Trichomoniasis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Trichomoniasis (trik-oh-moh-NEYE-ah-sis), also called "trich," is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). An STD is an infection that is spread between people during sexual intercourse (sex). Trichomoniasis can also be spread through genital-to-genital contact, without sexual intercourse. It is usually spread between a man and a woman, or between two women. Trichomoniasis is more common in people who have more than one sexual partner. Young children and teenagers may get trichomoniasis, which may be a sign of sexual abuse. Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite. A parasite is an animal that lives off another living being. The parasite that causes trichomoniasis is too small to be seen with your eyes alone. You will need to be checked by a caregiver to find out for sure if you have trichomoniasis.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to completely cure your infection. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Avoid alcohol: Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol while using antibiotic medicine to treat trichomoniasis. This includes beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Wait at least three days past your last dose of medicine before you drink alcohol again. Also avoid over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol, such as certain cough or cold medicines. Drinking alcohol with certain antibiotic medicine may make you sick.
  
  
• Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.

Home care:

• Sexual intercourse (sex): Tell all of your sexual partners that you have this infection. They may also be infected and need treatment. Do not have sex until both you and your partner are done with treatment and all symptoms are gone.
  
  
• Bathing and handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after going to the bathroom. This helps keep your infection from spreading to other parts of your body, such as your eyes. Keep your genital area clean and dry. Take showers instead of tub baths and use plain, unscented soap.
  
  
• Advice for women: Do not douche during treatment unless your caregiver tells you to. Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or powders.

How can I decrease my chance of getting an STD again? You can get trichomoniasis more than once. The best way to avoid getting trichomoniasis or any other STD is to not have sex. If you are sexually active, having just one sexual partner who has sex only with you also decreases your risk. Do not have unprotected sex (including oral sex) with someone who has trichomoniasis or any other STD. Always wear a latex condom correctly during sex to prevent trichomoniasis and other STDs. Use a new condom after each ejaculation.

For more information: For more information about trichomoniasis and other STDs, contact the following organizations:

• Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  1600 Clifton Rd.
  Atlanta, GA 30333
  Phone: 1-800-227-8922
  Phone: 1-800-232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/std
  

• American Social Health Association (ASHA)
  P.O. Box 13827
  Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
  Web Address: http://www.ashastd.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your symptoms become worse, or come back after treatment.
  
  
• You have unusual vaginal bleeding.
  
  
• You have any problems that may be caused by the medicine you are taking.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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