Trichomoniasis (TV)

Trichomoniasis (also known as Trichomonas Vaginalis, or TV) is caused by tiny parasites infecting the vagina in women and the urethra in both men and women.

Trichomoniasis is easily passed from person to person during sex. It is not a serious condition but as it is often diagnosed with gonorrhoea, it can be a warning signal for a more serious infection.

How to recognise it 

Women experience symptoms of discharge, itching and irritation but men usually have no symptoms.

What if I am pregnant?

Trichomonas may cause problems with a pregnancy. Some research suggests that it could lead to a premature birth or a baby with a low birth weight. Trichomonas can be passed to a baby during the birth and cause an infection in the baby’s vagina. This is not common and it's not serious.

If you are pregnant you should tell the doctor or nurse so that they can discuss with you whether it will be helpful to have any treatment. 

How it's treated

TV can be treated with antibiotics.