When it comes to STDs - that is, the dreaded sexually transmitted diseases - there are some infections that are known to everyone, such as syphilis, herpes and HPV (human papillomavirus), for example. But these are not the only circulating STDs out there - and there are several that a lot of people have never heard of. One not so popular is trichomoniasis, a disease caused by an unwelcome parasite that, if left untreated, can lead to a host of complications.

Lesser known

According to Jeremy Glass of Greatist, trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a small protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis, which is transmitted during unprotected sex. Despite the name of the pet ( “vaginalis” ), do not think that it lives only in the body of women! Men can also become contaminated and "pass" the parasite to other people.

Trichomoniasis is not exclusively female

In fact, contagion usually occurs through contact of the penis with the vagina, vagina with penis, and vagina with vagina, and it is unusual for the mouth and anus to be affected. Therefore, it is relatively rare for bisexual and homosexual men to have trichomoniasis.

Still, according to Jeremy, millions of people get infected each year (this STD is quite common), but as only 30% have the typical symptoms of the disease, most only discover that they have trichomoniasis after testing for the presence of the disease. protozoan. Meanwhile, those who are not careful can pass T. vaginalis around without knowing it.

Trichomonas vaginalis

As we mentioned, not all parasite carriers have symptoms, but when they do manifest themselves in men, they usually appear in the form of itching and irritation inside the penis, burning at the time of urination and releasing a nasty discharge that looks like a I put a little frothy - wow ...

Infected women, as well as men, may have a burning sensation when it comes to peeing, itching, and releasing a very unpleasant-smelling discharge ( wm, too ), as well as vaginal irritation. In addition, another symptom that can afflict both men and women is the sensation of pain during sex.

More complications

The problem with trichomoniasis is that the consequences of contamination are not limited to the symptoms we described above. Inflammation caused by T. vaginalis may increase the risk of contamination of other more serious sexually transmitted diseases, as well as aggravate urinary infection.

It can bring other complications.

In addition, in women, studies have found evidence that the disease may increase the risk of cervical cancer - possibly because of its role in making infected women more likely to be infected with other infectious agents - and in pregnant women., trichomoniasis is associated with the occurrence of premature births and the birth of underweight babies.

Fortunately, trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics - usually nitroimidazoles, metronidazole or tinidazole - and prevented by using condoms during sex.