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Trichomonas
Trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis) is caused by a parasite, it can affect the vagina in women and inside the penis in men.
How is it passed on?
Trichomonas can be passed on by:
- Having vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has it
- Immediate sharing of moist washcloths and towels or Jacuzzis and hot baths. This way of catching Trichomonas is very rare.
Signs and Symptoms
It is possible to have Trichomonas without any symptoms so if you have sex without a condom it is important to come and get checked out. Men are not routinely tested for Trichomonas so if you believe you have been in contact with someone with the infection it is important to inform the doctor or nurse you see.
Women:
- Increased vaginal discharge which may be frothy, itchy and have a strong smell.
- Pain when passing urine
- Pain when having sex
Men
- Men rarely have symptoms.
- May have a white discharge from the penis
- Pain passing urine.
What happens if I am told I have Trichomonas?
You will be treated with antibiotics, which are free at sexual health
clinics.
Once Trichomonas has been treated it will not re-occur unless you have
sex with someone who has got Trichomonas and has not been treated. We
advise you to tell your sexual partners so that they can be treated
as well. This will help to avoid you being re-infected.
Once you have been treated for Trichomonas we will ask to see you back in clinic for a test to ensure that the infection has cleared completely. Sometimes the first antibiotics we give do not work.
You can help protect yourself from Trichomonas by using condoms every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you are unsure of how to use condoms, please ask to see a health adviser who will be happy to talk to you about safely using condoms.
