Trichomonas vaginitis is a protozoan or one-celled parasite that can reside in the vagina, the cervix, or in the male's lower genital tract. If you study it under a microscope, the protozoan appears like a cell shaped as a teardrop with a tail. Women suffering from trichomonas usually have accompanying discharge or irritation.




Sometimes the cervix may become inflamed, causing bleeding after intercourse or at the time a Pap smear is taken. In exceptional cases, discomfort with urination will occur. In most cases bacterial vaginosis coexists with this infection, since the Trichomonas protozoan is creating an alkaline pH in the vagina that encourages the growth of the "bad" bacteria.

In such cases, the woman may also notice a fishy odor, especially after sexual intercourse. Fortunately, Trichomonas has no significant medical risks. It doesn't go up into the uterus or fallopian tubes or any other part of the body.  It is nothing but an uncomfortable annoyance which can be bad enough indeed.

Common Symptoms of Trichomonas

About half of all women with trichomonas vaginitis present no symptoms and may go undiagnosed for years, even if they have undertaken regular annual examinations.  Condoms can protect against transmission of this condition.

What Causes Trichomonas?

Trichomonas, also known as "trich" (pronounced "trick"), is a sexually transmitted disorder. If you know your relationship is monogamous and have come down with Trichomonas, you may be wondering which implications it has.  Although trich can reside in the male genital tract, it can only survive for a few days or weeks at most.

In the vagina, however, it can be present for years, and has even been discovered in older women who have not had sex for decades. So, as a matter of fact you may have contracted the infection from a previous partner and not known it. Nevertheless, it's imperative that you have an open, honest dialogue with your current partner, as it still remains possible that he passed on the condition to you if he was sexually involved with someone else.

Treatment of Trichomonas

Trichomonas vaginitis is commonly treated with an anti-protozoan antibiotic. The most effective treatment is metronidazole or Flagyl, which can be taken orally. Most often a one-time dose is all that is needed.  

Male sexual partners of women with trich should be treated simultaneously so that the couple doesn't pass the infection back and forth.  Rarely, trich is resistant to the usual doses of metronidazole and higher doses are needed.

by Gerd Petersen

P.S. Read about how I got bacterial vaginosis relief