Trichomoniasis in men
Content:
- Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men
- What to do when there are similar symptoms?
- Diagnosis of trichomoniasis in men
- Treatment of trichomoniasis in men
- Prevention of trichomoniasis in men
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. The causative agent of the pathological process in this case is Trichomonas vaginalis (or Trichomonas vaginalis). This single-celled microorganism has a length of about 13-18 microns and moves due to the undulating movements of the undulating membrane. Trichomonas is an intracellular parasite, with which are associated with some features of the treatment of this venereal infection.
According to international statistics, about 170 million new cases of trichomoniasis are registered worldwide every year. In this case, Trichomonas are found in 40-80% of men who have sexual intercourse with women infected with Trichomonas. This infectious disease is characterized by sexual transmission of the pathogen. During sexual intercourse with a sick person, Trichomonas enter the urethra of a man and adhere to mucosal epithelium cells. Then microorganisms penetrate into the glands of the urethra, lacunae, are introduced into the tissue of the additional sex glands.
First of all, in the male body, Trichomonas affects the urethra, bladder, ureters, seminal vesicles and kidneys, but most often the infection is found in the prostate gland. In the future, the inflammation caused by Trichomonas can cause the development of chronic prostatitis, urethritis, vesiculitis and, as a result, a decrease in the quality of sperm, which ultimately leads to infertility.
However, sexual transmission is not the only mechanism for the spread of trichomonas infection. This type of microorganisms is characterized by high viability in the environment for 40-60 minutes. That is why it is possible to transmit the pathogen when using common hygiene items, such as towels, sponges, as well as when visiting the public pool.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis in men
The clinical picture of trichomoniasis in men depends largely on the virulence of the pathogen and the state of the body's immune system. The greater the pathogenicity of this strain of microorganisms and the weaker the immune defense, the more pronounced the symptoms of the pathological process. In some cases, there is absolutely asymptomatic inflammation and the complete absence of the body's response to the penetration of the pathogen. As a rule, such a state persists until, under any influence, the relations between the “parasite” and the “host” are not disturbed. After this, the first clinical manifestations of trichomoniasis appear. That is why the absence of pathological symptoms is not a reason for the refusal of regular visits to the urologist by men leading active sex life with different partners.
In the classic version of the course of Trichomonas infection, the incubation period is from 1 to 4 weeks. During this time, pathogenic pathogens colonize the tissues of the urethra, glans, prostate and vas deferens. Typically, the clinical manifestations of trichomoniasis in men are less pronounced than in women. As a rule, the following symptoms appear:
- discomfort and itching in the penis area;
- burning and pain during urination;
- the appearance of mucous or purulent discharge from the penis;
- inflammation of the tissues of the glans penis and the foreskin, manifested by redness, irritation and swelling;
- pulling or dull pains in the perineum, difficulty urinating when the infection spreads to the prostate gland;
- decrease in qualitative and quantitative indicators of sperm, determined in the study of semen.
Often there is absolutely asymptomatic for trichomoniasis, especially dangerous in terms of the further spread of the infection. In addition, it is often observed simultaneous infection with trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted infections, for example, chlamydia, gonorrhea, candidiasis. In such situations, the clinical picture of the disease consists of the characteristic symptoms of all infectious processes.
What to do when there are similar symptoms?
In the event of the occurrence of the above symptoms, you should immediately contact the urologist or venereologist. Only a review and examination by a highly qualified specialist will help to make an accurate diagnosis and begin timely effective treatment. Laboratory diagnosis helps to establish the final etiology of the pathological process in this case.
The reliability of the results of the examination in the diagnosis of trichomoniasis depends largely on the quality of the preparation for the visit to the doctor. Before visiting a specialist, you should read and follow the following recommendations:
- 1-2 days before the visit to the doctor should refuse to have sex;
- 1-2 days before visiting the doctor it is not recommended to use any special means for hygiene of the genital organs and perineum;
- as soon as possible it is necessary to stop using any medications, if they have not been appointed by a specialist before;
- on the evening before going to the doctor, it is necessary to make a toilet of the genitals with warm water and ordinary soap;
- it is not recommended to take a shower before going to a specialist in the morning;
- It is not recommended to urinate 2-3 hours before visiting the doctor.
An important point in the diagnosis of trichomoniasis is to collect the history of the disease, which allows to clarify the possible time of infection, the duration of the incubation period and the nature of the pathological symptoms. To this end, the doctor may ask the following questions:
- When did the symptoms first appear?
- What are the first symptoms of the disease?
- Do you have sex?
