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Vaginal Infection by Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis differs from yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis infection in that it is usually acquired during intercourse. Very rarely it has been found in females who have never had sex. This suggests that it also can be acquired from an infected surface. It might really be true that a female could become infected from contact with a contaminated toilet seat. It is caused by a protozoan organism known as Trichomonas vaginalis, this infection makes up 5-10% of vaginal infections.
What Symptoms Does Trich Cause? Females with trichomoniasis (infection with Trichomonas) usually complain of a sudden increase in vaginal discharge and genital irritation. A Trichomonas infection might also go unnoticed.
How Is Trich Diagnosed? A pelvic examination will reveal an odorous, frothy green discharge along with redness and swelling of the genital tissues. Microscopic inspection of the vaginal discharge shows the organisms "swimming" (they propel themselves by moving their tails) and an increase in white blood cells. As in bacterial vaginosis, the acidity (pH) is altered because of the suppression of normal acid-producing bacteria.
How Is Triich Treated? Treatment of this infection is usually a simple affair and yhe gynecologist will take care of it. Trich is very sensitive to the antibiotic metronidazole, which can be given orally in a single large dose or in smaller does over five to seven days. Pregnant females receive the same treatment unless they acquire the infection during the first trimester of pregnancy (the first twelve weeks when the organs of the baby are forming). It is important to eradicate this infection during pregnancy, since it has been associated with premature delivery and post cesarean infections.
How Are Recurrent or Resistant Infections Treated? Resistant infections (those still present after complete course of antibiotics) are treated as follows:
· repeating the course of antibiotics;
· culturing the organism and testing for the antibiotic sensitivity - then retreating with an antibiotic the Trichomonas is more sensitive to;
· treating the sexual partner(s) to avoid reinfection;
· using vaginal treatment with metronidazole gel;
· using intravenous metronidazole: on rare occasions, high-dose intravenous antibiotics are needed.