Trichomoniasis Research Paper

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the reproductive system. It is a very common yet curable STD among young sexually active men and women. Although women are more generally affected by this disease, men are able to become infected and pass it on as well. This particular type of STD is caused by a small single-celled parasitic organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is oval in shape with four hair like strands protruding out of it which helps to propel the organism. During sexual intercourse the parasite can be passed on from one infected person to an uninfected person, transmitting from the penis to the vagina and from the vagina to the penis. The more commonly infected body part for a woman is the lower genital tract and for men is their urethra. It is highly uncommon for the parasite to infect other body parts such as the hands, mouth, or anus. Infected people without symptoms are still able to transmit the infection on to other people. Some people may present with symptoms while others don’t, this we are unsure why, and it is thought that it depends on the individual’s age and overall health factor. Women who are pregnant are susceptible to being infected, they are likely to deliver their baby prematurely at a low birth weight. Symptoms with trichomoniasis may come and go, it ranges from mild irritation to severe inflammation. As stated before not everyone can present with symptoms but those who do present 5-28 days after being infected. In men they may feel itching or irritation inside of the penis, burning sensation after urination or ejaculation, or discharge from the penis. With women they may notice itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genital area, discomfort in urination, or a thin frothy discharge that is white, clear, green, or yellowish along with a foul odor. If you are infected and continue to have sexual intercourse it can make the action feel unpleasant. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years. Leaving trichomoniasis untreated increases the risk factor of getting or spreading other STI’s. Because of the inflammation of the genital with trichomoniasis, it makes it easier for the individual to contract the HIV virus or to pass it on to a sex partner. …show more content…
It is advised not to consume any type of alcohol within 24 hours of taking the medication or you may experience uncomfortable side effects. Although you have been treated it is likely that you can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months of treatment. It is advisable to let all your sex partners know and have them get treated also. Refrain from any sexual intercourse until your symptoms are gone, which can take up to a week to disappear. If symptoms do reoccur see your primary care provider right away and get checked again. The CDC has stated that the prevalence of women contracting this STD is 15% compared to men who are only 10%. In the year 2001-2004 it is estimated here in the United States that about 2.3 billion women ages 14-49 have been infected. About 85% of those women that were infected reported no signs or symptoms. Women of African-American decent had a prevalence of 13.3%, Caucasian women 1.3%, and Hispanic women 1.8%. The prevalence of a woman contracting trichomoniasis increases with age and a lifetime number of sexual