What is Trichomonas vaginalis and what are the symptoms?

Trichomonas vaginalis is a common vaginal inflammatory disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. It is mainly transmitted directly through sexual intercourse, but can also be transmitted indirectly, including through public bathrooms, bath tubs, bath towels, swimming pools, bidets, and clothing. Women have an incubation period of 4 to 28 days after infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, and 25% to 50% of patients are asymptomatic at the beginning of the infection, with about one third of them showing symptoms within 6 months. The main symptoms of trichomoniasis are increased vaginal discharge and itching of the vulva, which may be accompanied by burning, pain and painful intercourse. The discharge is thin, purulent, yellowish-green, foamy, and smells foul. The itchy areas are mainly the vaginal opening and vulva. If combined with urinary tract infection, there may be frequent and painful urination, and occasionally hematuria is seen. In addition, Trichomonas vaginalis can engulf sperm and hinder the production of lactic acid in the vagina, which affects the survival rate of sperm in the vagina and can lead to infertility.