TRICHOMONIASIS AND CHANCROID

For this week’s conversation on STIs/STDs, we will focus on Trichomoniasis and Chancroid. Let us first consider Trichomoniasis.  Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis which is spread through unprotected penile-vaginal sex, lesbian sex, and/or through the sharing of sex toys such as dildos.  Scientists have reported that the parasite usually settles in and around the genitalia.

In women, the parasite most commonly settles in the vagina, vulva, cervix, and urethra of infected women. In men, the most affected area is the urethra which is located inside of the penis.  As such, the parasite is rarely passed on through oral or anal sex, neither is it spread through kissing and hugging and so it is uncommon for the parasite to infect the mouth, anus, or other parts of the body.

Research has shown that 50% of people infected with Trichomoniasis are asymptomatic, thus, they may not show any symptom of the disease. Men who show symptoms may have a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, white, cloudy, or watery discharge from the penis, and soreness and swelling around the head of the penis.

Women who show symptoms may have abnormal vaginal discharge which may be watery and yellow or green in colour, painful or burning sensation when urinating, lower abdominal pain, soreness and itching around the inner thigh and the vagina and an unpleasant fishy smell from the genital area as well as painful sexual intercourse. If left untreated during pregnancy, the disease could lead to premature childbirth and babies with low birth weight.

Another common STD/STI is Chancroid, caused by bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi. A person infected with Chancroid develops ulcers around the genitals, which has been termed genital ulceration. These ulcers can be extremely painful in men but may go unnoticed in women, as it can develop inside the vagina. Unlike syphilis, which causes hardened ulcers, the developed ulcer in chancroid is soft to touch and may develop as tender bumps, which later become open sores. When these ulcers develop, the individual with the infection is considered infectious. The infected person also develops enlarged lymph nodes of the neck, which is most likely to be discovered by a physician upon examination. Chancroids are usually transmissible through such open sores during sexual activity. Symptoms of the disease usually develop within four to ten days after exposure and may increase the chances of HIV infection.

Though a lot of infected people remain asymptomatic, the bacteria that cause Trichomoniasis and Chancroid often remain in the host if the infected person is not treated. It is therefore recommended that every sexually active person should do a routine STI/STD test to know their status and get early treatment. Both diseases can be effectively treated using antibiotics provided to patients upon diagnosis. Even though treatment is effective, reinfection is also a huge possibility. That is to say that Trichomoniasis and Chancroid can be contracted by someone who has had the infection once before and successfully treated it. 

To lower your chances of infection, you should embark on the following measures:

1. Abstain from sex as this is the only effective way to prevent the spread of STDs, especially for young and unmarried persons.
2. Reduce your number of sexual partners to one who has been tested for Trichomoniasis and Chancroid and does not have either of them or any other STD.
3. Use a new condom each time you have sex and be sure to wear it correctly.
4. Seek medical care during pregnancy.
5. Get tested and treated for other STDs and encourage your partners to do the same.

Do join us in our subsequent post as we discuss the psychological implications of STIs/STDs.