Medical experts have given a warning over an STI that many people are unaware of which could lead to cancer if not dealt with properly.
Trichomoniasis, or Trich, is a very common, yet almost unheard of STI that may heighten the risk of cervical cancer in women.
This is simply for the reason that most people are asymptomatic. The sexually transmitted infection can cause discharge from the genitals, as well as the possibility of causing pain while urinating, The Mirror reports.
READ MORE: Spain manhunt as man suspected of sending drugs to Ireland abandons car with massive marijuana haul
A women's health expert claims that Trich harms the cervical tissue, making it a 'favourable environment' for HPV - which is responsible for 99 per cent of cases of the disease.
After looking at 500,000 women, those infected with the parasite were almost 80 per cent more likely to have HPV, the study found.
Even chlamydia and gonorrhoea are less widespread than Trich in some parts of the world. Every year, it infects around 180 million people globally.
Symptoms in women
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin or frothy and yellow-green in colour
- Producing more discharge than normal, which may also have an unpleasant fishy smell
- Soreness, swelling and itching around the vagina – sometimes the inner thighs also become itchy
- Pain or discomfort when passing urine or having sex
Symptoms in men
- Pain when peeing or during ejaculation
- Needing to pee more frequently than usual
- Thin, white discharge from the penis
- Soreness, swelling and redness around the head of the penis or foreskin
Lead researcher, Dr Balázs Hamar, an expert in obstetrics and gynaecology at Semmelweis University in Budapest, said: "This is because the infection causes the inflammation and abruption of the cervical epithelium/cervix, providing a favourable environment for pathogens such as HPV."
An easy-to-use finger prick test can be used that can help detect the infection. Trich is mainly passed between people via unprotected sex or through sharing sex toys.
And if it is diagnosed, patients are usually prescribed antibiotics which clears up the infection quickly.
READ NEXT:
- Updated Amy Fitzpatrick documentary in Spain reveals new claims about her disappearance as lawyer speaks out
- Gerry Hutch stays away from restaurant where he was arrested but staff say he's welcome: 'We don't judge'
- RTE star Marty Morrissey expressed interest in hosting Late Late before Patrick Kielty landed job
- Thousands of renters in Ireland missing out on €1,000 windfall amid astonishing low tax credits update
- Mack Hansen gets Andy Farrell tattoo after Grand Slam promise
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
