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.

1. 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.
2. Golden seal and myrrh douche for women done two times a day for two weeks. Wash and dry douche equipment to prevent reinfection.
3. For men-washing the penis thoroughly twice a day with the herbal preparation in #2.
4. Chickweed bath: Steep fresh weed for 15 minutes and add to bath for women and men.
5. Combinations of the above.

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: