Topic: Trichomoniasis
Description
Trichomoniasis 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.
Symptoms
There may be no symptoms. Men and women with trichomoniasis may not know they have an infection.
Women with trichomoniasis 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 trichomoniasis may notice:
- discharge from the penis
- burning or stinging when passing urine
- needing to pass urine more often than usual.
Transmission
Trichomoniasis is spread by unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner.
Treatment
The most common test for trichomoniasis is a urine test. However, where a discharge or other visible symptoms are present, swabs may also be taken from the vagina in women or the urethra in men.
As the symptoms for trichomoniasis can resemble those found with other STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea other tests may often be taken at the same time.
If you think you have been at risk of getting trichomoniasis, it is best to have a sexual health check to be sure.
Trichomoniasis can also be detected from a Pap smear test.
Trichomoniasis 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 trichomoniasis, anyone with whom you have had sex 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 partners, a member of your health care team can contact them for you. This is a confidential process and your name will not be mentioned. It is very important for your health, for your partner’s health, and the health of other people with whom they have sex that the tracing of contacts occurs.
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. Trichomoniasis may also increase the risk of the spread of HIV and affect pregnancy outcomes eg. premature delivery and low birth weight for babies.
Prevention
Practise safe sex. Always using condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex is the best way to avoid getting trichomoniasis. Using water-based lubricant with condoms is recommended. If you are giving a man oral sex (his penis in your mouth), then he should 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 should 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 partners 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:
- doctor
- sexual health clinic
- family planning clinic
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: 10th October, 2011
Date Valid to: 10th October, 2012
