Trichomoniasis (cont.)
How is trichomoniasis treated?
Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with the prescription drug, metronidazole
(also called Flagyl), or with a related drug, tinidazole. Topical medicines, or
medicines applied to the skin, may be used in people who are allergic to
metronidazole and tinidazole. The topical medicines are less effective and may
not cure you. They might, however, ease the symptoms.
All women and men diagnosed with trichomoniasis should be treated. Even
without symptoms, it can be passed to others. Having trichomoniasis also
increases a person's chances of getting
HIV. People being treated for
trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they and their sex partners complete
treatment and have no symptoms. Having trichomoniasis once does not protect a
person from getting it again.
Does trichomoniasis cause problems during pregnancy?
Yes. Trichomoniasis can cause babies to be born early or at a low birth
weight (less than five pounds). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends that women with trichomoniasis who have symptoms should be
treated, but women without symptoms do not need to be treated.
During the first 3 months of pregnancy, many experts feel that women
shouldn't take metronidazole (Flagyl) because it may hurt the baby. However,
most doctors feel that metronidazole can be given safely after the end of the
first trimester.
How is trichomoniasis prevented?
There are things you can do to protect yourself from trichomoniasis:
- Don't have sex. The best way to prevent trichomoniasis or any STD is to
practice abstinence, or not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
- Be faithful. Have a sexual relationship with one partner who has been tested
for trichomoniasis and is not infected is another way to reduce your chances of
getting infected. Be faithful to each other, meaning that you only have sex with
each other and no one else.
- Use condoms. Protect yourself with a condom EVERY time you have vaginal,
anal, or oral sex. Condoms should be used for any type of sex with every
partner. For vaginal sex, use a latex male condom or a female polyurethane
condom. For anal sex, use a latex male condom. For oral sex, use a dental dam. A
dental dam is a rubbery material that can be placed over the anus or the vagina
before sexual contact.
- Don't share swimsuits or towels. The trichomoniasis parasite can live outside
the body for up to 45 minutes and can be contracted through contact with damp or
moist objects that have the parasite on them.
- Know that some methods of birth control, like
birth control pills,
shots,
implants, or
diaphragms, will not protect you from STDs. If you use one of these
methods, be sure to also use a latex condom or dental dam (used for oral sex)
correctly every time you have sex.
- Talk with your sex partner(s) about STDs and using condoms. It's up to you to
make sure you are protected. Remember, it's YOUR body! For more information,
call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 232-4636.
- Talk frankly with your doctor or nurse and your sex partner(s) about any STDs
you or your partner have or had. Try not to be embarrassed.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The
Federal Government Source for Women's Health Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/14/2007
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- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
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