Trichomoniasis Singapore | HIV PEP
Trichomoniasis in Singapore: Trichomoniasis, often called “trich,” is a disease often transmitted by unprotected sex. It is easily curable with a course of antibiotics.
Keywords: Trichomoniasis in Singapore, Singapore trichomoniasis, Trichomoniasis
What is Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a microorganism that spreads from one person to another during sexual activity. In Singapore, trichomoniasis is a relatively common disease. Trichomoniasis is particularly common in young, sexually active women, but men can also get the infection.
Trichomoniasis can be transmitted through vaginal intercourse, vulva-to-vulva rubbing between two women, or through sharing sex toys. You do not have to have multiple sex partners to get infected. The disease is often asymptomatic, so you may not be aware that your partner has it.
Most men with trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms, although trichomoniasis may affect the prostate (the gland that produces semen), the head of the penis, and the foreskin. Women may experience vaginal discharge, pain during urination, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Trichomoniasis is easily curable with antibiotics. If left untreated, the infection may persist over time and recur often. Pregnant women with trichomoniasis are at risk of premature delivery or delivery of a low-birth-weight baby; the baby can also catch the infection during birth. Trichomoniasis is not transmitted by kissing, or by sharing items such as utensils and towels.
Causes
Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-celled, microscopic parasitic organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. The microorganism infects people during sexual intercourse, mainly due to unprotected sexual activities and sharing of sex toys.
After you get exposed to the organism, it may take 5 to 28 days for symptoms to appear. Many infected men and women do not have any symptoms. While the disease is usually not very serious, trichomoniasis can cause complications in a pregnant woman. It also tends to recur, being passed back and forth between partners, until both partners are treated.
Am I at risk of Trichomoniasis?
Many behaviors can increase your risk of catching trichomoniasis infection, including:
- Not using condoms while having sex, especially with a new sexual partner.
- Improper use of condoms.
- Having multiple sexual partners, which also increases the risk of more serious STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Your doctor may test you for other STDs if you test positive for trichomoniasis.
- If you have another vaginal infection, such as a yeast infection, you are at greater risk of developing trichomoniasis.
- HIV infections or other immune system problems may put you at risk of getting trichomoniasis.