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News18
01-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Trichomoniasis: The Most Common STI You've Probably Never Heard Of
Last Updated: Trichomoniasis, often whispered as "trich," is a sexually transmitted infection that surprisingly ranks as one of the most prevalent yet under-discussed STIs out there Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, is running this weekly sex column, titled 'Let's Talk Sex'. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance. Ever heard of trichomoniasis? Don't worry if you haven't—it's the most common STI that's managed to fly under the radar for most of us. While everyone's busy talking about chlamydia and gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis quietly affects millions each year, and here's the kicker: most people don't even know they've got it. Trichomoniasis, often whispered as 'trich," is a sexually transmitted infection that surprisingly ranks as one of the most prevalent yet under-discussed STIs out there. Caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, this infection often flies under the radar, in part because many people remain blissfully unaware of its existence. Despite its prevalence, it's often overshadowed by the more infamous STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea. One of the reasons trichomoniasis remains elusive is its tendency to be a silent invader. In fact, around 70 per cent of those infected show no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can vary significantly between individuals. For some, they might include itching, burning, or redness in the genital region, while others might experience discomfort during urination or a change in vaginal discharge. advetisement It's important to note that these symptoms can often mimic those of a urinary tract infection, adding to the confusion. How Trichomoniasis Is Transmitted And Who Is At Risk? Trichomoniasis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. This includes vaginal intercourse, which is the most common way the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite makes its move from one person to another. While less common, it can also be spread through vulva-to-vulva contact or sharing unwashed sex toys. It's important to note that trich isn't spread through casual contact, like hugging or sharing towels, although it's always wise to maintain good personal hygiene practices. If you're sexually active, you're potentially at risk of contracting trichomoniasis. However, some factors can increase your susceptibility. Having multiple sexual partners or having a history of other sexually transmitted infections can elevate your risk. Women, in particular, are more frequently diagnosed with trich than men, possibly due to the symptoms being more noticeable. But don't be fooled—men can and do carry and transmit the infection, often without any obvious symptoms. Symptoms Of Trichomoniasis: What To Watch Out For Trichomoniasis might be lurking under the radar, but it can send out some signals if you know what to look for. However, here's the tricky part: many people, especially men, might not notice any symptoms at all. But don't let that fool you—it's still important to be aware. Unusual Vaginal Discharge: A frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong odour is a tell-tale sign. Itching or Irritation: Persistent itching around the vagina or discomfort during urination can also be indicators. Painful Intercourse: Trichomoniasis can make intimacy uncomfortable or even painful. Discharge from Urethra: A thin, white discharge might be noticeable. Burning Sensation: Painful urination or an uncomfortable sensation after ejaculation can occur. These symptoms might appear within 5 to 28 days after infection, but keep in mind they can also show up much later or not at all. Even if symptoms are mild or absent, trichomoniasis can still be spread to partners. Early detection and treatment are crucial, so don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you suspect anything. Remember, it's always better to be safe and get checked out than to let this sneaky STI fly under the radar. Advertisement Treating Trichomoniasis: Get The Facts Diagnosing trichomoniasis involves a simple test. If you suspect you have trich, visit your healthcare provider, who will likely perform a physical exam and may take a sample for lab testing. The test might involve taking a swab from the genital area or a urine sample. It's quick and straightforward, allowing your doctor to confirm if trich is the culprit behind your symptoms. The good news is that trichomoniasis is treatable with antibiotics, typically a single dose of metronidazole or tinidazole. It's vital to complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms disappear, to ensure the infection is fully cleared. Your partner should also be treated to prevent reinfection. Fortunately, most people recover quickly with treatment, and symptoms usually resolve within a week. Preventing Trichomoniasis: Steps To Protect Yourself Practice Safe Sex: Condoms are your best friend in this scenario. While they aren't 100 per cent foolproof, they significantly reduce the risk of transmitting trichomoniasis. Make it a norm to use them during every sexual encounter. Trust us, it's not just about pregnancy prevention—it's about protecting your health, too. advetisement Limit Sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of contracting trichomoniasis and other STIs. By limiting the number of people you're intimate with, you reduce exposure to potential infections. It's like curating your social circle for your health. Open Communication: Before becoming intimate, discuss STIs with your partner. It might feel awkward, but an honest conversation is worth the peace of mind. Discussing your sexual histories can lead to more responsible choices and a healthier relationship overall. Get Treated Immediately: If you or your partner test positive, seek treatment promptly. Trichomoniasis is usually treated with prescription antibiotics. Remember, both partners need to be treated to prevent reinfection. Completing the prescribed course is crucial, even if symptoms disappear quickly. top videos View All So, there you have it—trichomoniasis, the stealthy STI you probably never saw coming. But now that you're in the know, you can handle it like a pro. Remember, regular check-ups and open conversations with your partner are key to keeping your sexual health in check. And if you ever find yourself navigating the tricky waters of an STI diagnosis, don't stress. You're not alone, and there's always help available. So go ahead, take charge of your health, and keep the conversation going. After all, knowledge is power, and you're now armed with plenty of it! About the Author Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : lets talk sex Sexual health sexually transmitted diseases Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 01, 2025, 09:00 IST News lifestyle Let's Talk Sex | Trichomoniasis: The Most Common STI You've Probably Never Heard Of