- What is your number of sexual partners?
- What methods of contraception do you use?
- How did symptoms vary over time?
- Have episodes of similar pathological symptoms occurred before?
- Have you noticed the unusual discharge on the genitals of your partner?
- Have you taken drugs to treat sexually transmitted infections?
- What genital infections have you been diagnosed with before?
- What other diseases are you suffering at the moment or have you suffered in the past?
- Have you had any allergies to taking medications?
These and many other questions help to establish the nature of the pathological process and to identify the approximate time of infection with trichomoniasis. It is very important to identify the sexual partner that served as the source of the spread of genital infection. Even if he has no manifestations of the pathological process, a survey is mandatory. As in men and in women, trichomoniasis can cause the development of serious consequences. Chronic inflammatory process of the pelvic organs is the cause of the development of adhesive disease and the emergence of difficulties with conception in the future. The later the treatment begins, the greater the risk of adverse outcome and the likelihood of infecting other people.
Diagnosis of trichomoniasis in men
Diagnosis of trichomoniasis in men is based on laboratory test data. In order to identify the pathogen, a bacteriological smear from the urethra is performed, which makes it possible to obtain biological material for further study. Smear sampling is carried out using a special probe or tampon, which are inserted into the urethra to a depth of 3 cm. Undoubtedly, this procedure is somewhat painful and unpleasant for men, but does not require the use of painkillers. Within a few hours after taking a sample, there may be mild pain in the area of the glans penis, discomfort and burning during urination. As a rule, such symptoms go away within a few days. In the case of increased pain, the appearance of purulent discharge from the urethra, you should consult with a specialist.
To obtain a reliable analysis result, it is recommended to follow the above described rules for preparing for a specialist visit. This allows you to identify even the minimum amount of pathogen in the biological material. In some situations, a massage of the prostate gland may be required before taking a smear. This procedure allows you to identify Trichomonas, hidden in the prostate tissue with prostate. Massage of the urethra with the help of a special probe helps to increase the reliability of the results of laboratory diagnostics.
After completing the smear-taking procedure under laboratory conditions, a phase-contrast or tempo-field study of a fresh, unpainted preparation is carried out. This diagnostic method allows to obtain immediate results in the presence of pronounced forms of the disease. The most often carried out microscopic examination of the drug, stained with 1% solution of methylene blue. A cultural study of biological material for the isolation of Trichomonas is currently rarely used, mainly for the diagnosis of asymptomatic and asymptomatic forms of the disease.
One of the most modern methods for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis is PCR. This method of detecting pathogenic pathogens is distinguished by maximum diagnostic sensitivity, reliability and specificity. The method of PCR diagnostics is based on the detection of the smallest traces of the genetic material of pathogenic pathogens in samples obtained from the patient being examined. Thanks to the use of special enzymes, it is possible to increase the number of strands of DNA or RNA of a microbe several times. The obtained number of microbial copies can be easily compared with the database and analyzed. Often, PCR can detect the causative agent, even in the case when the results of microbiological studies are negative.
Treatment of trichomoniasis in men
Trichomoniasis refers to sexually transmitted diseases, and therefore, if Trichomonas is detected in one of the sexual partners, the treatment will also be required by the second. This is the only way to avoid re-infection and prevent the development of dangerous consequences of this disease. In addition, during the course of therapy, it is recommended to abandon the use of alcoholic beverages, as the drugs used to eliminate the pathogen can produce undesirable side effects in combination with alcohol.
The most effective in the treatment of trichomoniasis are antibiotics from the group of 5-nitroimidazole, which can have an effect on intracellular pathogens of inflammation. The use of drugs such as Metronidazole, Tinidazole in accordance with all the requirements of a doctor in most cases leads to recovery. The dosage of drugs and the duration of the course of therapy are determined by the attending physician based on the characteristics of the clinical picture.
If after the first stage of treatment, the pathological symptoms of the disease persist or the pathogen is still detected during laboratory examination, it is recommended to undergo a repeated course of therapy with increased doses of drugs. During the course of treatment of trichomoniasis, any sexual contact is undesirable, especially in the case when one of the sexual partners for some reason does not receive treatment.
Prevention of trichomoniasis in men
The best prevention of trichomoniasis is regular sex with a regular sexual partner. At the same time, both partners should be examined by a specialist before engaging in sexual relations. Until receipt of test results it is recommended to use a condom. Preference for barrier contraceptives should also be given in the presence of many partners during casual sexual intercourse. Do not rely on the action of spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 in their composition, since this substance does not provide reliable protection against pathogens of genital infections.