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Sexual Health Centre
Infections and Safer Sex |
Trichomonas
What is it?
One-celled protozoa
called Trichomonas vaginalis causes this common vaginal infection. Trichomonas
lives in the fluids of the vagina and inside the male urethra. It can survive
for short times in a moist environment outside the body; women who have
sex with men or with other women can get this infection.
It is usually sexually transmitted.
What are the
symptoms?
Women may not have symptoms of
this infection and men rarely do. Some of the common symptoms if you have
them are:
- strong fishy odour
- itchiness
- redness and soreness
- vaginal discharge that
is grey, yellowish or greenish-yellow
How is it
diagnosed?
A swab of the vagina
will show the protozoa when examined in the laboratory.
Are there
any complications?
Complications are very uncommon.
Very rarely it may be associated with pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID).
How is it
treated?
The Antibacterial/Antiprotozoal
metronidazole is usually used to treat this infection. Take the medication
as directed and be sure to complete your treatment. Metronidazole should
never be combined with alcohol because it can cause serious side effects.
Don't drink for 48 hours after taking the drug.
Should my
partner be checked or treated?
Regular sexual partners should
be treated at the same time to prevent re-infection.
How
can I protect myself from Trichomonas?
Use a latex condom during intercourse
to reduce your risk of this and other infections. Change the condoms covering
sex toys between every act of penetration. Avoid using other people's towels
or washcloths. Avoid sitting in an unwashed tub for bathing.
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