Trichomoniasis Treatment

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease. It mainly affects the urethra (the tube that carries urine out from the bladder) or the vagina as well. It is also possible that it can affect the head of the penis or the prostate gland.

Trichomonas infections can be easily treated with antibiotics, however if you don’t get proper treatment it can last for months or years.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the ‘trichomonas’ parasite. It is caught from other people during unprotected sex, or from sharing sex toys without properly cleaning them first.

Trichomonas infections are usually passed between penises and vaginas. It is not very common for trichomonas to infect the hands, mouth or anus, but it does happen. Trichomonas aren’t usually passed on during oral or anal sex either.

People don’t usually get symptoms for trichomoniasis but some possible ones include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina – this can be heavy, foamy, yellow, green, or grey, or with a strong smell 

• White discharge from the penis

• Itching or burning feeling around the vagina

• Pain when urinating or urinating more often

• Pain or burning feeling when you ejaculate

• Pain when having sex

Most people don’t show any signs of a trichomonas infection. Even so, they can still infect other people. Even when trichomoniasis does show signs or symptoms, they can be hard to spot.

If symptoms occur they can go from mild discomfort to very noticeable inflammation. Symptoms can happen 5-28 days after you get infected, but they can also happen much later.

No – trichomoniasis is unlikely to go away without treatment. Getting proper treatment for trichomonas infections is a good idea for the following reasons:

• You could infect other people

• If you get symptoms they can affect your daily life

• Trichomoniasis can make sex unpleasant

• Trichomoniasis can be passed to your child if you get it during or before pregnancy

• Trichomoniasis makes it more likely you will get or pass on other sexually transmitted infections

Before you order, you need to either have a diagnosis of trichomoniasis from a doctor, or have a sexual partner who has been diagnosed with trichomoniasis by a doctor.

To order treatment online:

• Fill out a short online questionnaire about your health and lifestyle

• Place your order for treatment

• A Superdrug Online Doctor will check your order to make sure treatment is right for you

• If it is right for you, your order can be posted to you, or you can choose to collect it in store

For trichomoniasis, we offer an antibiotic called ‘metronidazole’. We offer 2 different dosages for treatment:

• A course of 400mg tablets taken twice a day for 7 days

• A single dose of 2g taken all at once (5 of the 400mg tablets)

The 2g dose is easier to use but has a higher risk of side effects. Both dosages work equally well to get rid of your infection.

If metronidazole isn’t right for you, one alternative is a treatment called tinidazole.

Like any treatment, trichomoniasis treatment can cause side effects. Not everyone will get side effects but they’re worth looking out for.

Common side effects include:

• Getting diarrhoea or constipation

• Feeling sick

• Getting a headache

• Losing your appetite

• Getting stomach cramps

• Getting a funny taste of metal or a feeling of having a furry tongue

• Heartburn (indigestion)

Serious side effects – if you experience these you should get emergency medical help:

• Yellow skin or eyes

• Unexpected infections, mouth ulcers, bruises, bleeding gums, or feeling very tired

• Really bad stomach pains

• Problems with your eyesight

• Fever, neck stiffness, hallucinations, feeling confused, feeling sensitive to bright light, have problems speaking

No – it’s not a good idea to drink alcohol during your treatment. This is because alcohol can react with your treatment and cause some unpleasant side effects, including:

• Feeling sick

• Throwing up

• Stomach pain

• Hot flushes

• Feeling of pounding in your chest

• Headaches

You should wait until at least 2 days after you’ve finished your treatment before drinking alcohol.