Trichomoniasis

Description

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called trichomonas. The parasite is usually transmitted by sexual contact. Though often trichomoniasis is asymptomatic, the vagina (in women) or urethra (in men) can become inflamed and there may be discharge, burning, itching, and lower abdominal pain.

Signs and Symptoms

• May be asymptomatic
• Unusual yellowish or greenish discharge from the vagina or urethra (in some cases)
• Discharge may be frothy (in some cases)
• Pain during intercourse and/or urination (in some cases)
• Itching, irritation, and/or burning sensation (in some cases)
• Pain in the lower abdomen (in some cases)
• Vaginal or penile bleeding (in some cases)

Conventional Medical Treatment

Your gynecologist takes a sample of secretions from the vagina or urethra to uncover the presence of any unusual organisms. Treatment of trichomoniasis typically entails metronidazole tablets to kill the parasite.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture To treat trichomontasis related discharge, the acupuncturist inserts needles along the stomach, spleen, and conception vessel meridians.

Acupressure A practitioner may treat this condition (and specifically vaginal discharge) by applying pressure on points along the bladder, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, and governing vessel meridians.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Herbal formulas that may be helpful in treating discharge include Gentiana and Rehmannia Eight. An herbalist also may concoct a remedy containing cnidium monnieri, alum, angelica anomala, Chinese yam, cuscuta, psoralea, and foxnut to treat trichomoniasis in both men and women.