Trichomoniasis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Trichomoniasis

Alternative Names:

Trichomonas vaginitis; "Trich"
Treatment:

Treatment with antibiotics is used to cure the infection. Metronidazole is commonly used. It is important to avoid drinking alcohol throughout the course of treatment and for 48 hours after antibiotics are completed. Use of alcohol with metronidazole can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Avoid intercourse until treatment has been completed.

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Sexual partners should be considered infected and should be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is likely to be excellent if the condition is treated adequately.

Complications:

If prolonged infection is present, it may cause changes in the tissue on the cervical surface. These changes may be noted on a routine Pap smear. In such cases, treatment should be initiated and the Pap smear repeated 3 to 6 months after successful treatment.

It is important that trichomoniasis be treated to prevent symptoms and transmission to partners. Trichomoniasis can also increase the probability of acquiring HIV infection from an infected partner.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any unusual vaginal discharge or irritation is noted.

Also call for an appointment if you suspect that you have been exposed to the disease.