Is it Trichomoniasis or Yeast Infection?

 

When you notice unpleasant symptoms such as itching and discharge down there you may start wondering what may be the cause. Is it a yeast infection, a bacterial infection, or maybe one of those sexually transmitted diseases?

 

Is it trichomoniasis or yeast infection?

 

Your best bet is to get checked by your doctor, get properly diagnosed and treated because studies show that about 20% of women with a supposed yeast infection, actually suffer from a different type of infection, such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea or BV.

 

However, if for any reason you cannot see your doctor immediately and you want to find out what’s happening to you, this article will help you. Today I’ll be focusing on the differences between a vaginal yeast infection and trichomoniasis.

 

What is Trichomoniasis?

 

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by an organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. It gives similar symptoms to other sexually transmitted diseases that’s why it’s important to get properly diagnosed before starting treatment.

 

Fortunately, this infection is very easy to treat. The trichomoniasis symptoms include:

 

  • vaginal discharge is either white, gray, yellow, or green, with a frothy texture  and an unpleasant smell
  • vaginal burning or itching
  • vaginal spotting or bleeding
  • red and swollen vulva
  • frequent need to urinate
  • pain during urination or sexual intercourse

 

The main difference between yeast infection symptoms and trichomoniasis symptoms is the smell of discharge. In case of a yeast infection it’s yeasty and in case of trichomoniasis, it’s a foul smell.

 

How to Test For Trichomoniasis?

 

Trichomoniasis symptoms may be easily confused with bacterial vaginosis or other STDs, so getting your vaginal swabs tested in the laboratory is very important in order to treat the infection.

 

Fortunately, now you can get tested from the comfort of your home with MyLAB Box test kit. Once you order your test kit online, you can take swabs at home and send them back in an attached prepaid envelope.

 

You’ll receive lab-certified results back via email in a matter of days. The test is very convenient and accurate, and in case of a positive result, MyLabBox offers a free medical consultation so you can start your treatment as soon as possible. Go ahead and order your trichomoniasis test kit today!

 

How to Treat Trichomoniasis?

 

If you suffer from trichomoniasis infection, you’ll be prescribed an oral antibiotic called metronidazole (Flagyl). It’s also the only treatment option for pregnant women.

 

Is it trichomoniasis or yeast infection?

Trichomoniasis cells

 

Make sure that your partner also gets treated so you don’t get reinfected. It’s best not to have sex until your symptoms and those of your partner completely disappear.

 

Update: Research shows that boric acid suppositories are very effective when it comes to killing trichomoniasis cells. It’s got a microbial effect on them and it works fine regardless of the acidity levels in the vagina. Discuss this option with your doctor if you prefer to avoid taking antibiotics.

 

Even if your symptoms are gone, don’t interrupt your treatment because some trichomoniasis may survive in the vagina without giving any symptoms and reactivate if you finish your treatment before taking your prescribed dose.

 

It’s also advised to get retested 3 months after you finish treatment to make sure it’s worked.

 

Is it Trichomoniasis or Yeast Infection?

 

What is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

 

A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an organism called Candida. When the bacterial balance in the vagina is disrupted due to hormonal changes, chlorinated water or stress (read more about other causes here) Candida cells start proliferating out of control causing unpleasant symptoms. You may be suffering from a vaginal yeast infection when:

 

  • Your vagina and vulva are red, itchy and swollen
  • You feel pain during sexual intercourse
  • You get a burning sensation while urinating
  • Your vaginal discharge is either transparent and watery or thick and white, like cottage cheese with a yeasty smell
  • In some cases, you may notice cracked around your vulva and vagina

 

Is it Trichomoniasis or Yeast Infection?

How to Test for Yeast Infection?

 

If you’re trying to self-diagnose, apart from looking at your symptoms, it’s best to do a vaginal health test. If you want to get tested from home, try MyLabBox Baginal Health Test. MyLabBox is a company that specializes in STD and Women’s Health home tests.

 

After you order your test online, they send you a test kit. The instructions are very clear, so you can easily take your swabs and send them back in a prepaid envelope. After 48 hours, you’ll be able to see you accurate, lab-tested results online. Go ahead and order your vaginal health test kit today!