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA approves at-home chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis test for women
(NewsNation) — The Food and Drug Administration last week gave approval for an at-home chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis test for women. Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test can be taken by those with or without symptoms,and delivers results in about 30 minutes, the FDA said in a news release. This is the first diagnostic test for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis that can be bought without a prescription and done entirely at home. Last year, the FDA also authorized an at-home syphilis test. 'Home tests can give people information about their health from the privacy of their home. This can be particularly important for sexual health tests for which patients may experience fear or anxiety, possibly resulting in delayed diagnosis or treatment,'Courtney Lias, Ph.D., director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement. 'Expanding access to tests for sexually transmitted infections is an important step toward earlier and increased diagnosis, which can result in increased treatment and reduced spread of infection.' Tariffs will drive up prices of everyday goods from coffee to toys The Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test, according to the FDA, correctly identified 98.8% of negative and 97.2% of positive Chlamydia trachomatis samples; 99.1% of negative and 100% of positive Neisseria gonorrhoeae samples; and 98.5% of negative and 97.8% of positive Trichomonas vaginalis samples, according to the FDA. Adam de la Zerda, the founder and CEO of Visby Medical, said the test was in development for 12 years. 'This approval is not just a milestone for Visby Medical but marks a transformative moment in medical diagnostics,' de la Zerda said in a statement. 'We've achieved something incredible; our palm-sized, single-use PCR test is simple to use and replaces a bulky, large, expensive laboratory instrument.' The test is single-use and includes a collection kit and powered testing device. Once the test is complete, results are shown on the Visby Medical App. The Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test is a single use, at home test, that includes a collection kit (self-collected vaginal swab) and a powered testing device, which communicates securely to the Visby Medical App, which displays results when the test is complete. More than 600,000 cases of gonorrhea and over 1.6 million cases of chlamydia were reported in the U.S. in 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Surveillance Report states. Trichomoniasis affected about 2.6 million people in 2021, per the CDC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
FDA approves first at-home, over-the-counter test for STIs. But there's a catch.
FDA approves first at-home, over-the-counter test for STIs. But there's a catch. The at-home, over-the-counter test screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Show Caption Hide Caption Where to get tested for STIs Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise. Here's where to get properly tested. Self Improved, Self Improved The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever testing kit for sexually transmitted infections that can be taken at home without a prescription. But it's not for everyone. The FDA granted marketing authorization for the diagnostic test, the Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test, to Visby Medical on Friday. The at-home kit, according to the FDA, is the first of its kind to test for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, three of the most common STIs with symptoms that often go unnoticed. The kit is intended for use in female patients with or without symptoms. It is single-use and includes a vaginal swab and a powered testing device that connects to the Visby Medical App. Results are displayed on the app about 30 minutes after testing. An FDA press release issued Friday said the test was 97% to 100% accurate when identifying the presence or absence of the three STIs in women with or without symptoms. The release advised that those who test positive should seek medical care and those who have symptoms, recent exposure or other concerns should still contact their healthcare provider even if they get a negative result. 'Home tests can give people information about their health from the privacy of their home. This can be particularly important for sexual health tests for which patients may experience fear or anxiety, possibly resulting in delayed diagnosis or treatment,' Courtney Lias, director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement. 'Expanding access to tests for sexually transmitted infections is an important step toward earlier and increased diagnosis, which can result in increased treatment and reduced spread of infection.' The approval of this test opens the pathway for more at-home STI testing in the future, said the statement. At-home test tackles three most common STIs Chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis are three of the most prevalent STIs in the U.S. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections, while trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. Gonorrhea can cause infection in the genitals, rectum and throat and often has no symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chlamydia is also typically asymptomatic but can cause permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system. Trichomoniasis is caused by a one-celled protozoan, a type of tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. In 2021, the CDC reported that around 2.6 million Americans had been infected with trichomoniasis. Up to 70% of people have no symptoms when infected. According to the CDC's (STI) Surveillance Report, 601,319 cases of gonorrhea were reported in the U.S. in 2023, making it the second most common STI in the country. There were more than 1.6 million reported cases of chlamydia in the same year, making it the most common.
