1. With over 20 million new cases of STIs/STDs reported each year in the United States, it is clear that more education is a must. The scary part is that young people between the ages of 15-24 account for 50% of new cases. The US “wins out” compared to the rest of the world when it comes to cases of STD infections. Sexually transmitted diseases use to be referred to as venereal diseases which was derived from Venus, the goddess of love. They are anything but loving though.
2. One of the most common STIs is Trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is the catalyst for vaginitis which is the inflammation of the vagina. The male form is called urethritis which is burning, itching, or pain in the penis or urethra. Women experience the same burning, itching, or pain in their vagina mixed with a fishy smelling yellow-green vaginal discharge.
3. It can take 5 to 28 days for symptoms to show up though most people can’t even tell they have the disease. Women are more prone to get this infection than men. It is estimated that 3.7 million people have Trichomoniasis but only 30% actually develop symptoms of it. Rather you exhibit symptoms or not doesn’t stop you from spreading the infection. It can be passed in the “traditional” sense but also vagina to vagina. Fortunately it is the most curable one in the STI world.
4. There are 3 ways to diagnose Trichomoniasis, the most commonly used method is Saline microscopy. It requires taking a swab of the cervix, vagina, or penis and examining it under a microscope. This method is the cheapest but can also cause false negatives due to the possibility of obtaining an inadequate sample. Another way to test is by taking a culture. This is deemed the gold standard in testing methods in the infectious disease world. The third test is the most accurate yet costly, called nucleic acid amplification test.
5. If left untreated Trichomoniasis can live in you for months or even years on end. You also increase your risk of developing other sexually transmitted diseases. One such STD is the HIV virus. When the genitals get too inflamed it makes it easier to obtain or pass the HIV virus to your partner. Another risk associated with Trichomoniasis is in pregnant women. It may cause them to deliver prematurely and/or have a baby with low birth weight. It is also said to increase your chances for cervical or prostate cancer.
6. The cure for Trichomoniasis is fairly easy as long as you stay away from alcohol for 24 hours. All you have to do is take a single dose pill of the prescription metronidazole or tinidazole. If you choose not to take the proper precautions you can get it again. Most people get it again within 3 months of their last treatment.
7. The best way to stay safe is to be safe by using a condom. But as we know condoms aren’t always fool proof. The sure fire way to stay safe is to avoid sex entirely until you know who your partner really is and you get all the proper testing done. It’s better to be safe than sorry.