Trichomoniasis

About 70% of people with the infection do not experience symptoms. But, when symptoms do appear, they are often easily confused with other STIs. Some people with symptoms will get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected, but others will not get them until much later. The symptoms can come and go, and without treatment the infection can last months or years.

Symptoms for people with a vagina can include:

• Itchiness, soreness, swelling, pain, or redness in or around the vagina
• Unusual yellow-green, frothy discharge with a fishy smell
• Lower abdominal pain (tummy)
• Pain during sex and while weeing

Symptoms for people with a penis can include:

• Discharge from the penis
• Burning pain while weeing
• Needing to wee more often
• Soreness or pain in the penis, testicles, or bottom when ejaculating

Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) which affects the vagina and urethra. The infection is easily passed on through having unprotected vaginal sex or sharing sex toys.

It is not known whether it can be passed on by genital contact or by transferring discharge from one vagina to another on the fingers.

You cannot get trichomoniasis from hugging, kissing, sharing baths, towels, swimming pools or toilet seats.

Diagnosing trichomoniasis is not easy as its symptoms are similar to other STIs.

If a doctor or nurse examines you, they will be looking for red patches on the walls of the vagina and discharge, swelling and soreness from of the head of the penis.

They will also take a swab from your vagina or penis which will be tested for signs of the infection. A swab is taken by brushing a sort of cotton bud or a small plastic loop over the inside of the vagina and head of the penis. It may be a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful. In people with penises, trichomoniasis can also be tested by taking a urine sample.

Test results can be:

• Point of care testing: results are produced during the appointment
• Microscope diagnosis: the doctor or nurse may be able to take a look at the sample under a microscope to make a diagnosis during your visit
• Sent to a lab: the swab may be sent away to a lab, in which case the results normally take a week to come back.

If there is a high chance that you have trichomoniasis (for example if your partner has tested positive), you may be given treatment before the results are back. But be aware that even if your partner tested negative, you could still have it.

You can be tested for trichomoniasis at Brook services, your GP surgery or at GUM or sexual health clinics. Find your nearest using our find a service tool.

Trichomoniasis is unlikely to go away by itself. Without treatment the infection can last for months or years. It is easily treated with antibiotics. You will often be prescribed an antibiotic called metronidazole which you take for seven days or as a one-off dose.

Metronidazole is very effective but it can make you feel sick and it can’t be mixed with alcohol. In fact, you should wait until 48 hours after finishing your course.

Trichomoniasis is not serious unless you are pregnant when it can cause complications. But don’t worry, it can still be safely treated. Make sure you inform the doctor or nurse if you are (or think you are) pregnant so that they can take this into consideration.

If you had symptoms, you should notice improvements quite quickly. You should go back to where you had your test if:

• The symptoms don’t improve within a week
• You have unprotected sex again
• You had unprotected sex with your partner before the treatment was finished
• You did not follow the instructions or complete the treatment
• You vomited after taking the antibiotics
• The test was negative but you develop signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis

You should also avoid having sex until you have been given the all-clear, to prevent you being re-infected or passing the infection on.

TELL YOUR PREVIOUS PARTNERS
It is important that you tell any recent sexual partners (last six months) that you are being treated for trichomoniasis, so that they go for treatment too.

Some clinics may also offer to contact your partner using what’s called partner notification. This is to warn them they may have been exposed and to recommend they get tested and it doesn’t mention your name.