Although anecdotal home remedies for trichomoniasis exist, antibiotics are the most effective and reliable treatment for this sexually transmitted infection.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Some people call it trich for short.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over
Once diagnosed, trichomoniasis is easy to treat with antibiotics. While some people who are hesitant to seek treatment may turn to home remedies, these generally aren’t a good idea.
A course of doctor-prescribed antibiotics is the most effective treatment for this infection. Keep reading to learn more.
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
In women:
- itching, burning, or soreness of the genitals
- uncomfortable urination
- a vaginal discharge with a fish smell (may be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish)
In men:
- irritation or itching inside the penis
- burning after urination or ejaculation
- discharge from the penis
See a doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Trichomoniasis isn’t a new infection — people have spent centuries attempting to treat it. To date, antibiotics remain the most effective treatment.
The following sections examine home remedies and why research has found them to be ineffective for treating trichomoniasis.
Black tea
Researchers in a
The researchers exposed black tea extracts to three different parasite types, including the one that causes the STI. They found that black tea extract stopped the growth of the three trichomonad types. It also helped to kill off antibiotic-resistant strains of trichomoniasis.
However, the study results were obtained in a laboratory and haven’t been replicated in humans with trichomoniasis. More research is needed to understand how much black tea is needed and whether it’s effective in humans.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antimicrobial that some people use to prevent infections. Some Internet searches suggest that it may also be used to treat trichomoniasis.
However, according to a 2017 article in Clinical Microbiology Reviews, research has not proven this is the case.
Participants in the study used hydrogen peroxide douches, but these didn’t treat their infection.
Also, hydrogen peroxide has the potential to irritate delicate vaginal or penile tissues. It can also kill off healthy bacteria that may otherwise protect you from other infections.
Garlic
Garlic is for more than just adding flavor to food. People have used it as an herbal remedy for centuries.
A 2013 study observed different garlic concentrations and their ability to kill off parasites that cause trichomoniasis. Researchers found that various garlic concentrations help to stop the movement of these parasites.
The study was done in a laboratory and not on people, so it’s hard to know if garlic could have the same effects in practice. More research is needed to figure out how garlic might be used effectively in humans.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has natural antimicrobial properties. People have tried everything from apple cider vinegar baths to soaking tampons in apple cider vinegar to try to cure trichomoniasis.
However, there’s no evidence that any of these remedies work. Plus, apple cider vinegar is very acidic, so it’s best to keep it away from sensitive genital tissues.
Pomegranate juice or extract
Pomegranates are flavorful, red fruits with medicinal properties. A
However, this parasite-killing ability depended on the pH of the environment. Because pH can vary in infections, it’s hard to say if a person has the right body pH to kill off the infection.
This remedy was also not tested in humans, so more research is needed to manage effectiveness in people with trichomoniasis.
Myrrh
Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) is a plant that has been used in medicine since ancient Egypt. Its anti-inflammatory properties, among other useful attributes, have been touted for their ability to treat anything from worms to stomach pain.
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However, it’s worth noting that the study’s sample size was quite small: just 33 women, only 13 of whom were actually treated with myrrh. More research is needed to support myrrh as an effective option.
Zinc sulfate douche
The inherent antimicrobial properties of zinc sulfate make it a possible treatment for antibiotic-resistant trichomoniasis. A
Research participants were treated with a douche containing 1% zinc sulfate. Using this treatment method, 87% were cured of their infection.
While these results are promising, the sample size in this study was small at just 8 women. The study also took place over the course of several years. Moreover, some women used the douche in conjunction with the medication tinidazole, making it difficult to attribute the effectiveness to the douche alone.
Ginger
Ginger is yet another plant
In a 2013 study in mice, Researchers examined ginger ethanol extracts as a possible treatment for trichomoniasis.
They found that ginger was effective at treating infection 17 to 100% of the time, depending on the concentration of the herb. The most effective concentration was 800 micrograms per milliliter.
Research on human subjects is needed before recommending ginger as a suitable treatment.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol with many qualities, including being antiparasitic. This compound is found in a variety of foods, including red wine, grapes, and berries.
