Dear Alice,
I ended a relationship about a year ago. I have always seemed to have a yeast infection when I went to doctors before. In my relationship I had went to the doctors before because of discharge and just told them I didn’t need to really be looked at because I know what it is. Well at the end of my relationship I went to the doctor to get a whole check-up. Come to find out that what I thought was a yeast infection turned out to be Trichomonas. I think I have had it for a couple of years now. I have gone to be treated for it 2 times. Each time it would go away and then come back. I was wondering if it was because I had it for such a long time ... or am I just rotting from the inside and that’s it?
From,
Scared In The South
Dear Scared In The South,
Trichomonas vaginalis, or trich, is a small organism (one cell) that
causes an infection called trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is generally
considered to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be
picked up non-sexually, too: warm, moist environments, such as jacuzzis,
public baths, toilet seats, and used towels, can sometimes host and
possibly, though rarely, transmit the organism. It’s true, the
symptoms of trich can often resemble a yeast infection. Your story is
helpful in that it illustrates the importance of always having a yeast
infection diagnosed — you might learn that it’s not a yeast
infection at all.
The good news is... you are not “rotting.” At least, if you are rotting, it is not because of the trich. Trichomoniasis is more annoying than it is threatening to your health. Trichomonas thrive in warm, moist conditions. It’s no wonder that the infection keeps coming back, since those little protozoa have found a great place to live and they’re determined to stay.
As treatment for the infection, did you take pills or did you use some type of cream? If you were taking pills, did you take all of them, or did you stop when the symptoms went away? It is important to complete the entire course of treatment to be sure that you get rid of every last one of those buggers. If a few survive the treatment, they will again grow and prosper.
Speak with your women’s health care provider about your treatment options. In addition to taking medication, s/he may be able to tell you certain foods to eat or to avoid that may help clear up the infection. It never hurts to load up on vitamin C to boost your immune system, as well as get enough rest and keep your stress level to a minimum. Other non-medical things you can do include wearing loose, cotton clothes (including underwear with cotton crotches) that breathe; and, if it is an option for you, not using tampons for a while to help prevent a recurrence.
- Alice
Related Q&As
- Condom broke and I’m feeling itchy
- Why does my urine stink?
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service. If you are in an urgent situation, please click here to view a list of 24 hour support services and hotlines.
Tricky trichomonas
