Trichomoniasis - Treatment Options and Prevention

Trichomoniasis is one of the most commonly occurring sexually transmitted infections. It generally happens on account of having multiple sexual partners or not using condoms and other protective measures during sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal).

Trichomoniasis leads to a foul smelling vaginal discharge and other symptoms that include spotting/bleeding, painful urination, itching in the vaginal region, all of them resulting in painful sexual intercourse. The single- celled protozoa (pathogen) causing this infection is Trichomonas vaginalis.

Symptoms-

The most common symptoms among women are:

1. vaginal discharge, which can be white, gray, yellow, or green, and usually frothy with an unpleasant smell
2. vaginal spotting or bleeding
3. genital burning or itching
4. genital redness or swelling
5. frequent urge to urinate
6. pain during urination or sexual intercourse

The most common symptoms in men are:

1. discharge from the urethra
2. burning during urination or after ejaculation
3. an urge to urinate frequently

Treatment Options for Trichomoniasis-

The treatment options for Trichomoniasis can be categorized as follows:

1. Antibiotics such as ‘Tinidazole’ or metronidazole can be administered.

2. It is advisable not to consume alcohol within the first 24 hours of being administered ‘metronidazole’ and the first 72 hours of being administered tinidazole as it can lead to severe vomiting and nausea.

3. Metronidazole is strictly advised against during pregnancy as it can harm the baby.

How to Prevent Trichomoniasis?

The preventive measures include:

1. Indulging in safe sex is the best way to prevent Trichomoniasis.

2. Condoms should be used by both the male and the female partners during a sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal).

3. Sharing sex toys is another big ‘NO’ as the carriers of various STDs may spread through their common usage.

4. If a person has already been infected by Trichomoniasis then abstaining from sex is the safest option to prevent it from spreading. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.