. Here are some guidelines for nutrition:
- You need more to eat hard cheese, nuts, mushrooms, garlic, legumes and liver. These foods will help make up for vitamin B deficiency.
- Broccoli, sea kale, wild leek, dried fruits, sorrel and sweet potato help restore the balance of vitamins E and A.
- An ideal way to strengthen immunity is strawberries, lemons, strawberries, sea buckthorn, oranges, currants and kiwi.
- Magnesium, calcium, zinc and polyunsaturated acids help improve hormonal levels. Their sources are mustard, sea fish, eel, oysters, shrimp, peas, buckwheat, oatmeal, as well as goose, lamb, turkey and chicken meat.
- One of the symptoms of trichomoniasis is discharge. Photos of them are unpleasant, just like the effect they exert on the microflora of the genitals. To normalize the environment of the mucous membrane, it is necessary to diversify the diet with fermented milk products with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. They help vitamins assimilate faster, and also contribute to the regeneration of vitamins E and A.
You will also have to turn away from drinking sweet soda, alcohol, flour products, store sauces (ketchups, mayonnaises, etc.), fast food. Products with dyes, as well as salty, smoked and sweet dishes, will bring harm.
Prevention
Much has been said above about the treatment, causes and symptoms of trichomoniasis. In the end, it is worth listing a few useful recommendations. To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary:
- Use barrier contraceptives if there is no permanent, healthy partner. If the condom is torn, then urgently need to rinse the genitals with an antiseptic solution.
- Minimize the number of sexual partners. Because erratic communication is the main reason for the development of STDs.
- It is necessary to observe personal hygiene. Use only your fixtures.
- Undergo a medical examination at least twice a year.
Trichomoniasis is a very serious problem. It can cause the development of even more serious diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to contact a venereologist immediately after the detection of even one or two symptoms.