Trichomoniasis

Infeksi Parasit Di Jalan Lahir
Barbara P. Homeier

Trichomoniasis, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, can be spread from one person to another through sexual intercourse. The parasite that causes the infection, trichomonas vaginalis, lives in the urogenital tract of males and females and can infect any sexually active person. But most infections occur when sexually active people have multiple sexual partners and are not using protection.
This infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Although not life-threatening, a trichomoniasis infection can be uncomfortable, and can make a teen more susceptible to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The only way anyone to completely prevent infection is to abstain from sex. If your teen is sexually active, it's important for him or her to understand the importance of always using a latex condom. It's the only birth control method that will help prevent trichomoniasis. It's also important that sexually active teens have pelvic or testicular exams - which can include screening for STDs - on a regular basis.

Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of trichomoniasis (also referred to as "trich") can appear as early as 4 days after sex with an infected partner. But trichomoniasis often goes undiagnosed because symptoms may not appear until years later, if at all.
In females, the symptoms of this infection can include:

• abundant and frothy vaginal discharge ranging in color from gray to green to yellow, with a watery to milky consistency
• foul odor
• itching and tenderness in or around the vagina
• pain during sex
• pain during urination
• soreness or itching of the labia and inner thighs
• swollen labia
  

If you have a teenage daughter, it's important for her to recognize both a normal vaginal discharge (it's usually clear or whitish, has no odor, and causes no irritation) and the signs that something might be wrong. Boys who have trichomoniasis often don't show any symptoms. But if they do, these symptoms can include:

• mild urethral itching or discharge
• mild burning after urination or ejaculation
• painful or difficult urination
• inflammation of the prostate gland
• pain and inflammation of the scrotum
• intermittent frothy or pus-like discharge from the urethra (the canal through which urine and semen are discharged), usually early in the morning
  

Transmission
The parasite that causes trichomoniasis can survive for several hours in a moist environment. In theory, a person could get the infection by having direct contact with surfaces that are contaminated with the parasite, like a wet towel, a bathing suit, or a toilet seat. But it's unusual to get trichomoniasis without some sort of sexual contact.
As with many STDs, a mother who has this infection can transmit it to her newborn when she delivers the child. But in a newborn, the infection usually doesn't cause any symptoms, and goes away on its own without medical treatment.
A person infected with trichomonas is a carrier (even if symptoms are not present) and can spread trich from the time of infection until he or she is treated.

Prevention
As with other STDs, the best way to prevent a trichomoniasis infection is to abstain from sex. If a person is having sex, the best protection against an STD is proper and consistent use of condoms. Other barrier methods of birth control, like the sponge or the cervical cap, do not provide protection from STDs. Spermicides are helpful in decreasing the risk of pregnancy, but they can actually increase the potential for infection because they have the potential to irritate the vagina and the urethra.
Regular douching may increase a woman's risk of contracting STDs because it may flush bacteria higher into the genital tract and may mask symptoms that might otherwise signal a problem. Because people with trichomoniasis often do not have symptoms, teens (or adults) may not know they are infected. If your teen is sexually active, it's important to have him or her get screened regularly for STDs. Your child's doctor can help you determine an appropriate schedule. If your child has had unprotected sex at any time, he or she should be tested for STDs. One fourth of all STDs occur in people under age 20.

Treatment
The doctor can determine whether there is a trichomonas infection by performing a pelvic or genital examination and by testing a sample of vaginal or urethral discharge. In females, the infection also may be detected on a Pap smear.
Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics. Both sexual partners should be considered infected and treated at the same time, even if one has no symptoms.
If your child has trichomoniasis, ask your child's doctor about getting tests for other STDs. And make sure to give your son or daughter time alone with the doctor to openly discuss issues, like sexual activity, in private. Not all children are comfortable talking to their parents about certain issues, but it's important to encourage them to talk to a responsible adult.

If Your Child Has Trichomoniasis
STDs are upsetting for anyone. If you become aware that your teenage son or daughter has an STD, talk to him or her about using protection and about the value in not having sex. By being open and asking your child questions about how he or she feels, you're making it more likely that you'll have a conversation.
If your child has a trichomoniasis infection, and hasn't hit puberty yet, he or she may be a victim of sexual abuse. If you suspect this is the case, talk with your child's doctor. He or she will treat any physical symptoms and can refer you to other professionals who can help with any emotional or psychological issues you or your child may be experiencing. Local community health organizations and sexual counseling centers can also be a great source of help and information.
(AAFP)