Trichomonas vaginitis is a condition where one-celled parasites reside in the vagina, the cervix, or in male's lower genital tract. If you look at it under a microscope, this protozoan appears like a teardrop-shaped cell with a tail. Women with trichomonas commonly have accompanying discharge or irritation.

From time to time the cervix can become inflamed, which may cause bleeding after sexual intercourse or at the time a Pap smear is taken. In a few cases, women will notice discomfort when urinating. In a majority of cases, bacterial vaginosis coexists with this infection because the Trichomonas protozoan creates an alkaline pH in the vagina that encourages the growth of the "bad" bacteria.

If this is the case, the patient may also notice a fishy odor, particularly after intercourse. Fortunately, Trichomonas Vaginitis has no significant medical risks. It doesn't travel up into the uterus or fallopian tubes nor does it infect other parts of the body. It is nothing but an uncomfortable frustration.

Symptoms of Trichomonas

Almost half of all women with trich present no symptoms and may go undiagnosed for years, even if they have had regular annual examinations. Condoms can help protect against transmission of this trichomonas.

Causes of Trichomonas

Trichomonas vaginitis, also called "trich" (pronounced "trick"), is a sexually transmitted disease. If you believe your relationship is monogamous and have come down with Trichomonas, you may be wondering what the implications are. While it's true that trich can live in the male genital tract, it is only able to survive for a few days or weeks at most.

But in the vagina it can be present for years, and has even been found in elderly women who have not had sex for decades. So many women may have in fact contracted the infection from a previous partner and not know it. Nevertheless, it's important that you have an open, honest discussion with your current partner as it still remains possible that he passed on the infection to you if he was sexually involved with someone else.

Treatment Options for Trich

In most cases trichomonas is treated with an anti-protozoan antibiotic. Metronidazole, aka Flagyl, is known to be the most effective treatment and can be taken orally. In most cases a one-time dose is all you need.

To prevent passing the infection back and forth, sexual partners of women with trich should be treated simultaneously. In exceptional cases, trichomonas vaginitis may resist the ordinary doses of metronidazole. Therefore higher doses are recommended.