According to new research men with prostate cancer who were previously infected with the sexually transmitted germ Trichomonas vaginalis are likely to have a more invasive form of the cancer, compared to men who never had the STD. Trichomonas vaginalis is a type of parasite that can infect the prostate and may cause inflammation that triggers the growth of prostate cancer later in life.
Discovery Through Research
It has been determined that roughly one in five men have been infected with trichomonas at some point in there life. Men infected with trichomonas were no more likely to develop prostate cancer in general. But those with a past trichomonas infection were two to three times more likely to develop an aggressive and potentially life-threatening form of prostate cancer.
It has also been stated that diet has significance when it come to the development of prostate cancer, especially because it is rare in countries like Asian. Although it is very common in Western nations, and researchers feel it’s likely due to some part of the Western diet.
Final Facts
While the link to prostate cancer may sound surprising, there are other cancers caused by STDs. For example, cervical cancer in women is caused by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). (However, HPV is a common infection and many women who are infected with the virus never develop cancer, which is relatively rare.)
As of the present, if you asked the average urologist if Trichomonas vaginalis leads to prostate cancer? The answer would be no. Further research must be done for a final conclusion on the matter of a cause-and-effect relationship, between viruses causing cancers.
About The Author -
Lisa Macfarlane is a professional health writer and editor who specializes in sexual health and men’s health issues.
