Sexually transmitted disease caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis.
The infection is produced during unprotected sexual intercourse. It is more common in youngsters and people that have multiple sexual partners.
In the majority of cases, there are no symptoms. In cases in which they appear, they typically do between 5 and 28 days after the unprotected sexual intercourse. In women, they tend to be seen in vaginal discharge changes; the increase of the discharge with a strong fishy odour is very characteristic of it. It can also include vaginal discomfort and stinging when passing urine. In severe cases, the infection can extend towards the tubes that connect the ovary with the uterus, the Fallopian tubes. This infection is called salpingitis and produces pain in the inferior abdominal area.
Diagnosis is based on clinical interrogation and gynaecological exploration. A sample of the genital area is needed to make the confirmation diagnosis. Also, testing should be done to detect other sexually transmitted diseases as it is common to have more than one infection at a time.
Antibiotic treatment should be started in asymptomatic as well as symptomatic people; the use of metronidazole or tinidazole orally during a week is very frequent. Sexual partners should also be treated.
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