Trichomoniasis | Young Men’s Health

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It occurs in teens and adults and affects both men and women.

Trichomonads (how they look under a microscope):

What causes trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a single-cell parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite is spread through sexual intercourse, so it’s an STI.

The parasite most commonly infects the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body) and penis. It can also infect the vulva or vagina. It is uncommon for the parasite to infect other parts of the body, such as hands, mouth, or anus. Most people with trichomoniasis do not have symptoms, so they may not get treated and may spread the infection to their partners without even knowing it.

Who is a risk for trichomoniasis?

Approximately 2.6 million people in the United States are infected with trichomoniasis. During sex, the parasite is transferred from one person to another. The parasite can be passed on from penis to vagina, vagina to penis, or vagina to vagina. Similar to other STIs a person’s risk of trichomoniasis is higher if:

• they do not use a condom or dental dam with sexual contact(s)
• they have multiple sexual contacts
• their sexual contact(s) have more than one sexual contact

What are some signs/symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Most people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms. People with a penis may develop symptoms including:

• Burning after urination (or peeing)
• Burning after ejaculation
• Itching or irritation inside the penis (urethra)
• Discharge from the penis

It’s always a good idea to talk to your partner(s) about whether they’ve been diagnosed with an STI, including trichomoniasis.

Contact your health care provider if you think that you have trichomoniasis or may have been exposed to trichomonas through sexual contact so that you can be tested and if needed, treated.

How can a health care provider tell if I have trichomoniasis?

Currently the most common way to test for trichomoniasis is with a urine sample.  This means you would urinate into a cup, and then your urine is tested for trichomonas.  If you are having discharge from your penis, the discharge may be tested for trichomoniasis.

Are there complications of trichomoniasis?

Having trichomoniasis can increase your risk of getting or spreading other STI’s. For example, having trichomoniasis can cause genital inflammation, which can make it easier to get infected with or spread HIV to a sexual contact.

How is trichomoniasis treated?

If you’re diagnosed with trichomoniasis, your health care provider will give you a prescription for a specific antibiotic (most commonly metronidazole or tinidazole). It’s important for your sexual contacts to be treated as well.

Medication for trichomoniasis is only available by prescription. It is a pill you take by mouth. You and your sexual contact(s) each need to take the whole dose of the medication for it to be the most effective. It’s common to give the prescription in a single dose. It’s important to know that drinking alcohol with the medicine can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. To avoid these side effects, we recommend not drinking alcohol for 24 hours after taking metronidazole or 72 hours after taking tinidazole.

How can trichomoniasis be prevented?

The only way to prevent trichomoniasis completely is to not have sex. If you’re going to have sex and have a penis, a latex condom is the most effective way to lower your risk of getting trichomoniasis and other STIs.

Additional Information:

Trichomoniasis: CDC Fact Sheet

Symptoms, treatments, effect on conception

Semen allergy (seminal plasma hypersensitivity) is an allergic reaction to the proteins in semen. It can lead to itching and burning in the skin and systemic symptoms, such as hives and swelling. Using a condom and taking medications may help prevent a reaction.

People may also refer to a semen allergy as a sperm allergy, semen contact allergy, or human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP).

It is unclear how many people HSP affects. However, research suggests around 8% of females in the United States.

In this article, we examine semen allergy and who it affects. We also look and the causes and symptoms and the potential treatment options.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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People may experience symptoms 10–30 minutes following contact with semen, lasting for a few hours or up to a few days.

Symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours. However, localized pain, itching, and general malaise can continue for several days to weeks.

Once a person experiences symptoms of HSP, they will usually experience symptoms regardless of their sexual partner. However, in some cases, the symptoms may only develop with a specific sexual partner.

Localized reactions

Symptoms of a semen allergy may affect the vulvovaginal area, penis, or any area that comes into contact with semen, including the hands, mouth, chest, and anus.

Symptoms may be local to the affected area and include:

• changes in skin color of the affected area
• itching
• pain
• burning sensations
• swelling

Blistering around the vulvovaginal opening and penis can also occur, although this is less common.

