Trichomoniasis
Is vaginal itching vaginalitis?
Vaginal itching is mostly caused by vaginitis, with trichomonal vaginitis and candidal vaginitis causing noticeable symptoms. It is best to visit a hospital to test vaginal discharge and determine the infectious pathogen before medicating. Candidal vaginitis can be treated with clotrimazole vaginal tablets, miconazole suppositories, and oral fluconazole and itraconazole, which are all very effective. For trichomonal vaginitis, oral treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole can be used, and metronidazole can also be placed inside the vagina. These medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
Trichomonal vaginitis is generally caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Typical symptoms include an increase in vaginal discharge, which is usually thin, serous, grayish-yellow, yellow-green, or frothy. There may also be itching, burning of the vulva, and pain during intercourse. Sometimes, it can affect the urethra, leading to symptoms like painful urination and urinary urgency. Generally, a routine vaginal discharge test is needed to clarify the bacterial analysis. It is advised that patients pay more attention to local hygiene, wash the vulva more often, and try to keep the vulval area dry and clean.
How can trichomoniasis be cured without recurring?
For women, contracting trichomonas means getting trichomoniasis vaginitis. The main transmission route of trichomoniasis vaginitis is through sexual intercourse. If there is a history of unprotected sexual activity, it is possible to contract this type of vaginitis. Additionally, going to public baths for showers can also increase the risk of contracting this type of vaginitis. Therefore, if trichomoniasis vaginitis is not completely treated or if personal hygiene is poor, it is very likely to recur. During the first treatment, it is essential to follow the complete course of treatment, using Metronidazole or Tinidazole for seven days. After stopping the medication, a follow-up examination should be conducted after another seven days. If the results are negative in two consecutive follow-up checks, then it is considered cured. However, it is necessary for both male and female partners to undergo treatment simultaneously. If the male partner does not undergo treatment, the infection is likely to recur in the female partner. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
How to treat the symptoms of trichomoniasis vaginitis?
Trichomonas vaginitis is one of the common types of vaginitis in women and is classified as a sexually transmitted disease. It can cause symptoms of urinary tract infection by invading the urinary tract, such as frequent urination, urgent urination, painful urination, and even bloody urine. The main treatment involves the use of systemic medications, currently primarily nitroimidazole drugs, including metronidazole and tinidazole. The main treatment regimens include taking two pills of metronidazole as a single dose, two pills of tinidazole as a single dose, or 400 mg of metronidazole twice daily for seven consecutive days. Sexual partners need to be treated simultaneously, and unprotected sexual intercourse should be avoided during the treatment period. Within three months of treatment, patients should be re-examined, generally after the menstrual period is over. If three consecutive re-examinations are negative, it can be declared cured.
How long does it generally take to treat a trichomoniasis infection?
Trichomoniasis infection generally improves within a week. Trichomoniasis requires symptomatic medication, and typically, is almost completely resolved after a week. Clinically, trichomonal vaginitis usually presents as abnormal discharge. Normally, vaginal discharge in women is clear, transparent, odorless, and minimal. Patients with trichomoniasis will have watery discharge with a fishy odor and itching, especially worsening at night. At this time, topical medications for symptomatic treatment can be used as well as oral medications. Thus, trichomoniasis is a common condition among women, and the treatment is generally effective, with symptomatic treatment usually resulting in improvement within a week.
Can trichomonas be seen with the naked eye?
Trichomonas cannot be seen with the naked eye; to test for trichomonas, observation under a microscope is required, involving the collection of vaginal secretions. The simplest method is to mix the vaginal secretions with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution using a slide technique. After mixing the vaginal secretions with the sodium chloride solution, immediately search for trichomonas under low magnification. If trichomonas exhibiting wave-like motion and increased white blood cells being pushed are visible under the microscope, it is highly suspected that trichomonas is present. Moreover, it is advised to avoid sexual intercourse or local medication 24-48 hours before collecting the secretions.
Which is more serious, trichomoniasis or fungus?
The symptoms of trichomonal vaginitis and candidal vaginitis are different. In cases of candidal vaginitis, there is severe itching of the vulva, which can lead to congestion and edema of the vulva, difficulty sleeping at night, restlessness, and sometimes a burning pain of the vulva. In trichomonal vaginitis, although there is itching of the vulva, it is not very severe; the main symptom is a yellow, purulent vaginal discharge with a foul odor. Candidal vaginitis may occur due to local moist conditions of the vulva, long-term use of antibiotics, or in patients with diabetes, thus treatment involves addressing the underlying condition as well as the local infection. Most cases of trichomonal vaginitis are transmitted through sexual activity, so it is necessary for both partners to be treated simultaneously.
Can trichomoniasis be completely cured?
Trichomonas vaginitis can be completely cured, but it is mostly transmitted through sexual activity. Therefore, both partners must be treated simultaneously during treatment. Oral metronidazole or tinidazole can be taken, and metronidazole can also be placed inside the vagina. Generally, a 7-day course of treatment is sufficient for cure. One week after stopping the medication, a follow-up examination should be conducted, and this should be repeated twice. Only if both results are negative can the cure be considered complete. Males also need to take the medication for at least 7 days, because if a woman is treated and then resumes sexual activity, the male can re-infect the female. (Please use the medication under the guidance of a doctor.)
Can trichomonas get pregnant?
If a woman undergoing a vaginal secretion test is found to have trichomonas, she should be diagnosed with trichomoniasis. It is not recommended for women with trichomoniasis to become pregnant; they should first treat the trichomoniasis before attempting conception. If pregnancy occurs while trichomoniasis is present, the inflammation might spread through the cervix into the uterine cavity, affecting the implantation and later development of the gestational sac. Even if the gestational sac develops in the early stages, there might be complications such as intrauterine infection or premature rupture of membranes later on. Therefore, once diagnosed with trichomoniasis, treatment with medications should be initiated, typically healing within a week. After experiencing another menstrual cycle, it is then completely safe to try to conceive.
How to completely cure trichomonal vaginitis?
During the treatment of trichomonas vaginitis, it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the vulva to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Clean the vulva daily, change underwear frequently, and avoid eating spicy foods and drinking alcohol during the acute phase. Sexual activities should be prohibited during the treatment period. After the treatment, it is important to promptly check for trichomonas negativity. Treatment should continue for one more course after the next menstrual period is clean, and vaginal discharge should be re-examined after each menstrual period; only after three negative results can it be considered cured. Additionally, attention should be paid to avoiding reinfection during treatment. Underwear and towels used for washing should be boiled for five to ten minutes to eliminate pathogens, which is crucial for the radical cure of trichomonas vaginitis.