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What are the Most Common Treatments for Trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that causes vaginitis is women and can increase the risk of HIV infection. While trichomoniasis can, obviously, be a very serious condition, treatments for trichomoniasis are usually relatively painless. The most common form of treatment for this sexually transmitted disease includes the prescription of single dose antibiotics. Since trichomoniasis can result in the development of vaginitis, women who are diagnosed with the condition are traditionally also prescribed oral or cream antibiotics specifically designed to treat the condition. As with other sexually transmitted diseases, the only real preventions for trichomoniasis include abstinence and following safer sex practices.
As one of most common forms of treatment for trichomoniasis, antibiotics are also one of the most effective. Often, metronidazole and tinidazole are prescribed for the treatments of trichomoniasis, though other antibiotics may be prescribed in certain cases. Unlike other types of antibiotics, which are often prescribed for an extended period of time, antibiotics that are used to treat trichomoniasis are often given in a single dose. Individuals who have been prescribed an antibiotic as a treatment for trichomoniasis should tell their doctor about other prescription or over-the-counter medications that they are taking. In some cases, interactions between these two types of medications can occur, resulting in serious side effects.
Treatments for trichomoniasis often vary depending on the sex of the patient being treated. While men are often only prescribed an oral antibiotic, women who have been diagnosed with trichomoniasis often require additional treatment. For some women, trichomoniasis can lead to a painful condition known as vaginitis. This additional infliction means that women may also given metronidazole as an antibiotic cream.
As with any type of sexually transmitted disease, the only way to prevent needing treatments for trichomoniasis include avoiding getting infected in the first place. Those who cannot abstain completely from sex, however, should be encouraged to participate in safer sex. This includes not only using condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse, but also maintaining an open dialogue with sexual partners about possible sexually transmitted diseases.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with trichomoniasis in the past should remember that even though the symptoms of trichomoniasis have disappeared, it is still possible to infect others. People undergoing one of the treatments for trichomoniasis can also still spread the disease. Studies suggest that it is best to wait a few days after all medical therapies have been completed before engaging in sexual behavior.
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![An oral antibiotic may be prescribed to treat trichomoniasis.]()
By: Feng YuAn oral antibiotic may be prescribed to treat trichomoniasis. -
![Using safe sex practices can help reduce an individual's chances of contracting trichomonas.]()
By: Igor MojzesUsing safe sex practices can help reduce an individual's chances of contracting trichomonas. -
![A pregnant woman with trichomoniasis may pass the disease to the baby during delivery.]()
By: jamdesignA pregnant woman with trichomoniasis may pass the disease to the baby during delivery. -
![Studies show it's best to wait a few days after completing treatment for trichomoniasis before engaging in sexual behavior.]()
By: ForewerStudies show it's best to wait a few days after completing treatment for trichomoniasis before engaging in sexual behavior. -
![In rare cases, a woman suffering from trichomoniasis may experience lower abdominal pain.]()
By: lusieliaIn rare cases, a woman suffering from trichomoniasis may experience lower abdominal pain. -
![Abstinence is one of the few ways to prevent a trichomoniasis infection.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiAbstinence is one of the few ways to prevent a trichomoniasis infection. -
![Trichomoniasis in women can lead to a painful condition called vaginitis.]()
By: kocakayaaliTrichomoniasis in women can lead to a painful condition called vaginitis.
Discussion Comments
I'm having an issue regarding the length of time it remains dormant in a man's body before it infects his partner. Is it 5, 10 or in my case 20 years. My second husband's ex girlfriend had Trich and gave it to him back and forth for years without any treatment. They were young and stupid then. This was in 1989.
Since finding out what was causing my problem, I was told I had it and that both of us needed to be treated, which was done. I have only had sex with him three times since, mainly because I have been asking everyone including my own doctor, how long does it stay in the body for? I've had no response except someone hasn't been faithful from the doctor. I figured since it was an STD my hubby would've said or accused me of something, but he didn't.
Here's the thing: from 1982 til 2013 he was using meth to enhance his sexual performance with girls, which it did big time! We all assumed he was just a great lover. But as he got older, it started getting extreme to the point of him having any kind of sex with both men and women, gangbangs, men etc. I couldn't handle his sexual stuff anymore. It was too much for me to handle, too rough for me, plus way too many times a day when he wasn't working.
I cut it down to once a day for almost two hours only. He wasn't a happy camper, so he started looking online, when I was in the same room, on my PC, looking for sex locally. He had a lot of date/sex sites on his PC as well as porn, and didn't care if I knew or not, but I really didn't think he was actually hooking up with anybody at the time. He came home right after work, and was always home on days off. Until 2003, he worked 40 minutes away, and he was using a lot of meth then and he took longer and longer to get home. That could've been when he cheated with a couple of friends of his, dealers who were just as horny as he was, and one of the girls died of brain cancer. So any thoughts?
I haven't been with anyone but my husband for 14 years and I just got told I had this today. He swears he is being faithful but I don't know what to believe.
I think it's interesting that the usual treatment for this is a single dose of antibiotics. I can't think of any instance where I've ever been prescribed a single dose of antibiotics.
Usually doctors prescribe antibiotics for anywhere from 5 to 14 days. Just one dose seems like it would be inadequate!
@indemnifyme - Good point.
One other thing I'd like to point out is that abstinence isn't a "treatment" for any kind of STD. There is no reason for most adults to abstain from sex simply out of fear of catching an STD. Sex is a natural part of life and romantic relationships after all.
Plus, if you're having protected sex with a monogamous partner, there's very little reason to worry about this kind of thing.
I think doctors should definitely prescribe a yeast infection treatment with the trichomoniasis treatment for women. Every time I take antibiotics, I always get a yeast infection right afterwards. Prescribing both at the same time could save the patient from having to make another doctors visit.
Plus, I imagine the possibility of getting a yeast infection would be even higher when taking antibiotics two different ways!
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