$Unique_ID{BRK00472} $Pretitle{} $Title{Trichomonas Medication for Men} $Subject{trichomonas genitourinary Infections infection lifestyle lifestyles vaginalis sexually transmitted diseases std venereal disease vd organism germ urethral discharge painful frequent urination infected prostate metronidazole reinfecting medication medications treatment treatments} $Volume{J-23,R-15} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Trichomonas Medication for Men ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: My partner has just seen her gynecologist and been diagnosed as having trichomonas. She is being treated with medication now, but her doctor wants me to take medication as well, despite the fact that I have no symptoms. I thought I would check with you first. What is your advice? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Your partner's doctor's advice comes right out of the book, and I agree 100%. Trichomonas vaginalis is common in women, and can be identified in from 20 to 50 percent of all women treated at clinics for sexually transmitted diseases. However, half of those women have no symptoms either. We know that men can be infected with the same organism, and when we examine the male partners of women with trichomonas infection, we can find the germ up to 60% of the time. That means there is the possibility of real trouble down the road, with symptoms of urethral discharge, painful and frequent urination, followed by the complication of an infection of the prostate. Treatment for asymptomatic men can consist of a single 2 gram dose of metronidazole, which will not only clear up your infection, but prevent you from reinfecting your partner as well. If you delay treatment until symptoms appear, you should take 250-500 mg three times daily for ten to 14 days. Have a doctor supervise your course of treatment. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.