Systemic reactions

In some cases, HSP symptoms may affect the whole body, which can result in:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the tongue, lips, and throat
• gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting

If people develop symptoms of a severe, life threatening allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, they should seek emergency medical attention.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:

• hives
• swelling of the face or mouth
• wheezing
• fast, shallow breathing
• a fast heart rate
• clammy skin
• anxiety or confusion
• dizziness
• vomiting
• blue or white lips
• fainting or loss of consciousness

If someone has these symptoms:

1. Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
2. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
3. Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
4. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.

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Males can be allergic to their own semen. The term for this is post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). POIS is a rare condition that causes a flu-like reaction after ejaculation.

People with POIS may have symptoms such as:

• fatigue
• headache
• fever
• stuffy nose
• sore throat

POIS may occur due to an autoimmune or allergic reaction to substances in semen or an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.

Semen allergy is a rare condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to the proteins in semen, causing an allergic reaction. No one knows why HSP develops.

Semen allergy most commonly affects females. Over 40% of women with HSP may experience it after the first time they have sexual intercourse.

Of those who develop HSP, over 60% of people may receive a diagnosis between the ages of 20–30. Some people may experience HSP for the first time following menopause.

People may experience HSP with one sexual partner and not another. It can occur suddenly with a long-term sexual partner.

People with a family history of HSP may be more at risk of developing the condition.

HSP can cause similar symptoms to other conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaginitis, or yeast infections.

A doctor takes a medical history and assesses symptoms to diagnose HSP. They may carry out tests to help rule out other possible conditions, such as:

• vaginal examination
• vaginal swabs to check for any bacterial or yeast infections
• nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which help to rule out any STIs
• blood tests

A doctor may perform a skin prick test using a sample of semen proteins from the person’s sexual partner. The doctor can then check for any reaction.

Treatment options for HSP may include:

• using a barrier method such as a condom
• taking an oral antihistamine 30–60 minutes before intercourse
• having an epinephrine autoinjector, such as an EpiPen, to hand in case of a severe allergic reaction
• desensitization treatment, which may include gradual dilutions of semen from a sexual partner into the vagina or injections of semen proteins under the skin

HSP does not directly affect fertility or pregnancy. However, it can affect the ability to conceive if people use barrier methods to protect themselves from an allergic reaction during intercourse.

If people with HSP wish to become pregnant, they may consider artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). For these methods, washing the sperm prevents it from causing an allergic reaction.

In most cases, artificial insemination with washed sperm does not cause allergic reactions in people with HSP.

HSP may affect intimacy and may lead to sexual dysfunction and relationship issues.

In some cases, people may develop anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is life threatening, and people will require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually affect more than one area of the body and can include:

• swelling
• difficulty breathing
• a red rash with itchy hives
• wheezing
• chest tightness
• fainting
• difficulty swallowing
• hoarse voice
• stomach cramps
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• change of skin tone
• a feeling of dread or impending doom

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If people have a severe allergic reaction, they should use an epinephrine autoinjector and call 911.

HSP is rare. However, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms and affect a person’s sex life. Without treatment, a semen allergy may negatively affect a relationship.

Occasionally, HSP may cause a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Although HSP does not directly affect fertility, it may make it more difficult to conceive through unprotected intercourse. People wanting to become pregnant may need alternative options, such as IVF.

In over 95% of affected females, desensitization injection treatment effectively relieves symptoms of HSP. The treatment must be ongoing for sustained results, with exposure to the semen two to three times a week.

HSP is an allergic reaction to the proteins in semen. People may have a semen allergy if they notice symptoms of an allergic reaction after coming into contact with semen.

Symptoms can be similar to other conditions, such as STIs, including itching, redness, and swelling. A doctor may perform a physical examination and a blood or skin prick test to diagnose HSP.

Treatment for HSP may include using barrier methods such as condoms, antihistamines, or desensitization to the allergen. People with HSP may need to use artificial insemination or IVF to conceive.

