How is trichomonas vaginitis caused?

Sep 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, the main causes of trichomonas vaginitis include poor personal hygiene habits, vaginal environmental imbalance, transmission through unclean sexual activity, cross-infection via public hygiene products, and coexisting with other gynecological inflammations. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, one should pay attention to storing and cleaning personal items separately, and avoid excessive vaginal cleansing.

Generally, the main causes of trichomonas vaginitis include poor personal hygiene habits, imbalance of vaginal environment, transmission through unclean sexual activity, cross-infection via public hygiene products, and concurrent gynecological inflammations. If discomfort symptoms appear, timely visit to a regular hospital for treatment is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Personal Hygiene Habits

Long-term infrequent changing of underwear and prolonged use of sanitary napkins during menstruation can cause local moisture in the vulva area, providing a suitable environment for trichomonas vaginalis to multiply, thus causing infection. Daily routines should include changing into cotton breathable underwear every day, replacing sanitary napkins every 2–3 hours during menstruation, washing the vulva with warm water and drying it thoroughly afterward to maintain dryness and reduce conditions favorable for trichomonad growth.

2. Imbalance of Vaginal Environment

Frequent douching with alkaline cleansing solutions can disrupt the vagina's natural acidic environment, reducing its self-cleaning ability and making it easier for trichomonads to survive and cause inflammation. The misuse of cleansing solutions should be stopped; only warm water should be used to clean the external genitalia. When necessary, vaginal lactobacillus capsules may be used under medical guidance to regulate vaginal flora balance and restore the acidic environment.

3. Transmission via Unclean Sexual Activity

Engaging in unprotected sexual activity with a partner infected with trichomonas vaginalis is the primary transmission route of trichomonas vaginitis. Trichomonads can directly invade the vagina via sexual contact and cause infection. Unclean sexual activity should be avoided, and condoms should be used correctly during sex. If a partner is infected, both should undergo hospital examination and treatment simultaneously. Sexual activity should be avoided during treatment to prevent cross-infection.

4. Cross-Infection via Public Hygiene Products

Using public baths, swimming pools, or toilet seats, or borrowing others' towels or underwear may lead to indirect infection through residual trichomonads. In daily life, one should avoid using public baths and swimming pools, use disposable sanitary pads when using public toilet seats, avoid sharing personal items with others, and disinfect personal items by washing and sun-drying them.

5. Concurrent Gynecological Inflammations

If one already suffers from bacterial vaginosis, vulvitis, or other gynecological inflammations, the reproductive system's defense mechanisms may be further compromised, increasing the risk of trichomonas infection and worsening inflammatory symptoms. Under medical guidance, underlying inflammations should be treated first—for example, bacterial vaginosis can be treated with topical clindamycin phosphate gel—followed by oral administration of metronidazole or tinidazole tablets and topical use of metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets to comprehensively control the infection.

In daily life, attention should be paid to storing and washing personal items separately, avoiding excessive vaginal cleaning to maintain vaginal microecological stability, and undergoing regular gynecological examinations to detect signs of infection early and protect reproductive health.

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How is trichomonal vaginitis contracted?

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What does it mean when there is a lot of white vaginal discharge that looks like tofu residue?

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