Trichomonas colpitis in women and men
Content:
- What is Trichomonas colpitis?
- Symptoms of Trichomonas colpitis
- Causes and ways of transmission
- Complications of Trichomonas colpitis
- Diagnosis of Trichomonas colpitis
- Treatment of Trichomonas colpitis
- Prevention
What is Trichomonas colpitis?
Trichomonas colpitis is an inflammatory process localized in the vagina. Trichomonas become a provocateur of inflammation. They are the simplest unicellular flagellar microorganisms that actively reproduce in a humid environment. First, they are attached to the vaginal mucosa, and then penetrate into the deep layers of the epithelium, causing a pathological reaction. The sexual route of transmission of this pathogen prevails (up to 80% of cases of infection), however, the contact-household method is not excluded.
A distinctive feature of Trichomonas is its ability to "collect" both opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, monoinfection, when only Trichomonas is found in a smear, doctors rarely diagnose - only in 10.5% of cases. More often Trichomonas are a reservoir for other, smaller organisms: yeast-like fungi, microbes (gonococcus, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, chlamydia, staphylococcus, etc.). That is why doctors so often identify a mixed infection with the leading role of Trichomonas.
The disease is widespread, and each year up to 300 million cases are registered in the world. Most often, such cases are diagnosed in women of reproductive age (from 18 to 45 years), due to the way the pathogen is transmitted.
Symptoms of Trichomonas colpitis
The symptoms of the disease are manifested vividly, so the diagnosis of the disease is not difficult. A woman will experience the first unpleasant sensations already 3 days after infection. When signs of colpitis caused by Trichomonas appear, the patient most often independently consults a doctor.
The disease is characterized by the following clinical picture:
- The perineum and genital area becomes edematous, reddens and swells;
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Abundant discharge appears with a yellowish tint, foamy structure and an unpleasant odor. If, in addition to Trichomonas, another pathogenic microflora is present in the vagina, then the discharge may acquire a white or greenish tint;
- Dyspareunia, that is, unpleasant, sometimes painful sensations that appear during intercourse;
- Dysuria - painful sensations during urination. In addition, the urge to him becomes more frequent. Women complain of a burning sensation in the urethra. This occurs when the bladder is damaged and is explained by the ability of Trichomonas to move independently with the help of special flagella;
- When examining the vagina, the doctor discovers multiple small hemorrhages, localized along its wall. This may be the reason that bloody blotches will be present in the discharge;
- With the transition of the disease into a chronic form, menstrual irregularities are observed;
- Another sign of chronic Trichomonas colpitis is the appearance of pointed censers in the genital area;
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Diaper rash can form on the inner thighs, even with adequate hygiene. Their appearance is explained by the increased acidity of vaginal discharge with colpitis and an increase in their volume;
- Temporary diarrhea;
- If the disease spreads to the uterus, appendages and ovaries, then the woman may experience pain in the lower abdomen, and the temperature rises slightly. A pulling sensation may appear in the lower back.
Most often, the disease is diagnosed and treated during the acute phase, but doctors are also faced with chronic Trichomonas colpitis. It leads to the fact that protozoa over time form dangerous alliances with bacteria that colonize the vagina, and together they completely suppress the beneficial microflora, and this contributes to the further spread of inflammation in the pelvic organs.
Causes and ways of transmission of Trichomonas colpitis
The penetration of Trichomonas into the vagina is the main reason for the development of colpitis. This process most often occurs during unprotected sexual contact with a male carrier of the infection.
There is another way to become infected with a dangerous microorganism - this is the household transmission route. However, it is less common than the sexual route. Little girls who have no idea about the rules of personal hygiene are infected mainly by contact-household methods. To do this, it is enough to use a washcloth or a towel on which there are Trichomonas.
Trichomonas colpitis is dangerous during pregnancy, since there is a high risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus. But even if Trichomonas did not cross the placental barrier, there is a possibility of infection of the child during his passage through the birth canal, as well as when using instruments for obstetric aid.
It is worth knowing that, being outside the body, protozoa die, their viability is maintained for no more than 3 hours. This is due to the need for Trichomonas in a stable temperature of 37 ° C and a constantly humid environment.
In addition, there are certain risk factors that contribute to the development of the pathological process:
- Decreased immunity against the background of transferred infectious diseases or due to exacerbation of a chronic disease;
- Hypothermia of the body;
- Frequent stress and increased psycho-emotional stress;
- Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, or chemotherapy experienced by a woman;
- Disorders of the endocrine system.
An additional risk factor is frequent sex partner changes and neglect of condom use. It has been established that the risks of infection in this case increase fourfold.
