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Trichomonas Vaginitis
Over their life time many women will find themselves having a vaginal infection. Vaginal infections occur not infrequently during the child bearing years. Trichomonas vaginitis is one of the more common vaginal infections. This is especially true when a woman has more than one partner or her partner also has other partners. Trichomonas vaginitis is often a sexually transmitted disease and should be treated upon diagnosis.
What Is Trichomonas?
Trichomonas vaginitis also known as Trichomonas, or simply as "trich," is an infection caused by a one-celled, flagellated parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. While this parasite can survive for a few hours on damp towels or clothes, it is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact. When trichomonas enters into the vagina, it causes an infection which produces a symptomatic and abnormal vaginal discharge. Trichomonas vaginalis lives in the vagina, the cervix as well as in the urethra and bladder. In men it can inhabit the urethra and bladder and possibly the prostate. Trichomonas can multiply when the vaginal, urethra or bladder conditions are favorable. An estimated 2.5 to 3 million Americans are infected with trichomonas each year.
The Trichomonas Organism
Is It Normal To Have Vaginal Discharge?
Yes! Most women have some vaginal discharge normally. This is one of the body's methods of cleansing the vagina and also of keeping the vaginal walls moist. A normal discharge has no bad odor and causes no irritation. Any time you feel there has been a change from what you consider normal for you. It's a good idea to have a medical examination.
What Are the Symptoms of Trichomonas Vaginitis?
Symptoms of Trichomonas generally appear within 4-20 days after the individual has been infected by the trich parasite. In women, a trichomonas infection produces a thin, frothy, greenish to yellowish vaginal discharge which may have a bad or foul-smelling odor. This infection can irritate the vagina causing swelling, burning or itching of the vaginal opening and even the labia. Men infected with "trich" may have little or no symptoms at all. When they do have symptoms, they may be similar to the symptoms women experience, itching, irritation, watery greenish discharge occasionally with a small amount of blood.
Is Trichomonas Dangerous?
No. It can be annoying, frustrating, uncomfortable and even painful but it is not dangerous to your overall life and well-being. It does not injure the reproductive organs. Nor does it cause infertility or loss of ability to become pregnant.
Besides the Symptoms, Is There Any Way To Detect Trichomonas?
In asymptotic women, trichomonas infection can often be discovered at the time of a routine pelvic examination concurrent other vaginal infections. There are a number of simple tests which can identify trichomonas including looking at the vaginal discharge under the microscope, called a "wet mount." Infections can also be detected when you have a Pap test as a regular check for cancer of the cervix.
How Do You Get Trichomonas?
Trichomonas is most often spread by sexual contract with an infected person. However, you can get it without having sexual intercourse. Babies can get trichomonas at birth if the mother has this infection. Also, since this parasite can survive for several hours where there is moisture, direct contact with a recently contaminated object, such as a towel, can lead to infection.
Are There Any Special Factors Which May Contribute To Developing Trichomonas?
Yes. When the general body resistance is decreased by poor health, you can become more susceptible to any infection, which would include trichomonas. Other contributing factors could be:
Diabetes
Excess Weight
Birth Control Pill
Recent Childbirth
Antibiotics Taken for Other Infections
Nylon underwear or pantyhose, if woven too tightly, may contribute to the problem. These fabrics tend to restrict air from circulating, and keep the outer surfaces of the vagina moist. Parasites such as trichomonas grow best in moist environments.
How Is Trichomonas Treated?
Trichomonas is successfully treated in most cases using a medication called Metronidazole or "Flagyl." It is important to remember that while taking Metronidazole you should not drink alcoholic beverages for three days before or after, and especially not while taking this medication. If you do during alcoholic beverages you may experience severe vomiting and abdominal pain. For more information regarding the side effects of using Metronidazole please see our handout Metronidazole (Flagyl) Facts and Instructions. Metronidazole should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
To read more about Flgyl (Metronidazole), click here.
How Can I Decrease My Risk or Prevent Getting Trichomonas?
You can reduce your risk of developing trichomonas by using the following suggestions, however, please be aware they are not 100% guaranteed:
Avoid sexual relations with numerous partners. Next to abstinence, long-term sexual relations with only one person who also has sex only with you, is the best preventive method.
Use basic methods of contraception such as a condom (rubber) and diaphragm together with a contraceptive foam containing nonoxynol-9.
Sexual practices other than vaginal intercourse may also reduce the risk of contracting trichomonas.
Avoid sexual contact with any person known to have trichomonas until their course of treatment is complete and they have received medical clearance.
If You Should Develop Trichomonas or Any Other Sexually Transmitted Disease:
Refer your sexual partner(s) for medical evaluation and treatment. Tell them you are being treated for trichomonas. Explain that they could have trichomonas even if they have no noticeable symptoms and that you could, therefore, be reinfected.
Take all the medications prescribed for you. Do not share your medications with your partner(s).
Do not have any sexual activity until the medication and all other treatment is completed for yourself and your partner(s).
It is extremely important that your partner be treated at the same time you are treated. Otherwise, he or she could reinfect you. Most of the time when treatment with Flagyl doesn't seem to work, it is because the woman is reinfected after she has been treated.
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