What is gynecological trichomoniasis?

In fact, most women have certain gynecological problems to a greater or lesser extent, but the severity of gynecological problems varies for different female patients. Among them, gynecological trichomoniasis refers to trichomoniasis vaginitis, which is a vaginal disease caused by external pathogens and is highly contagious. Next, let us understand what gynecological trichomoniasis is all about.

What causes gynecological trichomoniasis?

Trichomonas vaginitis is caused by external infection. For an infectious disease to spread, three conditions must be met: a source of infection, a transmission route, and a susceptible person.

Anyone can be infected with Trichomonas, but those with altered vaginal pH or weakened immune systems are more susceptible. Very few patients can recover on their own after being infected with Trichomonas, and even if they are cured, they may be infected again. The sources of infection of trichomoniasis are carriers and contaminated objects.

As for the transmission routes, there are two types: direct transmission, namely sexual transmission, and indirect transmission. In foreign countries, vaginal trichomoniasis is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, so it is classified as a sexually transmitted disease. In our country, the mode of transmission is different. Due to my country's large population and relatively backward public health facilities compared with developed countries, transmission in public places has also become an important route of transmission. For example, if the seats in a public bath or the toilets in a public restroom are contaminated with the secretions of an infected person, then later visitors may be infected if they sit directly on the seats or toilets. The basins of public baths, swimming pools with high density and poor disinfection in summer, wearing other people's underwear, renting swimsuits, etc. may all cause the spread of Trichomonas.

In addition, sharing of bathtubs among family members and medically induced cross-infection are also causes of indirect transmission of Trichomonas.

Gynecological experts suggest: The pathogen of this disease is Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas is a parasite that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is pear-shaped, 10-30 μm long, and has four flagella on its head that are as long as the body of the worm. It can be clearly seen under a microscope. Trichomonas has a strong adaptability to different environments. It can grow and reproduce under conditions of 25℃--42℃, survive for 21 days at low temperatures of 3℃--5℃, and still survive for 20--60 minutes at 46℃. It can also survive for several hours in semi-dry conditions after leaving the human body. Trichomonas not only parasitizes in the oxygen-deficient vagina, but can also invade the urethra and paraurethral glands, and even ascend to the ureter and renal pelvis. The most suitable pH value for the growth of Trichomonas is 5.5-6. If the pH is below 5 or above 7.5, the growth of Trichomonas will be inhibited.

The following issues should be noted when treating genital trichomoniasis:

(1) Some people experience loss of appetite or nausea and vomiting after taking metronidazole. If the symptoms are mild, there is no need to stop taking the drug. However, if a rash or a decrease in white blood cells is observed, the drug should be stopped immediately.

(2) During treatment, keep the vulva clean, wash 1-2 times a day, and avoid sexual intercourse. Underwear, towels, etc. should be boiled and disinfected for at least 15 minutes.

(3) Taking metronidazole in early pregnancy may cause fetal malformations, so the drug should not be taken during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, and local treatment should be the main treatment.

(4) Trichomonas can be transmitted between husband and wife. If the woman is found to be ill, the man should actively check and seek treatment. Although some people are not sick, they are healthy carriers of the parasite and should also receive treatment.