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Trichomoniasis or Trich can be described as a sexually transmitted disease (STD), common in most women that occurs due to a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis. This microorganism is often found in the urethral tissues and the vagina.

This infection is regarded as the most curable STD, as an estimated 3.7 million people in the US suffer from it each year. While trichomoniasis is a lot more common in women, it can affect men in some cases too; the infection can get passed on to them through their partners.

A majority of the infected men do not even realize that they are suffering from this infection, mainly because they don’t experience any symptoms. In some cases, men may suffer from urethral discharge, painful urination and swelling in the scrotum.

Symptoms

The symptoms of trichomoniasis are a lot more severe in women, as they usually include:

• Vaginal discharge, which may be frothy or foamy
• Presence of yellowish or greenish colored discharge from the vagina
• Severe itching around the vagina
• Pain while urinating
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse

It is important for you to visit an Obstetric/ Gynecologist or your family physician, as soon as you experience the uncomfortable symptoms mentioned above. A few tests may need to be conducted, for a more accurate diagnosis.

While the symptoms of the infection may disappear after a couple of days, without any treatment, the microorganism may continue to infect and re-infect individuals and their partners. To avoid passing the infection back and forth, couples are generally advised to undergo treatment for trichomonas vaginalis.

Treatment

Once it is confirmed that you are suffering from trichomoniasis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics immediately. The drugs that are often used in the treatment of this condition include:

• Metronidazole (oral)
• Tinidazole (oral)
• Clotrimazole (topical – to be inserted into the vagina)

If you think you may be pregnant, it is absolutely essential to inform your doctor about it, before you take any medication. In addition to the medication mentioned above, you could also try a few simple home remedies, to alleviate the discomfort and speed up the recovery process. Most women prefer treating trichomoniasis with home remedies, as they have fewer side effects. To treat this condition at home, you need to:

• Have two odorless garlic capsules every day. These capsules are easily available over the counter, in most drug stores. Garlic contains antibacterial properties, which suppresses the overgrowth of yeast and bacteria in the body. These capsules also expedite the recovery process, by treating the inflammation in the vaginal tissues.
• Consume at least 8 glasses of fresh and pure water through the day. Water makes you urinate more often and flushes out the toxins from your body. You could also have other healthy beverages like green tea, vegetable juice or coconut water in addition to water. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, hot chocolate, aerated drinks and sweet juices.
• Refrain from sexual activities, until the infection is cured completely. Avoid using a tampon too while undergoing treatment.
• Use an antibacterial homemade douche, using ingredients like freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 whole lemon), vinegar (1 teaspoon) and water (1 quart). Alternately, you could prepare your douche with a pint of water and add black walnut liquid (¼ teaspoon), goldenseal extract (½ teaspoon), Aloe Vera gel (1 teaspoon) and powdered garlic (2 capsules) to it.
• Stay calm and relaxed as much as possible, as stress aggravates the condition. Take a warm and relaxing bath just before bedtime. Add a few drops of bergamot essential oil to your bath water, as it helps dry up the irritating discharge.
• Follow a diet that contains a high amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, as they provide your body with vitamins required to fight off the infection. Avoid foods that contain yeast or sugar, such as breads, pastries, cookies, aged cheese and other bakery products.

Before trying any of the remedies to treat trichomoniasis, it is best to check with a doctor.

References

1. http://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/treatment.htm
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/trichomoniasis.html