Dear jlrrn-ga,
Good day and thanks for your question.
Trichomonas vaginitis is caused by a microscopic protozoon called
Trichomonas vaginalis. It is most often acquired through sexual
intercourse with an infected person and is therefore considered a
sexually transmitted disease.
[ In your case, you mention that it is not sexually transmitted ]
For unknown reasons, some people harbor these organisms for years
without symptoms, while others develop symptoms shortly after becoming
infected.
[ Based on this statement, we can't rule out your earlier treatment as
a cause ]
In women, symptoms may be a profuse, thin, yellow vaginal discharge
with a strong, unpleasant, fishy odor.
[ You mention you never had this ]
Itching or burning of the vagina and labia.
[ You haven't mentioned this, so I'm assuming that you never had
anything of this sort ]
Treatment with an oral drug, metronidazole, is very effective. 2 grams
by mouth (usually 4, 500 mg tabs) for the woman
[ You mentioned that you are currently taking Flagyl. Flagyl has
metronidazole, which is the best way of therapy. The 2-gram
metronidazole dose has a 90-95% cure rate and good compliance since it
is an all at once dose. The infection is not eradicable by other
procedures and no other drugs are as effective. Metronidazole also
works on bacterial vaginosis that often accompanies trichomoniasis. It
may have some unpleasant side effects such as nausea and an unpleasant
taste in the mouth. ]
A controversy exists about the safety of metronidazole. This drug was
shown to cause cancer in experiments with mice and some consumer
groups have asked that it be taken off the market. Critics of the
study say that its findings are not applicable to humans.
Metronidazole is a very effective drug for certain infections but it
should not be abused. Since it is being used for a wider variety of
infections, a woman who is sexually active may be given the drug
repeatedly, risking side effects. When metronidazole is taken
repeatedly in a short interval, it a can cause changes in blood cells.
A blood count should be done to test for this.
Non-sexual transmission of trichomonads is possible. As trichomonads
survive best in warm, moist environments, the possibility of infection
transmitted in whirlpools or similar warm public baths exists. Women
with vaginitis should also stay out of public baths so that the
condition does not spread.
[ From this statement, it seems less likely that your treatment is
responsible for the disease. Do you use public baths? Do you swim a
lot? If you do, then that is the most likely reason as to why you've
contracted this ]
IMPORTANT POINT : Women without symptoms but whose tests show
trichomonads, are usually encouraged to take treatment to prevent
spread to others and to avoid developing symptoms. Many health
advocate groups reject this reasoning or recommend treatment with
herbal or Iodine douches instead of metronidazole.
[ Since you don't show symptoms, you should consult your gynecologist
regarding the iodine treatment ]
Persistent vaginitis may be an indication of more serious health
problems, such as diabetes or a suppressed immune system, which could
be a warning sign of HIV or AIDS.
What you can do to lower your risk of aggravating the vaginitis :
* Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented, deodorant tampons. Do
not try to cover up a bad odor - it could be a sign of infection that
should prompt you to see your doctor.
* Do not douche. It is better to let the vagina cleanse itself and
re-establish normal flora.
* Thoroughly clean diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicide
applicators after each use.
* Use condoms during sex.
* Check with your doctor about preventing yeast infections if you are
taking antibiotics for another type of infection.
Related URLs
Trichomonas Vaginitis
http://depts.washington.edu/hhpccweb/women/trichomonas.html
Trichomonas vaginitis disease profile
http://www.wdxcyber.com/dxvag003.htm
Trichomonas Vaginalis Vaginitis
http://www.barnard.columbia.edu/health/publications/trich.htm
Vaginitis - Trichomoniasis
http://www.sexhealth.org/std/vaginitis.shtml
Vaginal Infections
http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/shs//vaginfections.html
Coming to your second question regarding how you can boost your immune
system :
Getting adequate rest and regular exercise, limiting alcohol use and
eating a balanced diet can improve immune system function.
"Adding spirulina to cultured immune system cells significantly
increases the production of infection fighting cytokines, say
immunologists at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center. Their
finding is published in the Fall issue of the Journal of Medicinal
Foods"
[ Full text of article can be found at
http://news.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/spirulina_study.html ]
Basically, you need to exercise. There is no better substitute than
exercise.
I hope this answers your question. If you have any clarifications,
please don't hesitate to ask. Good day and thank you for using this
service
Warm Regards,
aditya2k
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