Trichomoniasis


What are the symptoms of trichomonal and fungal vaginitis?
Trichomonal vaginitis primarily presents with symptoms such as vulvar itching, yellow purulent vaginal discharge, and a foul odor; severe cases can cause vaginal congestion and edema. If it is candidal vaginitis, the main symptom is severe vulvar itching, sometimes accompanied by vulvar edema. Scratching may reveal scratch marks on the vulva. The discharge in this type of vaginitis typically resembles cottage cheese and usually does not have an odor, but a foul smell may occur if there is a bacterial co-infection. In terms of treatment, these two types of vaginitis require different approaches. Trichomonal vaginitis can be treated with metronidazole or tinidazole, whereas candidal vaginitis can be treated with clotrimazole vaginal tablets. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)


Can trichomoniasis be cured?
Trichomonas infection in women results in trichomonal vaginitis, which is treatable and curable. The primary treatment for trichomonal vaginitis involves oral intake of metronidazole or tinidazole, and metronidazole can also be placed inside the vagina. However, during treatment, both male and female partners must undergo treatment simultaneously, as this disease is mostly transmitted through sexual intercourse. Therefore, if a woman has trichomonas, it is very likely that the male partner also has it. If the male does not receive treatment, he may re-infect the female during subsequent sexual activities. Thus, thorough treatment can only be achieved after both partners are treated. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)


How to deal with recurrent trichomoniasis?
If you have trichomonal vaginitis, there will be an increase in vaginal discharge and itching in the vulva. If not treated thoroughly, it may recur frequently. It is recommended for trichomonal vaginitis to purchase some cleansing solution to wash the vulva and use metronidazole vaginal tablets to reduce inflammation and treat the condition, continuing for seven to ten days as one treatment course. If the symptoms are severe, it might be necessary to undergo three treatment courses, and the sexual partner should also be treated simultaneously. During the treatment period, refrain from sexual intercourse to prevent cross-infection.


How to treat symptoms of trichomonal vaginitis
Trichomonas vaginitis should not be diagnosed solely based on symptoms. Even if there are symptoms like frothy white discharge, a lab test is necessary for confirmation before treatment can proceed. Trichomonas vaginitis requires both partners to take oral medication simultaneously. Medications such as metronidazole, tinidazole, or ornidazole, which target trichomonas, are necessary. It is essential to take these medications orally; treatment cannot rely only on vaginal applications. Both partners must also sanitize all underwear either by ironing or sun exposure to prevent recurrence. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional doctor.)


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.