VAGINITIS, TRICHOMONAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Infection or inflammation of the vagina caused by a parasite that lives in the lower genitourinary tract of males and females. This is very contagious between sexual partners. The severity of discomfort varies greatly from woman to woman and from time to time in the same woman. Infected men may have no symptoms.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Vagina, urethra and bladder in women; prostate gland and urethra in men.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED-- Adolescents and adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Foul-smelling, frothy vaginal discharge that is most noticeable several days after a menstrual period.
• Vaginal itching and pain.
• Redness of the vaginal lips (labia) and vagina.
• Painful urination, if urine touches inflamed tissue.

CAUSES--Infection from a tiny parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. The parasite passes from person to person during sexual intercourse. It may live in its host for years without producing symptoms. Then, perhaps from altered resistance, it will suddenly multiply rapidly and cause distressing symptoms. Since it thrives in both the male and female, both sexual partners must receive treatment.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Number of sexual partners.

HOW TO PREVENT--Use latex condoms during sexual intercourse.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam (including pelvic exam) by a doctor.
• Microscopic exam of the vaginal discharge or prostate secretions.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment. Both sexual partners require simultaneous treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Secondary bacterial infections.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Don't douche unless recommended by your doctor.
• Wear cotton panties or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid panties made from nylon, silk or other non-ventilating materials.
• Take showers instead of tub baths.
• If urinating causes burning: Urinate through a tubular device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the end cut out, or pour a cup of warm water over genital area while you urinate.
• Don't sit around in wet clothing, especially in a wet bathing suit.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe metronidazole for you and your sexual partner or partners. Follow directions carefully. Don't drink alcohol or use vinegar when you take metronidazole. Alcohol or vinegar and metronidazole interact to cause a violent reaction with nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness and other symptoms.

ACTIVITY--Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating. Delay sexual relations until you are well. Allow about 10 days for recovery.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of trichomonal vaginitis.
• Symptoms persist longer than 1 week or worsen, despite treatment.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.
• After treatment, symptoms recur.