women s health issues
Trichomonal Vaginitis
Introduction
Trichomonal vaginitis is a vaginal infection caused by the protozoaTrichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonal vaginitis is usually sexually transmitted. It can cause a green or yellow discharge, which may be profuse, smell fishy, and be accompanied by itching or irritation. If symptoms suggest a vaginal infection, doctors examine a sample of the discharge and/or fluid from the cervix and test it for infectious organisms that can cause infection. Always using a condom during sexual activity can help prevent this infection. Treatment is withmetronidazoleortinidazole. (See also Overview of Vaginitis (Vaginal Infection or Inflammation) .) Protozoa are a type of parasite. The protozoaTrichomonas vaginaliscan cause symptoms soon after they enter the vagina, or the protozoa can remain in the vagina or on the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina) for weeks or months without causing any symptoms. The bladder may also be infected. In men, the protozoa usually cause no symptoms and may remain in the urinary tract for a few days or weeks without causing symptoms. Thus, women and men may be unaware that they are infecting their sex partners. 