fungal infections

The Most Common Vaginal Infections

The Most Common Vaginal Infections
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as “trich”, is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD acronym in English), which affects 2 to 3 million Americans annually. The vagina is the most common site of infection in women. Trichomoniasis, like many other STDs, often occurs without symptoms. When symptoms occur, they usually appear within 4-20 days of exposure, although symptoms can appear years after infection. Symptoms in women include a heavy fluid, yellow – green or gray, discomfort during intercourse, vaginal odor, and painful urination. Irritation and itching of the female genital area and, in rare cases, abdominal pain in the lower abdomen may also be present. Men can transmit the disease to their sex partners even when symptoms are not present, so it is preferable to treat both partners to eliminate the parasite. Metronidazole is the drug used to treat trichomoniasis. It is administered in a single dose. People who are taking this medicine should not drink alcohol, mixing the two substances can cause nausea and vomiting. Although previously trichomoniasis was thought would produce any significant complications, recent studies have linked it to two serious problems later, increased risk in the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, and low birth weight infants or premature. Additional research is needed to fully explore these connections.