In 2018, 2 million infections were reported.
However, only about 30% of people develop symptoms.
If you experience trichomoniasis, it can be tempting to treat the condition with natural or alternative remedies.
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However, the most effective treatment is medication from a healthcare provider.
Satjawat Boontanataweepol / Getty Images
Do Trichomoniasis Home Remedies Work?
Many home remedies thought to help treattrichomoniasishave not been thoroughly researched.
Popular Home Remedies
More research on home remedies for trichomoniasis is needed.
There are several home remedies for trichomoniasis.
Examples include:
Myrrh:One study examined 33 women with trichomoniasis.
Researchers treated 13 antibiotic-resistant women with an oleo-resin extract derived frommyrrh,Commiphora molmol(mirazid).
The treatment was effective in 85% of the test participants.
Additionally, the black tea preparation was effective against drug-resistant trichomoniasis.
However, most research has been done in vitro and not directly on humans.
Additionally, of those conducted in humans, many had small sample sizes.
So, the quality and purity of the products vary among brands.
Dosages in humans are also not yet established for many alternative treatments.
While some alternative therapies may be effective, additional research is needed.
However, these treatments are often ineffective and can even be harmful.
Before attempting any home remedies, especially topical remedies or douches, consult a healthcare provider for advice.
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plants may improve overall health and longevity.
Be sure to consult a dietician or healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.
More research is necessary to explore alternative remedies to treat and prevent trichomoniasis.
Sometimes, treatment doesn’t work.
A higher dose or combination regimen with two or more medications may be necessary.
Abstain from sex until treatment is completed and symptoms have resolved.
There are insufficient data regarding retesting males.
What Happens if Trichomoniasis Is Left Untreated?
It is unlikely that trichomoniasis will go away on its own.
However, some individuals with trichomoniasis can be asymptomatic for a while.
If left untreated, serious side effects can occur, especially in pregnant individuals.
If you suspect trichomoniasis, contact your healthcare provider for testing and treatment before treating the infection at home.
You may have additional STIs or a different STI with similar symptoms.
If you test positive, you will likely receive a prescription for oral antibiotics, such as metronidazole.
Discuss your treatment plans with your healthcare provider if you are considering a home remedy or already tried one.
There are few studies examining alternative treatments for trichomoniasis in humans.
Your healthcare provider will likely want to repeat testing as home remedies may not effectively erase the STI.
Untreated trichomoniasis can pose health risks.
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