Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called trichomonas vaginalis (TV).
Trichomoniasis is usually spread by having condomless sex, although it could also be spread by sharing sex toys.
Click here for more information on trichomoniasis.
Symptoms usually develop within a month of infection, although up to half of all infected people have no symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
You can get tested at an axess sexual health clinic, or by your GP.
The clinician will examine your genital area and take a swab. This should not hurt, but it may be a little uncomfortable.
This test isn’t routinely offered if you don’t have any symptoms. You may be tested if you do have symptoms that might suggest TV, have had sex with someone who has tested positive for TV or if you have certain risk factors.
Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics.
If symptoms remain, or recur, after treatment, you may require further testing to see whether your symptoms are being caused by a different sexually transmitted infection.
Condoms are very effective at preventing the spread of trichomoniasis.
Regular testing each time you change your sexual partner helps reduce the spread of STIs.
If any STI is left untreated, including trichomoniasis, this may make it easier for you to become infected with other STIs, including HIV. Your symptoms might not go away and you could pass TV to your partner or become re-infected.
