Trichomoniasis: What you need to know about the commonest STI in Kenya

What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, commonly known as “trich”, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a single-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). It is one of the most common curable STIs in Kenya and worldwide. The parasite thrives in warm, moist environments like the urogenital tract and is typically transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Trichomoniasis can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth.

Table of Contents

• What is Trichomoniasis?
• Who is at Risk?
• Symptoms of Trichomonas infection
• Complications of Trichomoniasis
• Diagnosis and Treatment
• Prevention of Trichomoniasis
• Treatment of Trichomoniasis
  • Disclaimer
• Related Tests
• Author

Who is at Risk?

Anyone sexually active can contract trichomoniasis, but some groups are at higher risk:

• Women are more susceptible than men
• Older women are more likely to be infected than younger women
• African women have higher rates of infection compared to other ethnicities
• People with multiple sexual partners or a history of other STIs are at greater risk

Symptoms of Trichomonas infection

Approximately 70% of people with trichomoniasis do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may appear within 5 to 28 days after exposure. Common symptoms in women include:

🩺Frothy, foul-smelling, greenish-yellow vaginal discharge
🩺Vaginal itching, burning, redness, or soreness
🩺Pain during urination or intercourse
🩺Frequent urination

Men are less likely to develop symptoms, but when they do, it may include:

🩺Penile discharge
🩺Burning after urination or ejaculation
🩺Frequent urination

Complications of Trichomoniasis

If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to several complications, including:

🔥Increased risk of contracting or transmitting HIV
🔥 Pelvic Inflamatory disease (PID)
🔥Preterm delivery and low birth weight in pregnant women
🔥Postpartum infections in women
🔥Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) in men

Diagnosis and Treatment

Accurate diagnosis of Trichomoniasis is important to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications above.

Laboratory methods used in the diagnosis of trichomonal infections include the following:

1. Direct microscopy of samples such as High Vaginal Swab (HVS), urine sample, or eye discharge. This test is fast, widely available and affordable. however, it suffers from low sensitivity and specificity.
2. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) are the most sensitive laboratory diagnostic method for detecting T. vaginalis. While vaginal swabs are the preferred samples, endocervical samples and urine can also be used for certain laboratory assays. Currently, NAAT is not widely available as a rapid point-of-care test.
3. Before the emergence of point-of-care antigen tests and NAAT, the primary method for detecting T. vaginalis was through culture. To confirm the absence of infection, the cultures must be incubated for up to seven days, which is a challenge for this method’s use.

In most parts of Kenya, trichomonal infection is still diagnosed by clinical presentation, partly due to a lack of diagnostic facilities

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Prevention of Trichomoniasis

The best way to prevent trichomoniasis, like any other STD is to practice safe sex by:

• Using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Avoiding douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria
• Getting regularly tested for STIs and encouraging partners to do the same

If you suspect you may have trichomoniasis or have been exposed to the infection, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications and stopping the spread of this common STI.

Treatment of Trichomoniasis

It is essential to get tested if you have symptoms, a partner has been diagnosed with trichomoniasis, or you are at high risk of infection. Trichomoniasis is easily treatable with antibiotics, typically metronidazole or tinidazole. It is crucial to complete the full treatment regimen and abstain from sexual activity until both partners have been treated and cured to prevent reinfection.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this medical blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided on this blog. The authors and publishers of this blog are not liable for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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