Trichomoniasis treatment

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common diseases of the urogenital tract and takes first place among sexually transmitted diseases. According to WHO, 10% of the world’s population is affected by trichomonal infection. Trichomoniasis affects about 180 million people every year.

Trichomonad is the causative agent of trichomoniasis

The causative agent of trichomoniasis belongs to the animalcular microorganisms and is a fluid unicellular organism that has adapted to life in the organs of the human urogenital system in the process of evolution.

The urogenital trichomonad was first described in 1863 by the Parisian doctor Dople, who discovered it in the vaginal discharge of unhealthy women, and gave it the name “Vaginal trichomonad” (Trichomonas vaginalis). This term is still used today. Long trihomonadi were considered saprophytes of the female genital organs. Only in the early twentieth century there was recognition of the pathogenicity of trihomonadi for men and women. Later (in the 40-60 years) it was proven that it was sexually transmitted disease and defined pathogenic range due to vaginal trichomonas diseases, morphologic, biological and antigenic characteristics of the pathogen, its species specificity, the presence of strains with different virulence. The experimental model of trichomoniasis was developed and received effective antitrichomonad medicine of systemic action.

Trichomoniasis in women

In women, trichomonadi are mainly in the vagina, from where they penetrate the urethra, paraurethral ducts, Bartholin’s glands, less often – in the bladder, the cervical canal of the uterus, the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, kidney pelvises and rectum. Due to the peculiarities of the diagnosis and course of the disease, trichomoniasis is much more often diagnosed in women than in men.

Trichomoniasis in men

In men, trichomonadi propagate along the mucous membrane of the urethra into its glands and lacunas. Invasion of the prostate gland by trichomonadi is usually asymptomatic, less often there is inflammation in the form of parenchymatous prostatitis. Trichomonas infection of the urethra in men is often short-term, transient, due to unfavorable conditions for the existence of parasites in the male urethra.

For both women and men, Trichomonas sometimes cause erosion and ulceration of the skin of the external genitals.

Diagnosis and treatment for trichomoniasis

Swab is used for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis. In women, the vaginal discharge is examined, in men – the discharge from the urethra and the secret of the prostate gland. The result of the swab is confirmed by more accurate methods of research – direct immunofluorescence, culture for trichomaniasis.

Treatment of trichomoniasis should be complex and individual. It is very important to complete the treatment, because untreated trichomoniasis can become chronic and manifest itself in a few years.

Treatment of trichomoniasis adds up to antitrichomonad medicine for oral administration. Local treatment (vaginal tablets and suppositories) is ineffective.

In some cases, treatment is prescribed that complements antitrichomonad medicine (immunotherapy, general tonics, prostate massage, urethral instillation, physical therapy, etc.).

There is an opinion among venereologists that trichomoniasis has become widespread because of its ineffective diagnosis by urologists and mainly gynecologists. In venereology, the main method for detecting trichomoniasis is taking a smear for culture and direct immunofluorescence, in the case of trichomoniasis, this is more effective method of diagnosis than PCR. In gynecology and urology, PCR is mainly used to diagnose trichomoniasis. For this reason, there is a view that the main carriers of trichomoniasis are women.