Complications of Trichomonas colpitis
If you leave the disease unattended and do not get rid of the parasite in time, this can lead to the following consequences:
- Cervicitis, that is, an inflammatory process with localization in the cervix;
- Endometritis - changes caused by the inflammatory process, localized in the uterine epithelium;
- Salpingo-oophoritis - inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries;
- Infertility in the reproductive age;
- Severe menstrual disorders;
- Formation of neoplasms in the pelvic area;
- Diseases of the urinary system: cystitis, pyelonephritis;
- There is evidence that the disease can provoke premature birth, the birth of a low birth weight baby and intrauterine infection of the fetus if trichomoniasis is found in a pregnant woman.
Diagnosis of Trichomonas colpitis
Most often, one gynecological examination is enough for a doctor to suspect a disease. In this case, the doctor discovers an irritated and hyperemic vaginal mucosa, its walls are covered with serous exudate.
However, a gynecologist cannot make an accurate diagnosis based on a visual examination alone. To clarify the nature of the disease, laboratory tests are carried out, smears are taken from the vagina, and sometimes from the rectum. The type of bacterial pathogen is determined by PCR, culture and cytology.
In addition, a gynecologist can send a woman for a consultation with a dermatovenerologist and urologist.
Treatment of Trichomonas colpitis
Therapy of the disease has several goals: firstly, the elimination of the acute inflammatory process, and secondly, the complete deliverance of the woman from the pathogen. As a rule, the disease is treated on an outpatient basis, but in some cases hospitalization is required. These include purulent tubo-ovarian abscesses, or peritonitis, which are a complication of the disease and occur against the background of acute trichomoniasis.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to learn several important rules: therapy must be passed by both partners, since the body does not develop specific immunity to Trichomonas, and the risk of re-infection always exists. In addition, it is necessary to stop drinking alcoholic beverages during treatment and avoid sexual intercourse. The last important rule is the treatment of trichomoniasis in any of its forms, even if a person does not experience symptoms of the disease, but is simply a carrier of the parasite.
Drug treatment is based on the complex prescription of antibacterial drugs of systemic action and local antiseptics. The effectiveness of therapy is monitored after the course, as well as after the next menstrual cycle. The main antibiotic for getting rid of Trichomonas colpitis is Metronidazole. This drug has a detrimental effect not only on the main pathogen, but also on most of the pathogenic bacteria that often accompany Trichomonas colpitis. The dosage is selected in each case individually, as well as the method of administration of the drug.
If Metronidazole cannot be used for any reason, the following alternative agents may be prescribed:
- Naxojin;
- Ornidazole;
- Atrikan;
- Nitazol.
As for preparations for topical use, vaginal suppositories may be shown: Trichomonacid (for 10 days), Geksikon (up to 20 days), Neo-Penotran (up to 2 weeks), Klion-D (up to 10 days), Terzhinan (up to 10 days), Meratin-combi (up to 10 days). In addition, the woman will need to treat the urethra and anal area with Trichomonacid solution.
A woman is not released from work for the period of treatment, unless urgent hospitalization is required due to complications of the disease. The prognosis for recovery is generally good.
In order to make sure that the treatment is effective, you should focus on the following criteria for recovery:
- Trichomonas are not found in a smear from the vagina and rectum;
- Pathogens are absent in laboratory test results after 3 menstrual cycles;
- The sexual partner was completely cured.
After a therapeutic course, it is worth asking a doctor about the need to restore the vaginal microflora. For this, special means are used - eubiotics. They promote the growth of lactic acid bacteria, thanks to which the acidity of the vagina is normalized, and pathogenic microbes no longer multiply there. Among the most popular eubiotics: Lactobacterin, Bifidumbacterin, Vagilak.
As for the treatment of the chronic form of the disease, it implies the use of not only agents that affect the pathogenic microflora, but also an increase in immunity. Immunomodulators such as Immunal or Pyrogenal are prescribed. Restoration of normal microflora in chronic Trichomonas colpitis is an obligatory stage of treatment. It is the chronic form of the disease that is dangerous with serious complications and mild symptoms, which contributes to the further spread of the infection.
On the subject: 2 effective folk remedies for colpitis
Prevention of Trichomonas colpitis
Every woman can prevent the colonization of the vagina with Trichomonas. To do this, she needs to follow simple rules:
- Using condoms during intercourse;
- Limiting the number of sexual partners. A constant companion is the best protection against any sexually transmitted diseases;
- You should not hope that local antiseptics like Miramistin are capable of 100% protecting a woman from illness. However, they can be used as a preventive measure after unprotected sex;
- It is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, to use only personal products, as there is a risk of household infection;
- Regular washing is a guarantee of a woman's health, since Trichomonas from clothes can get into the area of the groin folds, and later into the vagina;
- It is necessary to avoid hypothermia, to carry out activities aimed at strengthening the immune system;
- All medications, especially antibiotics, should be used only on medical advice.
At the first signs of Trichomonas colpitis, you must consult a doctor. This will help prevent serious complications and prevent the infection from spreading.
The author of the article: Lapikova Valentina Vladimirovna | Gynecologist, reproductologist
Education: Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology received at the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Healthcare and Social Development (2010). In 2013 completed postgraduate studies at N. N. N. I. Pirogova.
