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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Trichomoniasis
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is an infection of the vagina and penis. It
is a sexually transmitted disease that can be treated and
does not cause any serious permanent damage.
How does it occur?
A type of tiny organism called Trichomonas vaginalis causes
the infection. Sexual partners not using condoms can spread
these organisms in sexual secretions.
What are the symptoms?
Many women infected with Trichomonas do not have any
symptoms. When they do have symptoms, the most common ones
are a large amount of vaginal discharge and vaginal itching.
Women may also notice a frothy, discolored discharge from
the vagina and discomfort during urination.
Most men do not have symptoms. When they do, the symptom is
usually an irritation at the tip of the penis.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will get a sample of fluid from
the vagina or penis. The fluid will be examined under a
microscope. The organism that causes trichomoniasis may be
seem swimming in the fluid. Your health care provider also
may culture the fluid for Trichomonas. Results of the
culture will be available in 2 to 7 days.
Your health care provider may test you for other sexually
transmitted diseases. Your sexual partner(s) should also be
tested.
How is it treated?
Trichomoniasis is treated with the drug metronidazole
(Flagyl). If you may be or are pregnant, tell your health
care provider. This medicine should not be used during the
first trimester of pregnancy.
Your sexual partner(s) should also be treated. Do not have
sex until both you and your partner have finished your
medicine.
How do I take care of myself while I'm being treated?
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking metronidazole.
If you do, you may have severe nausea and vomiting.
What can be done to help prevent trichomoniasis?
Latex condoms are the only way to protect against
trichomoniasis.
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