No Trichomoniasis! - A Matter Of Sexual Education

Trichomoniasis is quite a popular infection, which can be spread relatively quickly, and it can affect about 30% of the women who are active from the sexual point of view and 25% of men in this category. It is an infection, which can affect only genital and urinary areas. They are the urethra in the case of men, and the urethra and the vagina in the case of women.

This illness is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis.

Trichomoniasis can be contracted through vaginal sex and use of contaminated sexual toys which is now in vogue. The disease is not transferable through oral sex. However, use of protection should not be disregarded notwithstanding your sexual preferences.

Other factors also should be taken into consideration. Since the parasite can survive for sometime outside its natural environment, infection could also be brought about by handling or using infected underwear.

Girls must be careful when they try on the knickers of a girl friend's swimming suit! You should avoid towels used by several persons, who may be infected, especially in order to dry up your genital area. Actually, it is easier to prevent than to treat...

Then again, the mother can transmit the infection to her baby girl.

Infected men generally do not develop symptoms and the so the infection is rarely detected. Thus, the possibility of repeatedly contracting the disease is high.

Trichomonas Vaginalis is a parasite, not a microbe or a virus, thus it is not capable of living long outside its natural environment. It could only exist outside the body for an hour or two. In fact, there is a remote possibility of contracting the disease from public bathrooms at hostels as most people are already conscious of this possibility.

The vagina is the preferred site of the parasite because of the wet environment. For women, the period between menstruations produces abundant secretion and therefore presents more opportunity for the parasite to develop. Additionally, there are other microbes that are normally found there,

In addition, during sexual intercourse, minor traumas may happen, causing small lesions, which are otherwise not noticeable. In men, although the urethra does not present an ideal environment for growth for the parasite, it can still live there.

Now, you already have a better understanding of the disease and its varying effect on men and women. The disease can infect young women, especially at the start of their sexual life. If the infection happens, there will be a noticeable profuse white or greenish vaginal discharge with a very unpleasant odour. There will be a slight burning sensation, pain and itching with the development of red patches between the legs. Pain will be felt during sex, so you would prefer not to have it. Additionally, it's possible to develop another complication, called inguinal adenopathy.

About the Author

Worried about stds, std symptoms or std treatment? STD Information is a huge resource for all sorts of information on all sexually transmitted diseases, including Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes, Syphilis, Hepatitis, HIV and Aids. Learn more.