Trichomonas vaginalis, also known as trich, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasitic protozoan. According to WHO more than 1 million new STIs are acquired every day and approximately 357 million people contract STIs each year. Despite its prevalence, trichomoniasis often goes undiagnosed, leading to serious health consequences if left untreated.

The Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

The symptoms of trichomoniasis can vary from person to person. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience.

• Itching, burning, or soreness in the genital area
• Discomfort during sex or urination
• Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be frothy, greenish, or yellowish in color and have an unpleasant odor

While these symptoms may seem mild, untreated trichomoniasis can lead to more serious health problems, if left untreated such as:.

• HIV infection if they are exposed to the virus.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): that can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy 
• Preterm birth: Pregnant people with trichomoniasis are more likely to give birth prematurely, which can lead to a range of health problems for the baby.
• Prostate cancer: Men with trichomoniasis may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

The Importance of Regular STI Testing

To improve and prevent the transmissions, early diagnosis and optimal management is required. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sexually active women should get tested for trichomoniasis at least once a year, while men should get tested if they experience symptoms.

According to a 2018 study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, less than 20% of sexually active women in the United States aged 15-44 were tested for trichomoniasis in the past year. This means that a large proportion of trichomoniasis cases may be going undiagnosed and untreated.

Getting tested regularly for STIs, including trichomoniasis, is crucial for maintaining good sexual health. Regular testing can help detect STIs early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.This exhibits great practicality and holds significant value for the routine surveillance, rapid diagnosis, and timely therapy of patients with STIs.

At Microbix, we’re committed to providing high-quality diagnostic controls and viral antigens to evaluate sample performance with multiple Point of Care diagnostic platforms and commercial IVD tests that are available. This can help in early detection and diagnosis for STIs like trichomoniasis.With accurate and regular testing, spread of this and other STIs can be prevented and overall public health can be improved.

Get tested for trichomoniasis and other STIs regularly to protect your health and the health of your partners.Don’t wait until it’s too late. Learn more about our STI controls by downloading our brochure.