Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. While it can cause uncomfortable symptoms, it’s easily treatable with the right medication.

What Is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that infects the urogenital tract. In women, it primarily affects the vagina, urethra, and sometimes the cervix. In men, it typically affects the urethra and sometimes the prostate.

Main Symptoms

In Women:

• Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong, unpleasant smell
• Soreness, swelling, and itching around the vagina and vulva
• Pain during urination or sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after sex or between periods
• Lower abdominal pain (less common)

In Men:

• Discharge from the penis (less common)
• Pain during urination or ejaculation
• Frequent urination or urgency
• Irritation inside the penis

Important to Know:

• About 50% of people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms at all
• Symptoms may come and go
• Women are more likely to have symptoms than men
• Symptoms typically appear within 5-28 days of infection

How Is It Transmitted?

Primary Route:

• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person
• This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex

Other Possible Routes:

• Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning or barrier protection
• Rarely through damp towels or clothing (the parasite can survive briefly outside the body)

Important Points:

• You can get trichomoniasis even if you don’t have symptoms
• Both partners need treatment to prevent reinfection
• Condoms significantly reduce the risk of transmission

How Common Is It?

• Most common curable STI worldwide
• Affects approximately 3.7 million people in the United States
• More common in women than men
• Risk increases with age and number of sexual partners
• Higher rates in certain populations due to various social and economic factors

Diagnosis

Testing Methods:

• Examination of vaginal or urethral discharge under microscope
• Rapid antigen tests for quick results
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) - most sensitive method
• Culture tests - growing the parasite in laboratory conditions

Where to Get Tested:

• GP surgery
• Sexual health clinics
• Some pharmacies offer testing
• Home testing kits (though professional testing is preferred)

Treatment

Standard Treatment:

• Metronidazole - oral tablets taken for 5-7 days
• Tinidazole - alternative antibiotic option
• Single high dose or extended course depending on severity

Important Treatment Guidelines:

• Both partners must be treated simultaneously, even if one has no symptoms
• Complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve
• Avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after (can cause severe nausea)
• No sexual contact until treatment is complete and symptoms have cleared

Treatment Success:

• 95% cure rate with appropriate antibiotic treatment
• Symptoms typically improve within a few days of starting treatment
• Reinfection is common if partners aren’t treated or new exposure occurs

Complications if Untreated

For Women:

• Increased risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV
• Pregnancy complications - premature birth or low birth weight babies
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (rare but possible)
• Ongoing discomfort and relationship difficulties

For Men:

• Prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate gland
• Increased risk of contracting other STIs
• Ongoing urethral irritation

For Both:

• Increased HIV transmission risk if exposed
• Continued transmission to sexual partners

Prevention

Effective Prevention:

• Use condoms consistently during all sexual activity
• Mutual monogamy with a partner who has tested negative
• Regular STI testing for sexually active individuals
• Clean sex toys between uses and partners

Risk Reduction:

• Limit number of sexual partners
• Open communication with partners about sexual health
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels in communal areas

During Pregnancy

Risks:

• May increase risk of premature delivery
• Possible low birth weight in babies
• Doesn’t directly harm the baby but complications can affect pregnancy

Treatment During Pregnancy:

• Safe to treat with appropriate antibiotics during pregnancy
• Important to treat to reduce pregnancy complications
• Partner treatment essential to prevent reinfection

Follow-Up Care

After Treatment:

• Test of cure may be recommended 2-3 weeks after treatment
• Annual STI screening if sexually active with multiple partners
• Return if symptoms recur - may indicate reinfection or treatment failure

Partner Notification:

• All sexual partners from the past 60 days should be tested and treated
• No sexual contact until both partners have completed treatment
• Use protection consistently in the future

Living with Trichomoniasis

During Treatment:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Avoid alcohol completely during treatment period
• Use additional contraception if taking oral contraceptives (antibiotics can reduce effectiveness)
• Monitor symptoms and report any concerns

Emotional Support:

• Remember that STIs are common and treatable
• Seek support if you’re feeling anxious or embarrassed
• Open communication with partners about sexual health
• Don’t let stigma prevent you from getting care

When to Seek Help

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You experience symptoms of vaginal or urethral infection
• You’ve been told a partner has trichomoniasis
• Symptoms persist after treatment
• You’re pregnant and have unusual discharge
• You need STI testing as part of routine sexual health care

Preventing Reinfection

Key Steps:

• Complete treatment before resuming sexual activity
• Ensure all partners are treated simultaneously
• Wait at least one week after completing treatment before sex
• Use condoms consistently to prevent future infections
• Regular testing if you have multiple partners

Remember: trichomoniasis is completely curable with proper treatment. The most important thing is ensuring both you and your partner(s) are treated to prevent passing the infection back and forth.

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For comprehensive information, visit the NHS trichomoniasis page and contact your local sexual health clinic for confidential testing and treatment.