Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
TV is less common in the UK than other STIs
It is possible to have TV and not have any symptoms
If left untreated, it can cause long-term complications and you can pass it on to other people
If you have previously been treated for TV, you will not be immune – you can get it again

By having unprotected vaginal sex with someone who has the infection
This person might not have any symptoms and might not know they have TV
Anyone can have TV – you do not need to have had a lot of partners
Women who have sex with women can transmit TV by sharing sex toys
Transmission is through vaginal sex; you cannot get it through anal or oral sex
You cannot get TV through the saliva (e.g. kissing or sharing cutlery), hugging, toilet seats, or sharing towels

The best way to find out is to get a test.
Many people won’t have symptoms.

Possible symptoms if you have a penis	Possible symptoms if you have a vagina
• Discharge from the tip of the penis • Pain when passing urine • Pain, redness or swelling of the foreskin (this is less common)	• Pain, redness, swelling or itching in and around the vagina (this can make sex uncomfortable) • Unusual vaginal discharge • Pain when passing urine • Lower abdominal / pelvic pain • Heavier or more painful periods, bleeding between periods or bleeding after sex (less common)

In the UK, TV is not routinely tested for if there are no symptoms. This is because rates of TV are lower than for other STIs.

You should get a test if:
- A partner has told you they have TV
- You have any of the symptoms listed above
- You have been treated for another STI and you still have symptoms (see table above)
You can get a test at:
- A sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinic
- Some young person’s / contraception clinics
- Some GP surgeries

If you have symptoms, you should attend a sexual health or genitourinary medicine clinic.

In those with a vagina, the test is a self-taken swab from the lower part of the vagina
In those with a penis, the test is a urine sample. If there is discharge, a swab of this may be taken.

You will receive treatment with an antibiotic called metronidazole
You must not drink alcohol when taking metronidazole (and for 48 hours afterwards) as this can lead to vomiting
You will also be offered testing for other STIs if you have not already had this
You must tell your partner, as they will need to be tested and treated as well
Do not have sex until you have completed your treatment, as you can risk passing the infection back and forth. A condom can split, so it is better to not have sex at all for this time.
You usually do not need a follow-up test after treatment, providing you have taken the medication as advised. You might need a repeat test if your symptoms do not improve, or you have had unprotected sex before finishing your treatment.

In those with a womb: It can spread to the womb and cause a pelvic infection.
If pregnant, having TV may increase the risk of premature labour or having a baby with a low birth weight.

Written by: Dr Nikki Kersey and Dr Paula Briggs
Last updated: January 2021

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