A 2014 in vitro study on resveratrol and its potential as a treatment for Trichomonas vaginalis showed that this compound can effectively eliminate parasites at various concentrations.
More research on human subjects is needed before declaring resveratrol a useful treatment for trichomoniasis.
Basil
There are a variety of other herbs traditionally used to treat sexually transmitted infections. The basil leaf, for example, is known for being a “strong microbicide” which can kill off fungus and bacteria.
A recent in vitro study showed that basil, lemongrass, and eucalyptus essential oils showed antiparasitic action when exposed to Trichomonas vaginalis after just 12 to 24 hours.
More research is needed on these herbs before they can be recommended as an alternative to standard antibiotic treatment.
Tomato
You may love the taste of summer tomatoes sliced in your salad. Did you know they hold a concentrated compound called tomatine that has antimicrobial properties?
Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have examined tomatine and its potential as a therapy for Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus. They suggest the compound has “potential value” as an ingredient to use in an alternative treatment for the STI in humans, cows, and cats.
However, this research is still in the theoretical stage, and no specifics about using tomatoes are yet available.
Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus (also called great or common mullein) is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to disinfect or heal skin and treat diarrhea and urinary infections.
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The researchers conclude that this compound should be considered for future research, but do not state that it is a suitable treatment as of now.
Nigella sativa (black cumin)
Another herb called Nigella sativa, or black cumin, has been used traditionally in both food and herbal medicines in India and the Mediterranean. Like other herbs on this list, it is credited with having anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic qualities, among other properties.
A 2021 study on herbs to treat Trichomonas vaginalis found that, after just 24 hours of exposure to the infection, black cumin extract in a concentration of 2 milligrams per milliliter may be as effective as metronidazole, the go-to medication.
However, the study’s authors explain that more research is needed before recommending a standardized dose of black cumin to treat infection.
Boric acid
Boric acid is both antiviral and antifungal. For this reason, it is sometimes used to treat stubborn yeast infections.
Researchers in a 2014 study set out to support the topical use of boric acid to treat Trichomonas vaginalis. They claim its effectiveness on yeast infections makes it a possible help for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Their preliminary work shows that boric acid can slow the growth of parasites in a lab setting.
These findings are still theories and merely lay the groundwork for future in vitro and clinical studies on boric acid as an alternative therapy for trichomonas.
Manilkara rufula flavonoid and tannin extracts
Like other plants and herbs reviewed in this article, the extracts from the Manilkara rufula plant (a type of tree) have powerful antitrichomonal properties.
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This study was yet again performed in vitro, meaning it was on cells rather than humans. More research on these extracts and their specific concentration and application is needed before using them as a treatment method.
Antibiotics prescribed by a medical professional are the most effective and reliable treatment for trichomoniasis. In many cases, you’ll just need a single dose.
Some strains of trichomoniasis are harder to kill than others, so your healthcare professional may recommend that you come in for follow-up testing to confirm that you don’t need additional treatment.
Since trichomoniasis has a high rate of reinfection, especially in women, it’s important to get retested after treatment. Testing is recommended for all sexually active women 3 months after initial treatment.
You should also talk with your sexual partners about being tested. You should abstain from sexual activity until all partners have been treated and the infection is resolved.
At-home testing kits for trichomoniasis
If you would rather not return to your doctor’s office for a re-testing, at-home trichomoniasis test kits are available from:
Left untreated, trichomoniasis can cause inflammation that makes it easier for viruses, such as HIV, to enter your body. It can also increase your risk of other STIs, which can have lasting effects without prompt treatment.
If you’re pregnant, it’s especially important to get tested and treated. Untreated trichomoniasis can result in preterm labor and low birth weights.
Importance of medical diagnosis and early treatment for trichomoniasis
Getting an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional for trichomoniasis and other STIs is crucial for:
- receiving effective treatment
- avoiding complications
- preventing the spread of the infection to others
There are no proven home remedies for trichomoniasis. If you think you may have trichomoniasis or any other STI, see a medical professional.
They can diagnose your infection and provide effective treatment. In most cases, you’ll just need a quick course of antibiotics.