Trichomonas vaginitis is a protozoan or one-celled parasite that can reside in the vagina, the cervix, or in the male's lower genital tract. If you study it under a microscope, the protozoan appears like a cell shaped as a teardrop with a tail. Women suffering from trichomonas usually have accompanying discharge or irritation.
Sometimes the cervix may become inflamed, causing bleeding after intercourse or at the time a Pap smear is taken. In exceptional cases, discomfort with urination will occur. In most cases bacterial vaginosis coexists with this infection, since the Trichomonas protozoan is creating an alkaline pH in the vagina that encourages the growth of the "bad" bacteria.
In such cases, the woman may also notice a fishy odor, especially after sexual intercourse. Fortunately, Trichomonas has no significant medical risks. It doesn't go up into the uterus or fallopian tubes or any other part of the body. It is nothing but an uncomfortable annoyance which can be bad enough indeed.
Symptoms of Trichomonas
Almost half of all women with trich present no symptoms and may go undiagnosed for years, even if they have had regular annual examinations. Condoms can help protect against transmission of this trichomonas.
Causes of Trichomonas
Trichomonas vaginitis, also called "trich" (pronounced "trick"), is a sexually transmitted disease. If you believe your relationship is monogamous and have come down with Trichomonas, you may be wondering what the implications are. While it's true that trich can live in the male genital tract, it is only able to survive for a few days or weeks at most.
But in the vagina it can be present for years, and has even been found in elderly women who have not had sex for decades. So many women may have in fact contracted the infection from a previous partner and not know it. Nevertheless, it's important that you have an open, honest discussion with your current partner as it still remains possible that he passed on the infection to you if he was sexually involved with someone else.
Treatment Options for Trich
In most cases trichomonas is treated with an anti-protozoan antibiotic. Metronidazole, aka Flagyl, is known to be the most effective treatment and can be taken orally. In most cases a one-time dose is all you need.
To prevent passing the infection back and forth, sexual partners of women with trich should be treated simultaneously. In exceptional cases, trichomonas vaginitis may resist the ordinary doses of metronidazole. Therefore higher doses are recommended.
by Gerd Petersen
P.S. Check out how I got bacterial vaginosis relief
Sometimes the cervix may become inflamed, causing bleeding after intercourse or at the time a Pap smear is taken. In exceptional cases, discomfort with urination will occur. In most cases bacterial vaginosis coexists with this infection, since the Trichomonas protozoan is creating an alkaline pH in the vagina that encourages the growth of the "bad" bacteria.
In such cases, the woman may also notice a fishy odor, especially after sexual intercourse. Fortunately, Trichomonas has no significant medical risks. It doesn't go up into the uterus or fallopian tubes or any other part of the body. It is nothing but an uncomfortable annoyance which can be bad enough indeed.
Symptoms of Trichomonas
Almost half of all women with trich present no symptoms and may go undiagnosed for years, even if they have had regular annual examinations. Condoms can help protect against transmission of this trichomonas.
Causes of Trichomonas
Trichomonas vaginitis, also called "trich" (pronounced "trick"), is a sexually transmitted disease. If you believe your relationship is monogamous and have come down with Trichomonas, you may be wondering what the implications are. While it's true that trich can live in the male genital tract, it is only able to survive for a few days or weeks at most.
But in the vagina it can be present for years, and has even been found in elderly women who have not had sex for decades. So many women may have in fact contracted the infection from a previous partner and not know it. Nevertheless, it's important that you have an open, honest discussion with your current partner as it still remains possible that he passed on the infection to you if he was sexually involved with someone else.
Treatment Options for Trich
In most cases trichomonas is treated with an anti-protozoan antibiotic. Metronidazole, aka Flagyl, is known to be the most effective treatment and can be taken orally. In most cases a one-time dose is all you need.
To prevent passing the infection back and forth, sexual partners of women with trich should be treated simultaneously. In exceptional cases, trichomonas vaginitis may resist the ordinary doses of metronidazole. Therefore higher doses are recommended.
by Gerd Petersen
P.S. Check out how I got bacterial vaginosis relief
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