A doctor has warned of the rise of a sexually transmitted infection that many people might not have heard of. While other infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes are well-known, there is concern that not much is known among the general population about another common STI, which can often have no symptoms.
Trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite, can affect both men and women. Left untreated, it can raise the risk of HIV and also cause complications during birth. Get the latest health news from across Wales and beyond send straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletters.
The infection is more common than gonorrhoea and is easy to treat. However, the fact it is symptomless has led one GP to try and raise awareness of trichomoniasis and warn that is "vital" that people know the symptoms to look out for.
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Dr Sameer Sanghvi, a GP and Clinical Technology Lead at Lloyds Pharmacy told MyLondon: “In my experience, while most people have heard of gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes, not many patients know about trichomoniasis (also known as trichomonas or ‘trich’). Unfortunately, it’s a common STI so it’s important we understand the infection and its risks.
"As an STI, trich is easy to treat. However, untreated, it can increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV and cause serious complications in pregnant women. It’s also often symptomless which means people are more likely to pass it on to others. I believe it’s vital people know what trich is, how it spreads, the symptoms to look out for and how testing works. This information will ensure people can make informed decisions about their sexual health.”
New research into trichomoniasis has suggested that it disproportionately affects women from ethnic minorities and deprived backgrounds, with the STI also more common among ethnically diverse communities than gonorrhoea is among the heterosexual population in the UK.
The research by Preventx found that 5.2% of women from black, black British, Caribbean or African backgrounds who were experiencing vaginal discharge tested positive for trichomoniasis, compared to 3.4% in white women and 3.5% across all women. Below is everything you need to know about the STI.
What is trichomoniasis?
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. Sometimes known as trichomonas, the infection is caused by a parasite called trichomonas vaginalis (TV).
The infection can increase a person's risk of becoming infected with HIV if it is left untreated. It can also be incredibly serious for pregnant women, as it can cause complications in birth.`
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection. However, around half of people with trichomoniasis won’t present with any symptoms. This doesn’t mean they’re not able to pass the infection on to others which is why testing is paramount
The symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to those of many other STIs - including chlamydia - so it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. The main symptoms for both women and men are as follows:
Trichomoniasis symptoms in women:
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Changes in colour, consistency, smell or quantity of vaginal discharge including an unpleasant fishy smell, a yellow-green colour or a thick, thin or frothy consistency
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Soreness, swelling and itching around the vagina or inner thighs
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Pain or discomfort when you pee or have sex
Trichomoniasis symptoms in men:
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Pain during when you pee or needing to pee more frequently
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Soreness, swelling and redness around the foreskin or head of the penis
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Thin, white discharge from the penis
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Pain during ejaculation
How can you catch trichomoniasis?
The trichomonas vaginalis parasite is usually spread by having penetrative sex without a condom but it can also be spread by sharing sex toys. However, it is not thought to be passed on through oral or anal sex, while you also cannot pass it on by kissing, hugging, sharing cups, plates and cutlery or from using toilet seats.
Anybody who is sexually active can catch trichomoniasis and pass it on to others. The best way to avoid catching TV is to use a condom when having sex, covering any sex toys with a condom, and washing sex toys properly after use.
How do you test for trichomoniasis?
It is important to get tested if you recognise any of the symptoms of trichomoniasis or if you have had sex with somebody who has tested positive for the infection. To get tested, you can make an appointment with your GP, visit your local sexual health clinic or purchase an at-home STI test online.
For these home testing kits, men provide a urine sample and women swab inside the vagina. Men who have sex with men provide both a urine sample and a swab,
How is trichomoniasis treated?
Trichomoniasis can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Both men and women are usually treated with an antibiotic called metronidazole which is usually taken twice a day for five to seven days.
Those with the infection should complete the whole course of antibiotics and avoid having sex until it clears up to prevent reinfection. Your current sexual partner and any other recent partners should also be treated.
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