Trichomoniasis treatment in men

Trichomoniasis is an infectious disease that is sexually transmitted and may manifest as minor discomfort or may not cause any complaints in men at all. Most often, the symptoms are limited to minor urethral discharge, burning during urination, or irritation in the area of the urethra, so they are easy to ignore.

The causative agent is the protozoan microorganism — trichomonas vaginalis in men, which causes an inflammatory process in the genitourinary system. Even in the absence of pronounced symptoms, the infection may remain in the body and over time lead to the development of urethritis or prostatitis.

Trichomoniasis does not disappear on its own, therefore it requires treatment regardless of the presence of complaints. Timely diagnosis and properly selected therapy make it possible to eliminate the infection and prevent complications.

The main cause is infection during sexual contact with an infected partner. After entering the body, trichomonad in men can attach to the mucous membrane of the genitourinary organs and cause an inflammatory process.

The probability of infection increases in the presence of risk factors:

• unprotected sexual contacts;
• decreased immune defense of the body;
• other male infections of the genitourinary system.

That is why, even in the absence of pronounced symptoms, it is important to take risk factors into account and undergo preventive examinations in a timely manner.

Such signs of trichomoniasis in men usually have a mild nature or may disappear on their own, which creates a false feeling of improvement. At the same time, the infection continues to remain in the body.

In some cases, the symptoms may intensify or change, especially when other infections are added. That is why even minor or unstable manifestations are grounds for consulting a doctor and undergoing an examination.

Since the manifestations of the infection are often mildly expressed or absent, it is impossible to establish a diagnosis based on symptoms alone. Therefore, laboratory examination is of decisive importance. During the consultation, the doctor assesses the complaints, clarifies possible risk factors, and determines which tests are necessary.

The following are used to confirm the diagnosis:

• PCR testing to detect the causative agent;
• a urethral smear for microscopic analysis;
• urine analysis.

This approach makes it possible to detect trichomonas infection in men, even if it is not accompanied by pronounced symptoms.

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations in order to assess the condition of the genitourinary system and rule out complications. Comprehensive diagnostics make it possible to accurately determine the cause of the symptoms and select effective treatment.

Treatment of trichomoniasis is selected individually — taking into account the test results, the presence of symptoms, and the general condition of the genitourinary system. The main task of therapy is to completely eliminate the infection and prevent its further spread.

The basis of treatment is drug therapy:

• antiprotozoal drugs that act directly on the causative agent;
• agents aimed at reducing the inflammatory process in the genitourinary system;
• additional drugs to support organ functions and recovery after the infection (if indicated).

The specific treatment regimen is determined by the doctor individually. It is important to follow the prescriptions and complete the course in full, even if the symptoms disappear quickly.

An obligatory condition is also the treatment of the sexual partner and temporary abstinence from sexual contacts. This helps to avoid reinfection.

After completion of therapy, it is recommended to undergo follow-up tests to make sure that the infection has been completely eliminated.

The chronic form develops in cases when the infection remains undetected for a long time or the treatment was incomplete. In such a situation, the causative agent does not disappear, but remains in the tissues of the genitourinary system and maintains a prolonged inflammatory process.

Chronic trichomoniasis in men usually has no pronounced symptoms or manifests itself as periodic minor discomfort. This may be slight irritation, unstable discharge, or changes in sensations during urination, which pass quickly and do not cause concern.

Due to the low-symptom course, patients often do not consult a doctor, although the infection continues to remain in the body. Over time, this may lead to the maintenance of a chronic inflammatory process and increase the risk of complications.

Trichomoniasis in men often has a low-symptom course, however, the absence of pronounced complaints does not mean the absence of an inflammatory process. In the absence of treatment, the causative agent may remain in the genitourinary system and maintain prolonged inflammation.

Possible consequences:

• Chronic prostatitis. The infection is capable of spreading to the prostate gland, causing inflammation that manifests itself as pain in the perineum, discomfort during urination, or ejaculation.
• Urethritis. Prolonged inflammation of the urethra may be accompanied by burning, stinging pain, and periodic discharge.
• Inflammation of the epididymis. If the infection spreads, damage to the epididymis with pain and swelling in the scrotal area is possible.
• Spread of the infection to the kidneys. In rare cases, the inflammatory process may rise higher along the urinary tract and lead to the development of pyelonephritis — inflammation of the kidneys.
• Impairment of reproductive function. Trichomonads can affect semen parameters — reduce sperm motility and change their morphology, which complicates conception.
• Increased susceptibility to other infections. Damage to the mucous membranes facilitates the penetration of other pathogens, in particular sexually transmitted infections.
• Infection of partners. A man may remain a source of transmission of the causative agent even in the absence of symptoms.

Timely consultation with a doctor and a full course of treatment make it possible to prevent these complications.

The cost of treatment depends on the stage of development of the infection and the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, a doctor's consultation, basic tests, and standard drug therapy are sufficient. If the infection lasts longer or is accompanied by complications, the scope of diagnostics and treatment may be greater.

At the “Oxford Medical” clinic, patients can go through all stages from the initial examination to monitoring the results after completion of treatment. All necessary medical services are available in one place.

You can ознакомиться with the cost of doctors' consultations here in advance. The doctor will provide you with more detailed information about the treatment program and the price during the appointment. You can make an appointment at a convenient time for you by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.