If people have a severe allergic reaction, they should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Itching and burning after sex, treatment of itching after sexual contact in men and women

Sex is an important attribute of the life of men and women. It allows you to feel the maximum intimacy with your partner, relieve stress and ultimately conceive a child. However, the process can be overshadowed by severe discomfort. So, sometimes there is a burning sensation after sex. This situation is not the norm, but sometimes it is provoked by physiological causes that do not require elimination. To understand how to act in this situation, it is important to familiarize yourself with the features of the manifestation of the problem and understand when it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor.

Common causes of itching (burning) after sex in both partners

Burning after intercourse and itching can occur in both sexual partners. The following reasons lead to the appearance of such a phenomenon:

1. Candidiasis. Usually, thrush is considered a purely female disease, but candidiasis can also occur in men. This is the most common factor that provokes the appearance of itching after intercourse. The disease is an infection that provokes a pathological increase in the number of fungi. The situation can be caused by hormonal failure, decreased immunity, antibiotics. Severe itching, the presence of cheesy secretions, redness and burning of the external genital organs testify to thrush. Additionally, there may be pain during urination and sexual intercourse.
2. Infections of various kinds. Their presence may be indicated by atypical discharge, as well as itching after intercourse. Sometimes there is an increase in temperature and pain of different localization. To accurately know the type of infection and begin effective treatment, you need to contact a specialist.
3. Allergy. Lubricants, barrier contraceptives, devices used during sex can become provoking factors. The result is redness, discomfort, burning sensation and itching. Features of an allergic reaction directly depend on the personal nuances of the human body. Only 1 type of negative symptoms may appear. Irritation is usually caused by a specific component – latex, flavoring, disinfectant. You can resolve the issue by discontinuing use of the product containing the component. To do this, it is important to correctly identify the causes that led to the development of the situation. An allergy test, which is carried out in a clinic, will help.
4. Skin irritation. In this case, itching after intercourse or burning provoke hygienic procedures or depilation. If the product is too aggressive, it can damage sensitive skin and lead to discomfort after sex.
5. Non-compliance with the principles of personal hygiene. This factor is often excluded, but it is considered one of the fundamental ones. If a person neglects personal hygiene or rarely performs procedures, the appearance of a feeling of discomfort, which intensifies after intercourse, becomes a natural phenomenon.

If the genitals itch after sex, it is important to think about what could have caused the situation. If the likelihood of an allergy is excluded, aggressive hygiene procedures were not carried out, and care products did not change, a disease may occur. In this case, a visit to a specialist is indispensable. Only he can say for sure what exactly led to the appearance of the problem.

If the situation is triggered by a sexually transmitted disease, both partners should be treated. Otherwise, it will not be useful, and after a while the problem will arise again.

Causes of itching in men

Men have personal causes that cause itching after sex, For example, the situation arises due to the presence of balanoposthitis. So called inflammation of the foreskin. It is often provoked by mechanical factors during intimacy. The situation can be caused by insufficient hydration during intercourse. In addition, the situation arises due to the wearing of synthetic underwear, violations of heat exchange and other factors. Sex increases discomfort, so you can experience strong discomfort after intimacy.

The male genitourinary system is rather fragile. Even stress can be the cause of discomfort. If a man is very worried that his partner may not appreciate his abilities in bed, or feels anxious for another reason, this can cause characteristic itching after ejaculation occurs.

Don’t forget about sexually transmitted diseases. The main symptom of most of them is considered a characteristic itching or burning sensation. They can occur both after sexual intercourse and between intimacy.

Causes of itching in women

Women also often face the problem. For some girls, this situation is repeated all the time, so they tend to believe that discomfort is a manifestation of the norm. However, this is absolutely not the case, so discomfort should cause concern. They can be provoked by a pathogenic fungus obtained from a partner. And it’s not always Candida fungi that cause thrush.

Another common cause of itching is trichomoniasis. The problem is accompanied not only by itching, but also by yellow-green discharge. They may become frothy.

Women during menopause often complain of burning sensation after sexual intercourse. When menopause occurs, there is a decrease in the level of female sex hormones. As a result, thinning of the vaginal mucosa is observed. Additionally, the number of glands that are present in it decreases. As a result, natural lubrication during intercourse is not enough. This increases the risk of microtrauma. After intimacy, a woman begins to feel severe dryness and burning.

