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Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Trichomoniasis
Overview
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a type of bacterial parasite. Both men and women can get trichomoniasis, also known as "trich."
It is important to understand that when you become sexually active, you can be at risk of getting an STD. This is true for all forms of sexual activity such as oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse.
Sexually transmitted diseases are caused by different bacteria or viruses that are passed between partners during sexual activity. Some STDs are easily treated with no long-term effects, while others can be carried for life or cause serious or life-threatening diseases.
Except for not having sex (abstinence), there is no sure way to avoid contracting an STD. You can reduce your risk of getting STDs by:
- Limiting the number of your sex partners
- Practicing safer sex
- Using condoms correctly and consistently
The uterus is shaped like an upside-down pear; the narrowest, lowest part is the cervix, which separates the uterus from the vaginal canal. Most vaginal infections affect the vaginal canal and vulva (the outer lips of the vagina).
Symptoms and Diagnosis
It is possible to be infected with trichomoniasis and not experience any symptoms. This is particularly common for men. If symptoms exist, you might experience:
- Large amounts of yellowish green, sometimes foamy discharge from the vagina
- Vaginal itching or irritation
- Unusual or unpleasant vaginal odor
- Patchy red areas around the vagina
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Painful or frequent urination
If you have any of these symptoms, please let us know. During your visit, we will:
- Take your medical history.
- Do a pelvic exam.
- Check your vaginal discharge under a microscope to look for the trichomoniasis organism.
Causes and Prevention
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite named Trichomonas vaginalis. You can become infected by having sex with an infected partner (either a man or a woman).
To prevent trichomoniasis, use a condom every time you have sex.
Treatments
It is important to treat trichomoniasis so that it is not passed back and forth during sexual intercourse.
- We can easily treat trichomoniasis with a course of antibiotics, such as metronidazole.
- You might take your medication either as a large dose at one time or as multiple, smaller doses over the course of a week. We will let you know how to take the medication.
- Your sex partner or partners must be treated at the same time you are being treated to reduce the possibility that you will be reinfected. Remember, male partners may not have symptoms, but they still need treatment.
- Avoid having sex until your symptoms have gone away and your partner(s) have been treated.
If you have trichomoniasis or any STD, you should also be tested for HIV, syphilis, and the hepatitis C virus. If you have not already been vaccinated for hepatitis B, you should be tested for that as well.
Additional References:
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.