Trichomoniasis
Introduction
Vaginal itching and discharge should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Trichomoniasis can easily be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. If your doctor is unavailable or you do not have a doctor, you should seek treatment at an urgent care clinic, medical clinic, obstetric-gynecology clinic, or a hospital's emergency department.
Self-Care at Home
Antibiotics that the doctor prescribes are the preferred course of treatment. There are other alternative medicine treatments available in addition to antibiotics. These treatments are not well-established, and there is insufficient solid scientific data to justify their usage. Home therapy should not be used instead of a doctor's visit and appropriate antibiotics, as this may allow the spread of the condition as well as harmful
sexually transmitted diseases
, such as
syphilis
,
HIV
,
gonorrhea
, or
chlamydia
. (The author does not advise you to use these
alternative therapies
but these are listed to be complete.)
Some believe that taking a warm bath and doing a natural douche once a day might be beneficial. To increase parasite-killing activity, you may add the juice of one lemon to either of the following douches:
- Tartar douche One quart of warm water and one teaspoon of vinegar
- Live-culture yogurt douche or a solution of Lactobacillus acidophilus β one-half teaspoon to one cup of water
-
Essential oils: Citrus aurantium var. bergamia, or bergamot oil, may help relieve unpleasant discharge.
Prevention
Since trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted illness, the best way to prevent contracting the illness is to abstain. Hygiene and safe sexual behavior may also aid in preventing trichomonas infections.Since trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted illness, the best way to prevent contracting the illness is to abstain. Hygiene and safe sexual behavior may also aid in preventing trichomonas infections.
- Wear condoms.
- Wash before and after intercourse.
- Don't share swimsuits or towels. (Trichomonads survive for up to 45 minutes outside the body.)
- Shower immediately after swimming in a public pool.