This is not the only problem. During menopause, women often experience vaginitis. They can also provoke itching of the labia after sex. However, more often this problem is characteristic of thrush. So that a person does not experience discomfort, it is important to use additional moisturizers during menopause, which ensure the sliding of the penis and reduce the risk of microtrauma.

Where and to whom to contact

It is extremely problematic to understand why the penis itches after sex. This is due to the fact that the symptoms may be blurred. In addition, the lack of experience and knowledge does not allow a correct diagnosis. As a result, a person runs the risk of harming himself and only worsening the problem.

If your vagina or penis itches after intercourse, you should immediately contact a specialist. Only a doctor can correctly diagnose. Women and men have their own specialists. The urologist-andrologist deals with the treatment of diseases of the male reproductive system. He is engaged in the diagnosis, and then carries out the fight against the identified problem. For this, treatment is prescribed. You should visit a specialist if you have the following symptoms:

• unusual discharge from the glans penis;
• the genitals are inflamed;
• there is redness of any localization;
• no erection;
• other problems are observed, accompanied by itching after intercourse.

A gynecologist deals with the treatment of diseases of the female genitourinary system. It should be visited in the following cases:

• strange discharge after or during intercourse;
• there is inflammation of any kind;
• there is an unpleasant smell from the vagina;
• sexual intercourse causes great discomfort;
• there are any other problems.

Remember that itching or burning after sex is enough to send you to the doctor. Only a specialist is able to establish for certain the root causes of the development of situations, prescribe competent treatment and prevent the spread of infection, if any.

How to treat burning sensation after sex

After receiving a request from a patient, the doctor will first of all conduct an oral questioning, and then perform an examination. During it, the specialist will pay attention to the presence of inflammation and other changes indicating the presence of pathology. Then the sampling of biological material for research can be performed. It will be sent to the laboratory, where a detailed diagnosis will be carried out.

When the tests are ready, the specialist will prescribe the treatment. It depends on the characteristics of the identified pathology. If bacterial infections are detected, antibiotics will be used. They will remove pathogenic microflora. Additionally, the use of healing ointments is permissible. They are effective if microtraumas are identified. Such damage occurs during intense sexual intercourse.

When fungi provoked discomfort, antifungal agents are used. This allows you to suppress the pathogenic microflora and normalize the patient’s condition.

Thus, itching and burning after sex often occurs in men and women. This phenomenon can have pathological and physiological causes. The latter are caused by natural factors and do not require specific treatment. If pathologies are observed, it is important to correctly eliminate them. Only a professional doctor with practical experience and specialized specialization is able to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. Contact our specialists and eliminate the discomfort after sex, making this process as pleasant as possible for both partners.

Burning in the genital area during sex

Itching and burning of the genital organs – evidence of genital infections

As a rule, when a patient comes to see me with such a problem, it indicates that she has a urinary-genital infection. Burning and itching during or after sex is a problem that many women are familiar with, and its solution cannot be put off. Sexual intercourse should not cause discomfort, and you should not hope that they will pass without the help of a doctor. Itching and burning are symptoms that may indicate the presence of diseases such as hypofunction of the ovaries (burning due to dryness), kraurosis, and it can also be a symptom of the presence of a genital infection. It can manifest itself, for example, with pain at the very beginning of intercourse, burning during sex, etc. There are a great many reasons that cause discomfort and pain during intercourse. They can be identified only with the help of a thorough examination by a gynecologist and testing for accurate diagnosis.

The normal vaginal flora includes many different microorganisms, including opportunistic pathogens. The creation of certain conditions or a change in the previous ones (violation of the composition of the microflora, injury to the mucous membranes, a change in the pH level, etc.) can lead to the activation of the infection, for example, to the rapid reproduction of Candida fungi. They are the main cause of itching and burning of the genital organs, however, more than 20 diseases are noted in gynecology, which are characterized by these symptoms.

Common infections that cause burning and itching of the genitals

Candidiasis (thrush). Candida fungi causes the development of an inflammatory process in the vagina and external genitalia.