Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. This infection can affect both men and women, though symptoms are more frequently observed in women. Fortunately, effective antibiotic treatments are available to clear the infection and prevent potential complications.
Primary Treatment Options
Metronidazole is the primary antibiotic used to treat trichomoniasis, highly effective against the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. It is administered orally, with common dosages including a single 2-gram dose or a 7-day course of 250 mg taken three times daily.
Beyond metronidazole, other antibiotics like tinidazole and secnidazole also offer effective treatment options. Tinidazole is given as a single 2-gram oral dose. Secnidazole is available as a single 2-gram packet of granules, intended to be sprinkled onto soft food like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding and consumed within 30 minutes. The choice between a single dose or a longer course, and the specific antibiotic, depends on individual circumstances and a healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Important Considerations During Treatment
Treating all sexual partners concurrently is important to prevent reinfection, as the parasite can easily be passed back and forth. Both the infected individual and their partners should abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and symptoms have resolved, for about a week.
It is also important to avoid alcohol consumption during treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole and for a period afterward. These antibiotics can cause a “disulfiram-like reaction” when combined with alcohol, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, and headaches. For metronidazole, alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours after the last dose, while for tinidazole, avoidance for 72 hours is recommended. Secnidazole also requires alcohol avoidance during therapy and for at least 2 days after treatment.
Consequences of Untreated Trichomoniasis
Leaving trichomoniasis untreated can lead to various health complications. The infection can increase an individual’s susceptibility to other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, by causing inflammation in the genital area. This inflammation may make it easier for other infections to enter the body or be transmitted.
Untreated trichomoniasis is also associated with an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in chronic pelvic pain and potentially impact fertility. For pregnant individuals, an untreated infection carries heightened risks of adverse birth outcomes, such as premature labor, low birth weight infants, and premature rupture of membranes. The infection can also be transmitted to a female baby during delivery.