How is trichomonas vaginitis transmitted without sexual intercourse?

Written by Zhao Xiao Dong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 01, 2025
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Trichomonas vaginalis is predominantly transmitted through sexual contact, although on rare occasions it can also be transmitted through close non-sexual contact, such as bed sheets and bedding. These instances are very uncommon but do happen.

For treating Trichomonas vaginalis, metronidazole is the drug of choice, typically using a combination of topical metronidazole suppositories and oral metronidazole tablets. If sexually active, the male partner should also take oral metronidazole tablets to prevent cross-infection. Women with Trichomonas vaginalis should thoroughly clean sheets, bedding, underwear, and panties and ensure proper disinfection to avoid recurrent infections.

(Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What does it mean when trichomonads are found occasionally?

When a woman has vaginitis, a routine vaginal discharge examination often suggests the occasional presence of trichomonas, indicating trichomoniasis vaginitis. This condition requires standard treatment as per medical advice. For women who are sexually active, it is recommended that both partners be treated simultaneously. After treatment, regular checkups are needed. If the follow-up results are negative, it indicates recovery. It is advised to properly store personal hygiene items, keep them clean, and avoid washing or storing them with children’s items to prevent transmitting the disease to children living together. Women with trichomoniasis vaginitis are advised to enhance their physical exercise to increase their resistance and help prevent the recurrence of the disease. Also, maintaining personal hygiene is necessary.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What medicine is used for trichomonal vaginitis?

Trichomonal vaginitis can be treated with metronidazole or tinidazole. Metronidazole can be taken orally or used vaginally. Generally, one treatment course, which lasts 7 days, is sufficient. Tinidazole can also be taken orally for treatment. Since trichomonal vaginitis is mostly caused by sexual activity, it is necessary for the male partner to be treated simultaneously. This is because the male may also carry the trichomonas. If he is not treated, even if the female is cured, she can become reinfected during sexual activity. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Huang Shuai
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can trichomoniasis in women be completely cured?

Trichomonas vaginitis can be completely cured. It is caused by an infection of Trichomonas vaginalis in the vagina. After infection, Trichomonas does not only stay in the reproductive system but often enters the urinary system as well. Therefore, after diagnosing trichomonas vaginitis, it is generally recommended to use systemic treatment rather than just local vaginal treatment. This is because using only local treatment might clear the trichomonas from the vagina, but since it can still be present in the urinary system, trichomonas vaginitis can easily recur. Thus, we suggest using systemic medication for trichomonas vaginitis. As long as an adequate amount of oral systemic medication is used, it can generally be cured.

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Written by Su Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do you need an infusion for trichomonal vaginitis?

Patients with trichomonal vaginitis generally do not require intravenous infusion treatment. Treatment usually involves oral administration of metronidazole or tinidazole, or local treatment with metronidazole effervescent tablets or metronidazole suppositories placed in the vagina. Generally, intravenous infusion is not necessary. For patients with trichomonal vaginitis, it is advised to pay more attention to hygiene, hang underwear in the sun more often for drying, wash them frequently, avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, and maintain local hygiene by washing the external genitalia with a cleansing solution daily. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long is the incubation period for trichomonal vaginitis?

In cases of trichomonas vaginitis, the incubation period for women can vary in length and differs from person to person; it cannot be generalized. The specific onset time of the vaginitis should be considered. Generally, the incubation period for trichomonas vaginitis can be as short as 4 to 5 days, or as long as over 20 days. Trichomonas vaginitis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and is a common form of vaginitis. Trichomonas vaginalis thrives in temperatures between 26°C to 40°C, in moist environments with a pH value of 5.2 to 6.6. It can survive for 21 days at 3 to 5°C, for 20 to 60 minutes at 40°C, approximately 10 hours in a semi-dry environment, and for 45 to 120 minutes in ordinary soap water. Therefore, the incubation period for trichomonas vaginitis varies. If you have further questions, it is advisable to consult a doctor at a hospital.