Trichomonas vaginalis is a bacterium which comprises up to 7% of the healthy bacterial population in the vagina. Trichomonas "infection" is another form of bacterial overgrowth which may also be sexually transmitted. It causes a moderate to profuse discharge which can cause intense itching in the woman. If severe, the discharge can have a green and frothy appearance.
Treatment of trichomonas involves a week's course of metronidazole. The male partner may be advised also to take this antibiotic to prevent re-infection of his partner.
In Chinese medicine vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) represents Damp in the Lower Jiao. Itching redness, a coloured or smelly discharge all suggest Damp-Heat, whereas white, watery discharges are more suggestive of Damp-Cold. An underlying deficiency of Spleen Qi is likely.
