Trichomonas vaginitis is usually transmitted sexually.
It causes a green or yellow discharge, which may be numerous, has a fishy smell, and is accompanied by itching or irritation.
If the symptoms indicate vaginitis, the doctor will examine a sample of vaginal discharge and/or cervical secretions and check under a microscope whether the infection is caused by microorganisms.
Long-term use of condoms can prevent this infection.
A single oral dose of metronidazole or tinidazole can cure most patients.
(See also overview of vaginal infections .)
Trichomonas vaginalis can cause symptoms as soon as it enters the vagina, or it can enter the vagina or cervix (the part of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina) for several weeks or months without causing any symptoms. The bladder can also be affected. For men, trichomoniasis usually causes no symptoms and may stay in the urinary tract for days or weeks without causing symptoms. Therefore, women and men may not be aware that they have infected their sexual partners.
Causes of Trichomonas Vaginitis
Trichomonas sexual infection is almost always a sexually transmitted disease ( vaginal trichomoniasis ). Women get sick by having sex with men or women. And men only get the disease after having sex with women. Many patients with this disease also suffer from gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Because Trichomonas vaginalis can survive asymptomatic in women for a long time.
Trichomoniasis can occur in children. If so, the cause may be sexual abuse .
Symptoms of Trichomonas Vaginitis
Patients with trichomonal vaginitis may have green or yellow vaginal discharge, sometimes large, foamy, or both symptoms appear at the same time. May smell fishy. The genital area may be itchy, and the vagina may be red and tender (inflamed). Pain during intercourse. If the bladder is infected, there may be painful urination.
Infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease , and pregnant women can lead to premature delivery and miscarriage.
Diagnosis of Trichomonas Vaginitis
Physician's assessment
Examination of vaginal discharge and/or cervical secretions samples
If a girl or woman develops an abnormal vaginal discharge that persists for more than a few days, or has other vaginal symptoms, she should see a doctor.
Doctors judge trichomonal vaginitis based on symptoms , such as leucorrhea that is green or yellow foam. Then ask questions about vaginal discharge, other symptoms, and possible causes (such as sexually transmitted diseases).
In order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor performs a . During the vaginal examination, the doctor uses a cotton swab to take a sample of vaginal discharge. Then examine the sample under a microscope. With the information provided by this test, the doctor can usually determine the microorganism that is causing the symptoms.
Usually, doctors also use cotton swabs to take some secretions samples from the cervix to check for other sexually transmitted diseases.
If the child has trichomonal vaginitis, the doctor should perform an evaluation to determine whether there is sexual abuse.
Prevention of Trichomonas Vaginitis
Always use condoms correctly during sexual intercourse to help prevent the spread of this infection. However, Trichomonas vaginalis can infect areas that are not covered by condoms. Therefore, condoms cannot completely protect people from infection.
Treatment of Trichomonas Vaginitis
Metronidazole or Tinidazole
If sexual partners are receiving treatment at the same time, a single oral dose of metronidazole or tinidazole (antibiotic) can cure up to 95% of patients with trichomonal vaginitis. Therefore, sexual partners need to be treated at the same time. Do not drink alcohol for at least 72 hours after receiving metronidazole or tinidazole treatment. Drinking alcohol after taking the medicine can cause nausea, vomiting, cramps, flushing and headaches.
During sexual intercourse, condoms should be used until the infection is cured to prevent the spread of infection.
