This week we’re looking at Trichmomonasis which is common STI caused by a tiny parasite called the Trichomonas vaginalis which latches onto the walls of a woman’s vagina (or inside a man’s penis) and lives off of you.
Sex on Female First
Both men and women can suffer from this infection but it is most common in women. There are a range of symptoms but many people do not suffer from them making Trichomoniasis difficult to diagnose.
Women are more likely to suffer from symptoms, so some to lookout for are:
- Soreness, itching and swelling around the vagina and sometimes itching of the thighs
- Vaginal discharge that appears thicker, thinner, frothy or yellow/green in colour
- Producing more vaginal discharge than normal
- Vaginal discharge having a fishy smell to it
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain in your lower abdomen
As well as women, men also occasionally suffer from symptoms, which include:
- Pain after urination and ejaculation
- Thin white discharge from the penis
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
The most likely way of contracting the infection is by having unprotected sex. Trichomoniasis cannot be passed by oral or anal sex, nor can it be passed via kissing, toilet seats or sharing cups or cutlery.
In rare cases it can be passed by sharing sex toys so make sure to use condoms when using sex toys and to clean them thoroughly between the uses of each person.
It is rare for Trichomoniasis to cause any major health complications, but occasionally, if left untreated, the infection can weaken a woman’s cervical mucus which help protect their reproductive organs against infection.
If this mucus becomes weakened, it can increase your risk of contracting HIV so it’s very important that if you do suspect you have Trichomoniasis, you get tested and treated as soon as possible.
To get tested you can visit your GP, or if you would prefer not to then you can go and get tested at your local GUM clinic. Your GP or GUM clinic will take a swab of your vagina/penis and send it off for testing.
Should your test come back positive then you will start treatment. The treatment for this infection is very easy and involves taking an antibiotic called metronidazole.
You must refrain from sex until you have completed the course of antibiotics in order for the infection to clear up completely and prevent anyone else becoming infected.
If you contract Trichomoniasis when you’re pregnant you could experience your child being born early or being underweight when born so it’s still incredibly important to use condoms even when you are pregnant.
For more information about Trichomoniasis or any other STIs visit your GP, local GUM clinic or nhs.uk.