Trichomoniasis

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Trichomoniasis-a parasitic infection spread primarily through sexual intercourse-is not serious, but it is contagious. In 70 percent of cases, it produces no symptoms, which makes it notoriously difficult to diagnose. In women who do have symptoms, discomfort may persist for a week to several months and may be more pronounced right after menstruation or during pregnancy. Left untreated, the parasite may infect tissues throughout the urinary tract and reproductive system. In women, vulnerable sites for infection include the vagina, urethra, cervix, bladder, and various glands. In men the infection may spread to the urethra, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and epididymis.

The parasite that causes trichomoniasis likes an alkaline environment. Women have a greater chance of getting the disease if they use oral contraceptives, are pregnant, or frequently use commercial douches, all of which can increase alkaline levels in the body.

Causes

The culprit behind trichomoniasis is a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Usually transmitted through intercourse, the parasite may also be acquired from toilet seals, locker room benches, damp towels, and bathing suits.

Diagnostic and Test Procedures

Your doctor may want to examine your vaginal or urethral discharge under a microscope or test your urine. Trichomoniasis occasionally shows up on Pap smears in women with no symptoms. Your best bet is to get tested during your annual physical if you think you may have been exposed to the organism.

Treatment

Nine out of ten people with trichomoniasis are cured with a single course of antibiotics. Stub-born cases require larger doses administered over longer periods of time.

Conventional Medicine

The drug most commonly used to fight trichomoniasis is metronidazole, which comes in tablet form; few other drugs are as effective. Metronidazole is viewed with caution by some physicians because of test results showing it to cause birth defects and cancer in animals. But no studies have proved it harmful to humans. If you take metronidazole, you may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or a metallic aftertaste. You can minimize discomfort by taking the drug during or immediately after a meal. Also, don't drink alcohol within 24 hours of taking the medicine; if you do, you may experience severe abdominal pain and vomiting.

Alternative Choices

Besides taking antibiotics, you can try alternative treatments to help speed healing.

Acupressure

A doctor of Chinese medicine may recommend that you flush out toxins by massaging acupressure points Liver 3, between the big and second toes, and Liver 8, on the inside of the leg above the knee. Also try kneading Kidney 3, on the inside of the leg between the anklebone and the Achilles tendon. Use any of these techniques at home several times a day.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapists believe that oil of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) may help dry up irritating discharges. Douche with it or add it to your bath.

Chinese Herbs

A practitioner of Chinese medicine may prepare a prescription for you with herbs such as gentiana (Gentiana scabra), Chinese foxglove root (Rehmannia glutinosa), and angelica root (Angelica pubescens).

Herbal Therapies

Herbalists say that you can reduce inflammation and discharges by douching with teas of calendula (Calendula officinalis), myrrh (Commiphora molmol), and thuja (Thuja occidentalisJ.

Homeopathy

A homeopathic physician may prescribe a remedy to strengthen your entire system. A complete consultation is necessary to determine which remedy is right for you.

Nutrition and Diet

Antibiotics destroy beneficial as well as disease-causing organisms in your body. Replace the beneficial ones by eating live-culture yogurt or by taking 1 tsp Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement and ½ tsp f3ifidobacterium in a glass of water three times a day. To promote healing and boost immunity, nutritionists recommend that you supplement a balanced diet with zinc and vitamins A, C, and E.

At-Home Remedies

Women who douche frequently with commercial chemical products may raise their risk of developing trichomonlasis. But if you have the infection, use one of the following natural douches once a day, while lying in a warm bath:

Minegar Douche:

1 tsp vinegar to 1 qt warm water.

live-culture yogurt or a solution of Lacto-bacillus acidophilus (½ tsp to 1 cup of water). To increase parasite-killing acidity, you may add to either douche the juice of one lemon. CAUTION: Do not douche if you are pregnant.

Prevention

Use a condom when having sex.
Don't share towels or swimsuits.
Shower immediately after swimming in a public pool.
Wash before and after intercourse.

Symptoms

If you're a woman, you may have no symptoms at all, or you may experience:

a greenish yellow, frothy vaginal discharge with a pronounced odor.
vaginal itching or irritation.
painful intercourse.
pain in the lower abdomen. vaginal bleeding.

If you're a man, you'll probably have no symptoms, or you may experience some discomfort when urinating.

Call Your Doctor If :

you experience any of the above symptoms. Trichomoniasis is contagious and can lead to complications. Women shouldn't assume that the problem is simple vaginitis.

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