Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Andrew K Chang, MD

Medical Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Trichomoniasis Treatment

Self-Care at Home

The treatment of choice is antibiotics prescribed by the doctor. In addition to antibiotics, some alternative medicine therapies are available. These therapies are not known to be beneficial, and no rigorous scientific evidence supports their use. Home therapy should not be used instead of a doctor's visit and appropriate antibiotics, as this may allow the spread of the condition as well as harmful sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. (The author does not advise you to use these alternative therapies but these are listed to be complete.)

• Some people feel that natural douches once a day while lying in a warm bath may help. To increase parasite-killing activity, you may add the juice of one lemon to either of the following douches:
  
  
  • Vinegar douche - 1 teaspoon vinegar to 1 quart warm water
    
    
  • Live-culture yogurt douche or a solution of Lactobacillus acidophilus — one-half teaspoon to one cup of water
  
  
• Aromatherapy: Oil of bergamot (Citrus aurantium var bergamia) may help dry up irritating discharge. It can be used in douches or added to bath water.