Urogenital Trichomoniasis

Urogenital trichomoniasis is a protozoal infection of the GU tract by Trichomonas vaginalis, a common female genital disease. Men acquire it by sex or via contaminated underwear/articles; main sites are urethra and prostate. Renal trichomoniasis is pyelonephritis caused by T. vaginalis, transmitted sexually, ascending from urethra, hematogenously, or indirectly via fomites (underwear, swimming, bathing, toilets). Trichomonal cystitis is bladder infection by T. vaginalis. Trichomonads mainly inhabit the posterior fornix/paraurethral glands in women; also urethra/bladder/kidney/Bartholin glands; in men, bladder/urethra/prostate; also kidney/seminal vesicle/prepuce. Mainly sexually transmitted. >3% of male partners of infected women are also infected but mostly asymptomatic—some authors argue the trichomonad itself is non-pathogenic and symptoms reflect secondary bacterial infection. Diagnosis: lab tests and cystoscopy. Treatment: metronidazole, tinidazole, or urethral/bladder irrigation with benzalkonium chloride/silver nitrate. TCM: Baitouweng Tang + Huanglian Jiedu Tang + Shechuangzi, decocted for oral use and dregs reused for external wash—reliably effective.

Common Symptoms

Urethral itching; frequency; hematuria; poor stream; chills; dysuria; distending pain; urgency

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: trichomonads inhabit female posterior fornix/paraurethral glands, or male bladder/urethra/prostate; sexually transmitted. (2) Pathogenesis: T. vaginalis adapts widely, multiplying fastest at 35-37°C, pH 5-6. Normal vaginal pH 3.8-4.0 suppresses it; pregnancy/menstruation raise pH and lower resistance. Carriers are the only reservoir. Direct: sex (high in promiscuous/prostitute populations; often coexists with gonorrhea, NGU/mycoplasma/chlamydia, condyloma, bacterial vaginosis). Indirect: contaminated underwear, swimwear, towels, sanitary pads, toilets, toilet seats, bathtubs, exam tables, inadequately disinfected instruments.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Treat patients and carriers; screen female factory workers/schoolgirls; improve public sanitation; health education; personal/menstrual hygiene. Female condoms help. Treat both partners (especially asymptomatic men) to prevent reinfection.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Urology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.