Trichomoniasis

Trich is a single-celled parasite called a trichomonad that lives in the vagina and urethral pipes. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics. It is a sexually transmitted disease, also referred to as a sexually transmitted infection, STI or STD.

Trichomoniasis is very common in Australia as well as the rest of the world. It's thought up to one in five women have Trich but most are not aware of it.

If you do have Trich or have unusual symptoms it's important to seek treatment because trichomoniasis can lead to pregnancy complications and spread to partners.

Trichomoniasis can produce symptoms but more often there are few or no signs. This may account for the fact it is so common.

Symptoms in women

Common symptoms include:

• Vaginal discharge that's green, yellow or frothy and has a strong smell
• Pain on urination
• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal irritation
• Painful sex
• Lower abdominal pain
• Need to urinate more frequently

Symptoms are usually experienced in women within a week to a month of exposure, but sometimes they develop no signs at all.

Symptoms in men

Trichomoniasis symptoms may not present in men. Men may only be aware they have the infection when a female partner develops symptoms.

Male symptoms include:

• Irritation inside the penis
• A discharge from the penis (usually thin and/or white)
• Burning during urination or after ejaculation
• Soreness, swelling and redness around the head of the penis or foreskin
• Pain when ejaculating
• Need to urinate more frequently

These symptoms can be very mild and even unnoticeable if they do occur at all, often men will often have no symptoms after infection.

Complications of trich

Trichomoniasis complications are rare in the long term. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and it's not something you will want to live with long-term. Always seek treatment if you experience the symptoms of trich or you are exposed to the parasite e.g. a sexual partner has the condition.

One complication for women is the effect of trich on pregnancy. Trichomoniasis can cause early rupture of the membranes and force a premature birth.

Trichomoniasis is transferred during unprotected sex. This includes penetrative sex, penetration with fingers and sharing sex toys. You should always use a condom to protect yourself. If you are using sex toys cover these with a condom and replace it when you change user.

Unlike other STIs it's not thought trichomoniasis is passed on by oral or anal sex, but you should still keep yourself protected with a condom or dental dam. Dental dams are thin squares of polyurethane that cover the vagina or anus. You can also open a condom flat in place of a dental dam which can be difficult to source.

Women who have sex with women may be able to transfer the trichomoniasis parasite through direct vaginal contact.

Trich is not passed on via kissing, sharing cutlery, plates or cups or through toilets seats and you can't spontaneously develop it. The only way to get trichomoniasis is to catch the infection from someone else.

Trich can be difficult to identify because the symptoms are a lot like other STIs. To begin with, a doctor will check your genital area for signs of infection such as discharge, red blotches or inflammation. Following this, tests will be undertaken in a laboratory.

The doctor will collect a sample from the vagina, or the urethral entrance in men, using a swab. A swab is a long soft cotton bud that is wiped across the skin to collect a sample of cells. It doesn't hurt and is done quickly.

This swab is then examined for the trichomoniasis parasite. It can take a while for test results to return. In the meantime, you'll be advised to abstain from sex in case you spread an infection.

You may be offered tests for other STIs too. It's a good idea to have a full examination whilst you are undergoing tests for trich. Other STIs can be caught alongside trichomoniasis, such as chlamydia, which don't always present symptoms. These tests may require a urine or blood sample. They are simple, quick and it's recommended you have them to protect your health.

Trichomoniasis is usually treated with an oral antibiotic, either a single high dose or a week's course.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, treatment is likely to consist of a week's course of antibiotics. This is because a single high dose can cause health issues in an unborn or breastfeeding infant.

If you have trich, your partner should seek treatment too, even if they have no signs of infection. This will not only keep their health safe but prevent you becoming re-infected.

You should refrain from sex until you have finished your course of antibiotics or any other treatment your doctor deems necessary. If you take the single dose antibiotic you must wait seven days before having sex.

Usually the first antibiotics are all it takes to treat trichomoniasis, but some people continue to experience symptoms. If the infection was heavy, or you took your antibiotics incorrectly you may need another course. Go back to your doctor if symptoms don't improve. Your doctor may advise you return for more tests to check the infection is clear.

STIs are common and the best way to deal with them is prevention. This is about making good choices. Condoms are the only way to prevent catching or giving an STI.

Male and female condoms are available. They do not protect against every STI because some are transferred via skin contact, but they will give you good protection and are essential if you are having casual sex.

Other methods of preventing STIs are:

• Not sharing sex toys
• Limiting your number of sexual partners
• Use a dental dam for oral sex on women or anal stimulation for men and women
• Use a dental dam for vagina to vagina contact.
• Getting regular screenings for STIs
• Seeking immediate treatment if you are diagnosed with trich
• Ensure your partner is treated to avoid transferring STIs to each other
• Remaining in control e.g. of alcohol and recreational drug, so you make good choices

Trichomoniasis requires treatment. If you have the symptoms, a partner has the infection, or you've had unprotected sex ask your doctor for an STI test or head to your local clinic for a check.