The disease caused by trichomonas vaginalis is called trichomoniasis. It is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both sexes. The parasite affects the surface epithelium of the vagina or urethra and leads to an inflammatory process. The broken integrity of the surface is a prerequisite for the easy penetration of other sexually transmitted diseases. Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of the disease, is a pear-shaped single-celled microorganism. It has a nucleus and flagella through which it carries out motor activity. Symptoms of the disease The incubation period – the period from infection to the manifestation of symptoms – is between 4-28 days. The disease can be acute, chronic or asymptomatic. In acute trichomoniasis, women most often complain of abundant vaginal discharge, which is foamy and yellow-green in color. The discharge has an unpleasant odor and is accompanied by severe itching. Since the disease affects the genitourinary system, the disease is often accompanied by burning and discomfort during urination. With a chronic course, the symptoms of the disease are weakly expressed, and with an asymptomatic course, all symptoms are absent. Up to 35% of women with trichomoniasis are asymptomatic carriers of the disease. In men, their percentage is significantly higher. Making a diagnosis of trichomoniasis In order to make a diagnosis of trichomoniasis, the data from the anamnesis are used – the symptoms and complaints that are present, a gynecological examination with colposcopic examination and native microscopy. The vagina and cervix are edematous and with focal redness of small size. Because of these changes, the cervix resembles a “strawberry”-macular colpitis. These disorders are visible during a routine gynecological examination in only 10% of women. Colposcopy is a method by which the epithelium of the vagina and cervix is ​​examined. A microscope called a colposcope is used, which enables magnification and allows examination of the condition of the squamous epithelium lining the vagina and cervix after application of 3 or 5% acetic acid, Lugol’s solution or methylene blue. In the presence of trichomoniasis, the changes are visible when treated with Lugol’s solution and help to make a correct diagnosis. NEWS_MORE_BOX To supplement the diagnosis, the pH of the vaginal discharge can be determined. In the presence of trichomonas vaginalis, a pH higher than 5 is found. Treatment of trichomoniasis Metronidazole preparations are mainly used for the treatment of trichomonas vaginalis. They are taken for 10 days. Systemic treatment can also be carried out with metronidazole derivatives – nitroimidazole derivatives. They are taken in a larger dose once. In order to support the systemic treatment, it can be supplemented by a local one. Trichomoniasis treatment should always be administered to both partners to achieve maximum results. After the end of the treatment, the tests are repeated.Complications of chronic trichomoniasis Very often the disease proceeds without the appearance of symptoms. For this reason, the woman remains without treatment for a long period of time. Violating the integrity of the surface epithelium of the vagina increases the risk of developing other sexually transmitted diseases such as infection with the AIDS virus. Prolonged carriage of trichomonas vaginalis can lead to disturbances in a woman’s reproductive abilities. In pregnancy, the lack of treatment for trichomonas vaginalis can lead to premature birth or the birth of a low birth weight fetus.