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How Do I Know If I Have Trichomoniasis?

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 if you think you may have been exposed to the parasite.

What Are the Treatments?

Nine out of 10 people with trichomoniasis are cured with a single course of antibiotics. Stubborn cases require larger doses administered over longer periods of time.

Medication
The drug most commonly used to fight trichomoniasis is Flagyl, or metronidazole, which comes in tablet form; few other drugs are as effective. If you take Flagyl, 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.

At-Home Remedies
Women who douche frequently with commercial chemical products may raise their risk of developing trichomoniasis. You should not douche unless told to do so by a healthcare professional.

How Can I Prevent It?

Use a condom when having sex.

Concern has arisen that the genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis can increase a woman’s risk to HIV susceptibility and if a women is already HIV infected, there may be an increased risk of passage to her sex partner.