Patient's question:
What are the common causes of trichomoniasis? Thank you!How should you pay attention in daily life?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Some young women experience itching in the external genitalia and vagina, similar to the sensation of crawling insects, accompanied by a sense of burning and pain. Sometimes, their vaginal discharge may contain blood-stained or purulent secretions. In severe cases, symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and dysuria may also appear. This is likely to be trichomoniasis.Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by the vaginal trichomonad, which leads to bleeding and inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. The condition is primarily spread through contact, such as using public baths, foot baths, foot towels, public restrooms (especially toilets), and swimming. During the infection, there may be an increase in vaginal discharge, which appears yellowish-white or yellowish-green, frothy in texture, thin, and with a foul odor. In severe cases, the symptoms mentioned earlier may develop.
The treatment of trichomoniasis often involves a combination of local and oral medications:
(1) Oral medication: Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken at a dose of 0.2 grams three times daily, with a 7-day course of treatment. This should be repeated for 2-3 courses. If necessary, it can be used in conjunction with vaginal suppositories. Some individuals may experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting after taking the medication and should discontinue use if this occurs.
(2) Local medication:
1) Rinse the vagina with a 1% lactic acid or 0.5% acetic acid solution, or soak in a half-bowl of warm water mixed with 2 tablespoons of vinegar once daily.
2) Suppositories such as Clotrimazole, Metronidazole, Carbamazepine, or Griseofulvin can be inserted deep into the vagina. Apply once daily or every other day, with each dose consisting of one suppository. A 10-day course of treatment is recommended, which can be repeated for 2-3 courses.
(3) Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment: decoct 30 grams each of Sophora flavescens, Polygonum aviculare, Poria, and Phellodendron amurense, along with 15 grams of Coptis chinensis. First, use the decoction to steam and then wash the affected area. Afterward, apply Sophora flavescens