Introduction

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (see box, below left).

Trichomoniasis can be difficult to diagnose because there may not be any symptoms, and when there are symptoms, they can be similar to those of other conditions and STIs.

Women are more likely to have symptoms than men. They may have soreness and itching around the vagina and a change in vaginal discharge, while men may experience pain after urination and ejaculation (see Symptoms for further information).

How it is caught

Trichomoniasis is usually spread through unprotected sexual intercourse (without using a condom). You do not have to have many sexual partners to catch trichomoniasis. Anyone who is sexually active can catch it and pass it on (see Causes for more information).

Outlook

Trichomoniasis is unlikely to go away without treatment. Most men and women are treated with an antibiotic called metronidazole, which is very effective. Trichomoniasis rarely causes complications.

symptoms of trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is believed to be very common, but many infected men and women will not have any symptoms. Women are more likely to have symptoms of trichomoniasis than men.

The symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to those of other sexually transmitted infections or conditions (see below). They tend to appear 5 to 28 days after exposure to the infection.

If you develop any of the below symptoms, visit your GP to confirm the diagnosis.

Symptoms in women

Trichomoniasis affects the vagina and urethra (tube through which urine passes), causing any of the following symptoms:

* Soreness, inflammation (swelling) and itching around the vagina. Sometimes your inner thighs also become itchy.
* A change in vaginal discharge. Your discharge may appear thicker, thinner, frothy or yellow or green in colour. You may also produce more discharge than normal and it may have an unpleasant, fishy smell.
* Pain or discomfort when passing urine.
* Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
* Pain in your lower abdomen (tummy).

Symptoms in men

Trichomoniasis affects the urethra (tube through which urine passes) and occasionally the prostate gland (a gland at the neck of the bladder that helps produce semen), causing any of the following symptoms:

* pain after urination and ejaculation
* thin white discharge from the penis
* discomfort during sexual intercourse

Rarely, a man may also have an inflamed (red and swollen) foreskin.


To learn more about Trichomoniasis it’s Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications and Prevention please visit the NHS website by clicking HERE