We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How is Trichomoniasis Treated?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,166
Share

Trichomoniasis, nicknamed trich, is one of the most commonly contracted sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); it is estimated that more than seven million new cases crop up each year. Fortunately, it is also one of the most curable STDs. Caused by a parasite, trichomoniasis affects both men and women. However, many men never show any symptoms or have their symptoms disappear without treatment. Since a man can be infected with the STD and never have any symptoms, it is best for both partners to be tested and treated when a woman is diagnosed with the infection.

Prescription medications are usually prescribed to treat cases of trichomoniasis. Metronidazole, also called Flagyl, is the most commonly prescribed medication for treating this STD. It is given by mouth and usually requires just a single dose. Sometimes, tinidazole is given instead.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe topical treatments for dealing with trichomoniasis. Unfortunately, these treatments are far less effective than oral medications. They do provide some symptom relief, however. Usually, a topical solution is only prescribed when a person is allergic to the prescription medications usually used to treat the condition.

Trichomoniasis poses a particular threat to pregnant women. While it does not cause additional symptoms in women who are expecting babies, it does threaten the health of the unborn children. Women who have this STD are more likely to give birth to low-birth-weight or premature babies. Fortunately, the drug metronidazole is considered safe for use during pregnancy.

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is another reason to be treated immediately. This STD causes inflammation in the vagina that makes a woman more susceptible to contracting HIV. Also, it makes it easier for her to pass on the HIV virus to an uninfected partner. Prompt treatment can reduce these risks.

The infection is usually cured within one week of prescription-drug treatment. It is necessary for infected people to abstain from sex until the treatment is finished and they're completely free of the parasite. This prevents the spread of the parasite while treatment is taking place. Usually, it's not necessary to seek follow-up care. However, it is important to understand that a cured infection does not provide any future immunity; this means that a person can have trichomoniasis, be successfully treated, and be reinfected again if he or she is exposed to the parasite once more.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-is-trichomoniasis-treated.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.