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Trichomonal Vaginitis

(Trichomonas)

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Apr 2023
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What is trichomonal vaginitis?

Trichomonal vaginitis is an infection in your vagina. Your vagina connects your uterus (where a baby grows when you're pregnant) to the outside of your body. Some people call it the birth canal. Your vulva is the area between your legs on the outside of your body. Many people mistakenly refer to the vulva as the vagina.

Internal Female Genital Organs

Internal Female Genital Organs

What causes trichomonal vaginitis?

You get trichomonal vaginitis by having sex with a partner who has it. Your partner may not have any symptoms of trichomonal vaginitis but can still give you the infection.

What are the symptoms of trichomonal vaginitis?

  • Be green or yellow in color

  • Look bubbly or foamy

  • Smell fishy

  • Happen in large amounts

You may also have:

  • Itching, redness, or pain around the opening to your vagina

  • Pain during sex or when you urinate (pee)

How can my doctor tell if I have trichomonal vaginitis?

Your doctor will suspect trichomonal vaginitis based on your symptoms. To tell for sure, your doctor will do a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor looks at your vulva and inside your vagina. In order to see inside, your doctor will hold your vagina open with a small instrument called a speculum. During the exam, the doctor will use a cotton swab to take a sample of discharge from your vagina and test it.

How do doctors treat trichomonal vaginitis?

  • You'll be prescribed an antibiotic to take by mouth

  • You shouldn't drink alcohol for at least 72 hours after you take the antibiotic—it can make you feel sick, vomit, and have a headache

  • Doctors will also tell you to use condoms during sex or to not have sex until your infection has gone away

Your sex partners should be checked by a doctor, who will prescribe the same antibiotic. Men usually need to take the antibiotic for 1 week.

How can I prevent trichomonal vaginitis?

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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