VAGINITIS, TRICHOMONAL (Trichomoniasis) |
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VAGINITIS, TRICHOMONAL (Trichomoniasis)
DESCRIPTIONTrichomonal vaginitis is 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 vagina, urethra, and bladder in females are involved, as are the prostate gland and urethra in males. ("Vaginitis" means an inflamation of the vagina or sheath.) Trichomonal vaginitis can affect males and females of all ages but is most likely in adolescent and adult females.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications. Both sexual partners require simultaneous treatment.
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.
The severity of discomfort varies greatly from female to female and from time to time in the same female. Infected males may have no symptoms.
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 FACTORS
Frequent changes of sexual partners.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEUsing rubber condoms during sexual intercourse helps.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
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.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSSecondary bacterial infections.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually curable with treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREInstructions for your daughter (or son, where appropriate):
Don't douche unless recommended by your doctor.
Wear cotton panties or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid panties made from non-ventilating materials, such as nylon.
Take showers rather than 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.
-- Urinate while bathing.
Don't sit around in wet clothing--especially a wet bathing suit.
Don't wear tight garments, such as jeans.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe metronidazole for your duaghter as well as any sexual partner or partners. Urge her to follow directions carefully, especially not to drink alcohol or use vinegar when taking metronidazole. Alcohol or vinegar and metronidazone interact to cause a violent reaction with nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, and other symptoms.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your daughter should avoid overexertion, heat, and excessive sweating. Allow about 10 days for recovery.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your daughter has symptoms of trichomonal vaginitis.
Symptoms persist longer than 1 week or worsen despite treatment.
Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.
After treatment, symptoms recur.
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