Trichomonas Vaginalis

Overview

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a single cell parasite of the same name. Although not as well-known as many other STDs such as herpes, syphilis, or gonorrhea, trichomoniasis is actually very common in women, and is the third leading cause of vaginitis.

Symptoms

In women, symptoms of trichomoniasis include foul-smelling vaginal discharges, intense burning, and itching. Reddening of the tissues and membranes in and around the genital area can also occur.

In males, symptoms are usually not noticeable because the parasite attaches itself to the urethra. If not treated, it can lead to infertility, prostatitis, and urinary problems.

Note: If you suspect you have trichomoniasis vaginitis, see a doctor. In addition, it is important that you and your sexual partner both be treated for trichomoniasis even if it is only present in one individual.
Causes

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasitic infection of the single-celled organism of the same name. The infection is passed during sexual intercourse and affects both men and women although signs are more visible in women. In rare cases it can also be contracted during pregnancy and during vaginal surgery.

Prevention Guidelines

As with other types of STD’s, the most effective treatment for trichomoniasis is prevention. To avoid trichomoniasis, practice the following:

Be cautious when selecting sexual partners and inquire about his or her health and sexual background before engaging in a sexual relationship. Have sexual intercourse only if the individual has no obvious signs of infection and is willing to ensure your protection during sexual intimacy. Be ready to talk as well as inquire about past encounters. Be direct and persistent. Make conversations about wellness a natural part of the sexual relationship.

Limit the amount of people you have sex with. The risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease rises tremendously in immediate relation to the number of sexual partners you have.

Avoid intercourse altogether if your partner displays open lesions or inflammation on his or her body.

Always practice safe sex. Males should always use a latex condom, especially when participating in sex with someone new. As a substitute, women can consider the use of a latex female condom. Whenever engaging in oral sex, use a latex tooth dam. Long-term, monogamous sexual partners should also use some form of protective contraceptive unless planning for a pregnancy.

Avoid swallowing semen, as it acts as a defense suppressant and can therefore increase the risk of STDs caused by infectious organisms.

Avoid anal sex, especially without protection.

Urinate after you have sexual intercourse to clean the urethra and prevent infection. This particular tip applies to both women and men.

Schedule an annual checkup and be screened for infectious STD’s that you might not know you have.

If you know that you have a sexually transmitted disease, be responsible. Inform your companion and demand that he or she be examined and treated too. Follow the treatment regimen that the physician prescribes as completely as possible, and always use protection whenever you engage in sexual activities.

*To ensure complete long-term recovery from trichomoniasis vaginalis, medication may be necessary. See your doctor if you believe the infection warrants traditional medicine. If not, as always, a holistic approach is best.*

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Diluted solutions of tea sapling oil can be applied topically to speed the healing process.

Diet plan: Healthy eating habits are highly important. Drink plenty of pure strained water and increase your intake of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, and complex whole grains, in addition to organic, free-range beef, chicken, and wild-caught fish.

Avoid all commercial, processed and nonorganic meals, as well as alcohol, coffee, sugar, artificial sweeteners, chemical preservatives, food dyes, dairy products, whole wheat products, and simple carbohydrates. Stay away from trans- hydrogenated or even partially-hydrogenated fats and oils. Instead choose from virgin coconut butter or oil, extra virgin olive oil, high lignin flax seed oil, and hemp seed oil.

In addition, schedule a testing for food allergies and avoid meals to which you test positive. Consider a rotating diet or even elimination diet in order to reduce the likelihood of acquiring food allergies.

Nutrition and diet are key players in the healing and removal of imbalances and disease. For a complete, nutrition packed, whole foods eating plan, browse the Whole Foods Diet plan. In many cases, a raw foods diet can be extremely beneficial. For more information, read Uncooked Food Diet plan.

Douching: Cleansing the vagina with a natural douche solution is highly recommended for cases of trichomoniasis. Useful douche solutions include a combination of two tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with one quart of fresh drinking water. A second home remedy also includes one quart of filtered water but instead add 2 open acidophilus bacteria capsules. Douche once or twice a day until your symptoms have fully resolved themselves.

For other douching suggestions, see Herbal treatments below.

Herbal Douching: An herbal douche containing calendula, Echinacea, and goldenseal used once or twice per day can help soothe symptoms and kill the parasite. Adding plain organic natural yogurt to the douche can also be effective, as well. Another helpful douche is a mixture of garlic powder from garlic capsules mixed with pure strained water. Topical solutions of black walnut, grape seed extract, or Pau d’arco applied over the impacted areas can also be efficient.

Nutritional Supplements: Helpful nutrients include vitamin A, supplement B2, vitamin B3, supplement B12, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, garlic capsules, grape seed extract, and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria and Bifidobacteria bifidum. Vitamin E cream applied topically is also suggested.

Alternative Professional Care

The following expert care therapies can also help to treat and get rid of trichomoniasis: Ayurvedic Medicine, Detoxification Therapy, Energy Treatments, Environmental Medicine, Magnet Treatment, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Oxygen Treatment, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Resources for more information regarding Alternative Treatments).