Trichomonas | WomensHealthSpecialists.org

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is a one-celled animal that is found in the vagina, urinary tract, and intestines of women, and in the urinary tract and intestines of men. It may or may not cause symptoms and usually does not pose a health threat. Vaginal infections caused by trichomonas are primarily passed through sexual contact.

Vaginal discharge or discharge from the penis may be yellowish, greenish or grayish, and may have a foul, fishy smell. In addition, it may be frothy or have bubbles. Soreness, irritation, swelling and burning of the genitalia may also occur. A woman can learn to recognize trichomonas through vaginal and self-cervical examination.

If no treatment is given, changes in the vaginal cells may occur. This may or may not have any connection with cervical cancer if left untreated for extended periods. Trichomonas can also cause urinary tract infections.

Most medical practitioners prescribe a drug called Metronidazole, or Flagyl. While it seems to be very effective, it does carry certain side effects. These include nausea and vomiting, obscured tastes, "furry tongue", headaches, diarrhea, and darkened urine. Some, none, or rarely all of these may occur with you. You should not use alcohol during treatment, as nausea and vomiting are caused by the combination.

Flagyl is not recommended for people with a history of blood disease, central nervous system disorder, or if other illnesses are present. Flagyl can also lower your body's ability to ward off infection. The main concern with Flagyl is that it has been known to cause cancer in laboratory animals and that it can be harmful during the fetal development stage of pregnancy or to a nursing infant. Flagyl should not be taken in the first trimester of pregnancy. Women who are in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy, or breast feeding, should seriously consider an alternative treatment.

Home Remedies

These are recipes that many people have tried for their own symptoms. They are often as successful, or more successful, than medical treatments, and have fewer side effects.

Garlic suppositories (for women): Peel one clove without nicking it (or it may burn), wrap in gauze to make a tampon and dip into vegetable oil. Insert into the vagina and change it every 12 hours for 3-5 days. Eating garlic can also be very beneficial for both men and women.
Golden seal and myrrh douche for women done two times a day for two weeks. Wash and dry douche equipment to prevent reinfection.
For men-washing the penis thoroughly twice a day with the herbal preparation in #2.
Chickweed bath: Steep fresh weed for 15 minutes and add to bath for women and men.
Combinations of the above.

Prevention

For many women a trichomonas infection may be the only one they have for their lifetime. However, if a woman is experiencing a recurrent infection, she may want to try these preventative measures:

1. Do not use anyone else's towel.

2. Clean the tub before bathing.

3. When using the toilet, make sure not to let any of the genitals touch any part of the seat.

4. Acidify the body (men and women) by drinking cranberry juice. Oranges and citrus foods should be avoided as they can produce alkalinity in the body.

6. Suggest that male partners use a condom. Have your male partner examined and treated by a women's health care practitioner. (Urologists may miss the man's infection as they are not experienced in gynecological concerns.)

7. Female partners can transmit the infection between them. Both female partners should be examined and possibly treated.

8. Both male and female partners can reinfect you; therefore, sexual contact should be avoided during outbreaks and treatments. Male partners may use a condom, but intercourse itself can prolong the infection or make it more uncomfortable.