Can Amoxicillin Treat Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. Luckily, with proper treatment, you can cure trichomoniasis. So can amoxicillin treat trichomoniasis, and what antibiotics cure trichomoniasis?

At Rapid STD Testing, we frequently publish new information on antibiotics for STD treatment to help spread awareness of common conditions. Below, we discuss the treatment for trichomoniasis, what you can expect moving forward, and anything else you may need to know about this STI. If you think you may have trich, order a rapid STD test today so you can begin treatment.

Getting Treated for Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis comes from the parasitic Trichomonas vaginalis infection, meaning it spreads through unprotected vaginal sexual intercourse. Both men and women can get active or dormant trichomoniasis that may not present symptoms for months or years, if ever. More than 50% of women and the majority of men never experience the common side effects of trich, though they suffer the risk factors of an untreated infection, such as pregnancy complications, increased risks of other STDs like HIV or syphilis, and the ability to spread to partners.

So, does trichomoniasis have a cure? Yes. Luckily, 95% of trichomoniasis patients can fully recover and cure with a single dose of antibiotic treatment.

Like any bacterial infection or other parasitic infections, treatment begins with diagnosis. Diagnosis of trichomoniasis typically involves a few different physical exams, tests, and symptom evaluations. While many do not present symptoms, those that do may experience the following uncomfortable effects:

• Pain during urination
• Itching or irritation around the genitals
• Strange discharge from the penis
• Pain after ejaculation or during intercourse
• Thin, discolored discharge from the vagina
• Vaginal pain or irritation

To diagnose the infection, your healthcare professional will likely perform a physical exam, lab test, or both. The physical exam can cause some pelvic pain or abdominal pain as they examine the area for irritation and common signs. The lab test involves taking a swab sample of the vaginal or penile region to check for the parasite.

If your test comes back positive, you have a few treatment options. Be sure to inform your partner of your diagnosis so they can seek treatment and you can avoid the risk of reinfection. Typically, your doctor will recommend taking one megadose of your medication or multiple oral doses over the course of a week to kill the infection.

Be sure to complete all doses as instructed. You should abstain from sex for at least one week following the completion of your treatment to ensure you’re no longer contagious. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication, as this can increase side effects, which we’ll discuss next.

Trichomoniasis Medication

So, can amoxicillin treat trichomoniasis? Can penicillin treat trichomoniasis? If not, what are the best treatment options?

The most effective treatments for trichomoniasis are antibiotics. Leaving the infection untreated can put you at high risk of contracting additional STDs or suffering fetus complications if you’re pregnant.

The primary antibiotic treatment options for trich are metronidazole and tinidazole. Both of these antibiotics offer more effective outcomes than amoxicillin or penicillin. Amoxicillin does not cure trichomoniasis, so your doctor likely will not prescribe it.

Metronidazole and tinidazole vary in a few ways depending on the patient, though the primary difference lies in administration:

• Metronidazole: Your doctor may recommend you take four 500 mg tablets in one dose or two 500 mg tablets daily for five to seven days. The course will depend on your medical history and other factors.
• Tinidazole: Tinidazole only comes in a four-capsule megadose, each capsule being 500 mg — you might have heard of tinidazole as the “four pills for trichomoniasis treatment.” You must take all four pills in a single dose with food to reduce side effects. Pregnant women typically cannot take the single-dose option of either antibiotic as it can harm the fetus.

Both antibiotics can cause a metallic taste in the mouth and nausea. Metronidazole may also cause diarrhea, while tinidazole can cause fatigue. Occasionally, both antibiotics can cause severe, life-threatening reactions, especially when taken with alcohol.

Pregnant people may take the antibiotics during their second or third trimesters.

Individuals with pre-existing conditions, like an inflammatory disease, may also need to consider over-the-counter remedies to treat symptoms. At-home and over-the-counter remedies that may help you manage symptom discomfort and the infection include the following:

• Pomegranate juice
• Zinc sulfate vaginal douches
• Myrrh capsules
• Boric acid vaginal douches
• Garlic or ginger
• Hypoallergenic lotions and creams
• Nigella sativa alcoholic extract and oil
• Phaseolus vulgaris lectin
• Spearmint extract

Which Is the Most Effective Medication for Trichomoniasis?

Since the answer to the question, “Can amoxicillin treat trichomoniasis?” is that there are some more effective antibiotics, how does your doctor choose which medication to prescribe?

Both metronidazole and tinidazole can offer equal levels of effectiveness depending on a few different factors. Your doctor will consider the following:

• Your drug allergies
• Whether or not you’re pregnant
• Previous resistance to antibiotics
• Existing STD infections (like HIV or syphilis)

After thoroughly examining your medical history, your doctor will determine the best medication for curing your infection.

How long does it take antibiotics to work for trichomoniasis? The answer depends on the type of medication your doctor prescribes, but most antibiotics cure trich in seven to ten days.

Fast treatment is one of the most effective ways to wipe out your infection. Order a 10-panel STD test today from Rapid STD Testing if you think you may have an infection.

Living With Trichomoniasis

A trichomoniasis diagnosis is no different than any other infection. When you remove the social stigma from STIs, you see how trich is a simple infection requiring a few antibiotics to cure. Living with trichomoniasis may be uncomfortable for the time being, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can get treatment and return to normal.

To start, you should introduce a few preventative actions so you don’t spread the infection or get reinfected in the future:

• Keep your eye out for the common symptoms.
• Get tested on a regular basis.
• Avoid scratching the area around your genitals if it itches.
• Communicate with your partner if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
• Follow all safe sex practices, like wearing condoms and avoiding contact if you have any broken skin.

During your treatment course for trichomoniasis, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms from the infection and side effects from your antibiotics. How do you treat trichomoniasis over the counter? While no over-the-counter medications can cure the infection, you may be able to reduce itching and burning sensations by using a cream or lotion. Speak with your doctor for additional recommendations on easing symptoms.

To avoid side effects with your antibiotics, be sure to follow all the instructions. For example, you may need to take the pills with food and plenty of water to avoid gastric distress. One of the most important things to avoid with antibiotics is alcohol, as it can cause severe disulfiram-like reactions potentially leading to hospitalization or death.

Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can cause heart palpitations, dizziness, flushing, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeats, and chest pain. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Such reactions can also occur if you have an allergy to the medication.

Be sure to inform your partner of your infection so they can seek treatment as well. You should both wait seven days before having sex following the completion of your treatment to ensure that you’ve cleared the infection. Moving forward, you can follow up with your doctor once every three months for an STI screening to check in on your health and make sure you’re still clear.

Find the Right Treatment for Your Symptoms Today

Can amoxicillin treat trichomoniasis? No, but metronidazole and tinidazole can. If you have trich symptoms, you can order same-day STD testing from Rapid STD Testing. Simply order your test online, then visit a local clinic to know your STD status and prepare for treatment.can amoxicillin treat trichomoniasis