WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR TRICHOMONIASIS?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. FOR WOMEN:
A. Metronidazole # {RX} 2 g orally in a single dose
B. Tinidazole # *{RX} 2 g orally in a single dose

2. FOR MEN:
A. Metronidazole # {RX} 500 mg orally twice a day for 5 to 7 days.
B. Tinidazole # {RX} 500 mg orally twice a day for 5 to 7 days.

3. FOR WOMEN WITH ONE UNSUCCESSFUL TREATMENT:
A. Metronidazole # {RX} 500 mg twice a day for 7 days.

4. FOR WOMEN WITH RECALCITRANT TRICHOMONIAIS:
A. Metronidazole # {RX} 2 g once a day for 5 days may be effective
B. Tinidazole # {RX} 2 g once a day for 5 days may be effective

CAUTION:

1. Metronidazole (Flagyl) may cause Leukopenia, a bad reaction to alcohol, or a Vaginal Yeast Infection. It should NOT be prescribed or taken during the first three months of pregnancy because it might cause a birth defect.
2. The safety of Tinidazole during any time of pregnancy has NOT been determine to be safe, so it is not used anytime a women is pregnant.
3. Bacteria Vaginosis symptoms closely resemble Trichomoniasis symptoms; therefore, when possible, it is important to examine vaginal secretions under a microscope to make a definitive diagnosis.

3. All medications, including those used to treat Trichomoniasis, have a risk of side effects.

4. Possible mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.

5. Possible severe side effects are a severe rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), or a Clostridioides difficile infection (C-Diff).

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TRICHOMONIASIS?

The symptoms of trichmoniasis are yellow-green vaginal discharge and a fishy smell. Women will also usually have genital itching. In addition, women may have pain when they urinate.

The symptoms of trichomoniasis in men is also a yellow-green discharge. They may also have pain when they urinate. However, the vast majority of men will have no symptoms.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF TRICHOMONIASIS?

Unlike most other sexually transmitted diseases, which are caused by bacteria, Trichomoniasis is not caused by a bacteria, but is instead caused by a one-celled protozoan, called Trichomonad Vaginalis. This is a tiny parasite that can live in either a man or woman’s genitals. It like other sexually transmitted diseases is passed from one sexual partner to another when having sexual relations.

HOW IS TRICHOMONIASIS DIAGNOSED?

Trichomoniasis is best diagnosed by obtaining a tiny amount of vaginal secretions, diluting the secretions with Sodium Chloride (salt water) and looking for moving parasite under a microscope. However, in the absence of a microscope, a vaginal or urine speciment can be sent to a laboratory, and laboratory test can be performed. In the absence of both a microscope and a laboratory, the diagnosis can sometimes be made on the basis of a careful history.