 

How to Treat a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

 

There are many treatment options for vaginal yeast infection. From prescription medications to OTC medications and natural homemade remedies. In this section, I’ll discuss 2 very effective over the counter yeast infection treatment that will help you get rid of your yeast infection for good.

 

If you want to treat your yeast infection, you can choose to use over the counter medication or natural remedies, such as aloe vera. The most popular OTC medication is Monistat 7. You have to insert one applicatorful before going to bed for 7 consecutive days.

 

Is it Trichomoniasis or Yeast Infection

 

Your symptoms should improve after the first night, but make sure you follow the whole treatment so that the infection doesn’t come back. If you’re pregnant, consult your healthcare professional before using Monistat 7.

 

It’s important to take all 7 applicatorfuls and not stop the treatment once your symptoms disappear. Some Candida cells may survive without giving any symptoms and start proliferating again when you finish treatment before taking all 7 doses.

 

If you want to learn more about Monistat, check my article where I review different types of Monistat treatments. If you notice that common OTC medications, such as Monistat, don’t clear your symptoms, there is another treatment option: Boric Acid Suppositories.

 

Boric Acid is a 100% natural antifungal agent that treats both yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. It’s also excellent in stubborn cases of recurrent yeast infections.

 

Is it Trichomoniasis or Yeast Infection

 

The treatment consists of inserting once suppository before going to bed for 7 consecutive days.

 

If you suffer from recurrent yeast infections, you can use 1 suppository a week for up to 6 months as a preventative measure, after you finish your 7-day treatment. You can learn more about using boric acid for yeast infections here. It’s not recommended for pregnant and nursing women.

 

Conclusion

 

It’s easy to confuse yeast infection symptoms with those of sexually transmitted diseases, that’s why getting a reliable diagnosis is crucial before starting your treatment.

 

If you don’t follow the right treatment, you may contribute to the spread of an STD or, in case of a yeast infection, your symptoms may worsen and be more difficult to treat.

 

Is it Trichomoniasis or Yeast Infection_

 

Always remember to stop having sex when you experience any abnormal vaginal symptoms as well as during your treatment. Fortunately, both trichomoniasis and vaginal yeast infection are easy to treat and it won’t take more than 14 days to recover completely.

 

If you’ve got any questions or comments, or you’d like to share your experiences with us, we’d love to hear from you! Please use the comment section below.

 

11 comments

  • My doctor has me using monistat 7 for 3 nights before bed. I’ve used it before never gotten reaction such as this, so why now? Could it be of the trich and herbes? I used it again tonight for my second dose and a less painful reaction occurred. But lasting over an hour.

  • I’ve used monistat before, but it never burned or anything why am I getting a reaction now?

    • Hi Becky, perhaps you used Monistat1 or 3, they’ve got a higher concentration of miconazole than Monistat7, so they’re more likely to give an allergic reaction.

      • I’m using monistat 7 it stopped burning like an hour later but my doctor told me know use it for 3 nights before bed. I’m just scared it’ll happen again.

  • I have trich for now, but I’m being treated for it. All while I have a yeast infection and type 2 herbes but no outbreak so I’m not being treated. Could I still use the monistat for my yeast infection or what til after I treat the trich?

  • I was curious what would happen if you used monistst while you had trich?

    • Hi Stacey, thanks for asking this question. I initially thought the answer would be “no”, but then I checked if there’s been any research done about it. I found that one study used metronidazole suppositories along with with miconazole suppositories (such as Monistat) and they got better results treating trich than with the conventional oral metronidazole treatment, you can check it here. Having said that, Monistat on its own will not be enough to treat trichomoniasis. What definitely works for trich are boric acid suppositories, it’s a great altenrative to antibiotic treatment.

  • Hi Kams, thanks for recommending myLab box, I’d never heard about it before. I ordered their 8 panel test that tests for 8 different stds and it was pretty easy to use. I got my results after 5 days, all clear! Now I’m gonna start my yeast infection treatment, wish me luck!

    • Hi Magnolia, I’m glad you’re happy with myLab box, I think it’s a fantastic offer for people who prefer to test at home. The price is also a bargain. Good luck with your yeast infection treatment!

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