Sexual Health Advice - Patient Information Leaflets
Trichomonas Vaginalis
What is trichomonas vaginalis?
Trichomonas vaginalis, sometimes called TV, is an infection caused by a tiny parasite. It can infect the genital area i.e. vagina, urethra and sometimes the prostate gland in men. The infection does not usually go further into the body and so does not tend to be as serious as other sexually transmitted infections.
How do you get trichomonas infection?
What are the symptoms of a trichomonas infection?
Up to half of all infected people will not have any symptoms at all.
Symptoms can show up 3 – 21 days after coming into contract with trichomonas. Symptoms may include:
Women
Men
How is trichomonas infection diagnosed?
A doctor or nurse may take a swab (sample of the discharge) from the vagina or penis. This is sent to the laboratory to be tested. The results are usually available within 5 days.
A sample of urine from men may also show the infection.
Trichomonas is sometimes seen by chance when a smear test is done in women.
You should have the tests as soon as you think you might have been in contact with trichomonas
No tests are 100% accurate but the tests for trichomonas should pick up almost all infections in women, and most infections in men. If your test is negative, but your partner is diagnosed with trichomonas, treatment is usually given.
What is the treatment for trichomonas infection?
An antibiotic called metronidazole is the most commonly used treatment. More than 9 in 10 infections clear with a short course of metronidazole tablets. The usual dose is 400 mg twice a day for 5 – 7 days. A single dose of 2 grams is an alternative, although this may be less effective and may cause more side effects.
Some people feel sick, and may vomit when they take metronidazole. This is less likely to occur if you take the tablets straight after food.
Do not drink any alcohol while taking metronidazole, and for at least 48 hours after stopping treatment. The interaction with alcohol can cause vomiting and other problems.
Breastfeeding – metronidazole can get into breast milk, but is not thought to affect breastfed babies. However, to play safe, the standard 7-day course with the lower dose is preferred to avoid the baby getting a large dose. If it is essential to use the large 2–gram single dose then it should be taken after the last breastfeed of the evening, to limit exposure to the baby.
There are no treatments that you can buy without a prescription and there is no evidence complementary therapies can cure trichomonas.
If you do not take treatment, in some cases the infection clears away by itself. However, this may take several weeks, and there is no way of predicting if it will clear. Therefore, treatment is usually advised in all cases as you also risk passing the infection on to someone else.
If you have untreated trichomonas infection, you have an increased risk of developing HIV infection if you have sex with someone who is infected with HIV.
Does my sexual partner need treating?
Yes, even if they do not have symptoms. You and your partner should be treated at the same time. You should not have sex until you and your partner have both finished the treatment and symptoms have gone, otherwise you could be re-infected. If this is not possible, make sure you use a condom.
How will I know how long I have had the infection
It can be impossible to know, particularly if you do not get symptoms. It is possible that your partner may be carrying the infection and not know. You might never know whether you got trichomonas from your current or a previous sexual partner. These doubts can often be difficult to handle. Do not be afraid to talk to clinic staff about how you feel.
