What Is Trichomonas Vaginitis?

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.

Trichomonas Vaginitis Symptoms

Around half of all women with Trichomonas present no symptoms and may go undiagnosed for years, even if they have been followed up with regular annual examinations. Condoms are mandatory if you want protection against this organism.

Trichomonas Causes

Trichomonas, aka "trich" (pronounced "trick"), is a sexually transmitted condition. If you know for sure that your relationship is monogamous and have come down with Trichomonas, you may be wondering which implications you can expect. Although Trichomonas can live in the male genital tract, it cannot survive for more than a few days or weeks at most.

But in the vagina it can live for years, and has even been found in elderly women who have not had intercourse for decades. As a matter of fact you may have contracted the condition from a previous partner without knowing it. Nevertheless, it's mandatory that you have an open, honest dialog with your current partner, as it may even be possible that he passed on the infection to you if he was sexually involved with someone else.

How to Treat Trichomonas

Trich is treated with an anti-protozoan antibiotic. Metronidazole, aka Flagyl, is considered the most effective treatment and can be taken orally. In most cases a one-time dose is all that is needed.

Sexual partners of women with trichomonas vaginitis should be treated simultaneously so that the couple doesn't pass the condition back and forth. In very few cases, trichomonas may resist the usual doses of metronidazole. Therefore higher doses are needed.

by: Gerd Petersen

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