Topic: Trichomonas
Description
Trichomonas is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite infects the genitals and urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside) in both men and women. Trichomonas is widespread. It is most common amongst young people.
Symptoms
There may be no symptoms. Men and women with trichomonas may not know they have an infection.
Women with trichomonas may notice:
- change to vaginal discharge such as smell and/or change of colour
- itch or irritation around the outside of the vagina
- painful vagina, especially during sex
- discomfort in the lower part of the abdomen
- burning or stinging when passing urine
- needing to pass urine more often than usual.
Men with trichomonas may notice:
- discharge from the penis
- burning or stinging when passing urine
- needing to pass urine more often than usual.
Transmission
Trichomonas is spread by unprotected sexual contact with a partner who has trichomonas.
Treatment
Swabs from the urethra in men and swabs from the vagina in women can be tested for trichomonas. Urine should also be tested.
Some people with trichomonas have other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Tests for other STIs can be done at the same time.
If you think you have been at risk of getting trichomonas, it is best to have a sexual health check to be sure.
Trichomonas can be detected from a pap smear test.
Trichomonas can be effectively treated with antibiotic tablets or vaginal creams.
To ensure the infection has been cured:
- it is important to finish the course of treatment.
- do not have sex until you have finished treatment and you have returned to your doctor or clinic for a follow-up appointment to check you have been cured.
If you find out that you do have trichomonas, anyone you have had sex with in the past few months will need to also be tested and treated. This is to make sure that they are cleared of the infection and to prevent you from being re-infected. If you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about telling your partner or partners, the doctor or nurse can contact them. This is a confidential process and your name will not be mentioned. This is very important for your health, for your partner’s health, and the health of other people they have sex with.
Health Outcome
Without treatment, the infection persists. It has been shown to persist in women for many years and in men for many months. During this time, it can be passed on to sexual partners. Trichomonas may also increase the risk of the spread of HIV, and affect pregnancy outcomes eg. premature delivery of baby.
Prevention
Practise safe sex. Always using condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex is the best way to avoid getting trichomonas. Using water-based lubricant with condoms is recommended. If you are giving a man oral sex (his penis in your mouth), then he will need to wear a condom. It does not matter whether you are male or female, if you put your mouth in contact with your partner’s anus or vulva while having sex, you will need to use a dental dam.
Remember that using condoms not only protects you from STIs, it is also an effective form of contraception. If you do use other forms of contraception (like the pill, diaphragm and IUCD), use condoms as well.
If you or your partner have more than one sexual partner and do not use condoms, have regular sexual health checkups.
Help and Assistance
For more information on trichomonas, you can talk to:
- your local doctor
- your local sexual health clinic
- your local family planning clinic
- your local public health unit.
Your public hospital should be able to give you the phone numbers of your nearest family planning or sexual health clinic.
Other Resources
Queensland Health Sexual Health website
Related Content
Last Updated: 20th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
