Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the microorganism Trichomona vaginalis. It was only described at the beginning of the 20th century, but it turns out that a large part of genitourinary infections are caused by it. Its frequency in the sexually active population remains high. 1. What is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis is an infection that occurs in both women and men. Trichomonas are small single-celled microorganisms with a pear-shaped shape and 4 flagella, with the help of which they move and attach. The place where they could be found are the organs of the genitourinary system, where they are the cause of the development of inflammatory processes. Infection most often occurs during sexual contact – from a partner, a carrier of the infection or indirectly – when not observing good personal hygiene and using towels or belongings of an infected person. Simultaneous carriage of other causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases is also common: chlamydia, mycoplasma, gonococci, etc. The incubation period ie. the time from the moment of infection to the first signs of infection varies between 5 days and 4 weeks, and the complaints depend on the general condition of the infected person, on what the local immune defense is and the concentration of microorganisms during the transmission of the disease. 2. What are the symptoms of Trichomonas vaginalis infection? Usually, in women, the disease manifests itself with a yellowish vaginal discharge that has a bad and repulsive fishy smell. It is rich and frothy. Inflammation of the vagina develops – vaginitis, of the cervix – cervicitis, as well as of Bartholin’s glands. Non-specific symptoms are itching and redness in the area of ​​the external genital organs, swelling of the vaginal mucosa, as well as pain during sexual intercourse. Trichomonas vaginalis also affects the lower parts of the urinary tract and is most often isolated from the urethra. During pregnancy, it is possible for the infection to cause premature rupture of the amniotic sac and premature birth of the child. In men, trichomoniasis is manifested by inflammation of the urethra, i.e. so-called urethritis. It is manifested by burning and pain when urinating, whitish discharge with a strong unpleasant smell. The infection may remain asymptomatic in some people. It is extremely important that the presence of trichomoniasis is detected and treated in time, as it is possible that dangerous complications for the man may occur, the most common of which is inflammation of the prostate – prostatitis and subsequent sterility. NEWS_MORE_BOX 3. How is trichomoniasis diagnosed? The examination to clarify the condition and establish a diagnosis begins with a conversation and taking a status, in which a discharge from the vagina or urethra is taken for microbiological analysis. Vaginal discharge is examined in women, and urethral discharge in men. If the doctor has a microscope,could directly place the secretion on a slide and examine it natively under a microscope. It is also possible to use more accurate diagnostic methods such as direct immunofluorescence. 4. What is the treatment? The treatment of trichomoniasis is complex and is based on the use of drugs that suppress the reproduction of trichomonas. It is important when conducting treatment that it is applied not only to the relevant patient, but also to cover all his sexual partners, regardless of whether they have a clinical manifestation. Trichomonas vaginalis is a unicellular organism and could contain the causative agents of other sexually transmitted diseases and this should be taken into account when starting therapy.