HOW IS TRICHOMONIASIS TRANSMITTED?
Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) which affects the vagina and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The infection is easily passed on through having unprotected vaginal sex or sharing sex toys if you do not wash them or cover them with a new condom before use.
You do not have to have many sexual partners to catch trichomoniasis. Anyone who's sexually active can catch it and pass it on.
Trichomoniasis is not thought to be passed on through oral or anal sex.
You cannot get trichomoniasis from hugging, kissing, sharing cups, plates or cutlery and toilet seats.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection.
But up to half of all people will not develop any symptoms (though they can still pass the infection on to others).
The symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to those of many other sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) so it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms for people with a vagina can include:
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Vaginal itching, swelling and soreness.
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A discharge that is unusual for you. It can be frothy and yellow-green coloured and can smell fishy.
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Lower abdominal pain (tummy).
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Pain during sex and while weeing.
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Itchy inner thighs.
Symptoms for people with a penis can include:
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Thin, white discharge from the penis.
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Pain during ejaculation and while weeing.
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Itching, swelling and soreness of the penis.
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Needing too wee more often.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
Here at TADIC testing for Trichomoniasis is done with a urine test or a swab test. The swab is something you can also do yourself. We test for other STI's at the same time using the same urine test or swab. The test is FREE for anyone under the age of 19.
Once tested we will be in touch within 1 - 2 weeks with your results. If your test result is negative you will receive a text. If you are positive, you will be invited into the clinic to arrange your treatment.
If for any reason, you do not hear from us 2 weeks after visiting the drop centre, then please get in touch with us.
WHAT TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE?
Trichomoniasis is unlikely to go away without treatment, but it can be effectively treated with antibiotics.
Most people are treated with an antibiotic called metronidazole, which is usually taken twice a day for 5 to 7 days.
It's important to complete the whole course of antibiotics and avoid having sex until the infection clears up to prevent reinfection.
Your current sexual partner and any other recent partners should also be treated.
HOW TO PREVENT TRICHOMONIASIS
Trichomoniasis and other STIs can be successfully prevented by using appropriate contraception and taking other precautions, such as:
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using male condoms or female condoms every time you have vaginal sex, or male condoms during anal sex
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using a condom to cover the penis or a latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the female genitals if you have oral sex
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not sharing sex toys, or washing them and covering them with a new condom before anyone else uses them