How to recognize symptoms of Trichomonas infection in women

Know when you are at risk for an STI/STD. You are always at risk of getting an STI if you are sexually active. The risk is higher in some cases, and being aware of these can help you and your doctor know if testing is needed. You may need testing if: ^[4]

• You have sex with a new partner without using protection.
• You or your partner have had unprotected sex with other people.
• Your sex partner tells you they have a sexually transmitted disease.
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Your doctor notices that you have unusual vaginal discharge or a red and inflamed cervix.

Agree to have your doctor take a sample of cells from your vagina to test for trichomoniasis. Your doctor or healthcare provider will take vaginal tissue or vaginal discharge with a cotton swab. Sometimes the sampler looks like a plastic ring instead of a cotton swab. This instrument scans body parts that are likely to become infected, such as in the vagina or around it. The sampling process is usually painless, with only slight discomfort.

• Your doctor can look at the specimen under a microscope and let you know the results right away, but you may have to wait 7-10 days for the results. While waiting for the test results, you need to abstain from sex to prevent transmission of the disease if any.
• Blood tests and cervical screening tests do not help detect trichomoniasis. You must ask to be tested for trichomoniasis or an STI.

Take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor if you have been diagnosed with trichomoniasis. If the test is positive, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat trichomoniasis. There are also times when your doctor will prescribe medication for you before the test results are available as a precaution. You will usually be prescribed the oral antibiotic metronidazpe (Flagyl) to stop the growth of bacteria and parasitic protozoa (trichomoniasis is a parasitic protozoa). Side effects of the drug are dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation, taste changes, and dry mouth. Medicines can also make urine darker.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Metronidazpe is considered safe for pregnant women.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking antibiotics.
• Tell your doctor if the side effects persist or get worse enough to disrupt your daily activities.
• Call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you have a seizure, your hands and feet are numb or stinging, or if you have mood or mental changes.
• Many women with trichomoniasis also have bacterial vaginosis. Fortunately, this antibiotic works for both trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis.

Go for regular check-ups to ensure reproductive health. Routine physical exams are always important, even if you don’t suspect you have an STI. Note that only 15-30% of trichomonias have signs of infection, and the remaining 70-85% never develop symptoms. ^[5]

• If left untreated, trichomoniasis can increase the risk of contracting HIV or passing HIV on to sexual partners.
• Trichomoniasis in pregnant women can cause premature rupture of membranes leading to premature delivery.

Safe sex. If you are not in a monogamous relationship with someone who does not have an STD, always use a latex condom (for men or women) to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. Some protective measures include:

• Use condoms during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
• Avoid sharing sex toys. If shared, you must wash it or cover it with a new condom each time someone uses it.