Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)
Trichomonas Vaginalis is a parasitic infection passed between people by unprotected vaginal sex. It can affect women and men.
Symptoms
Women
- Vaginal soreness and irritation
- Vaginal discharge which may be thick or thin, scanty or copious, maybe frothy and with an unusual smell
- Pain when passing urine
Men
- Often no symptoms
- Discharge from the penis – thin and white
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Inflammation of the foreskin
Testing for TV
The test can be by swab or occasionally a urine sample collection and should be undertaken if you or your partner has any symptoms. The result of a cervical smear test may indicate trichomonas and in which case a formal test should be undertaken.
The test could also be undertaken in other situations such as: having unprotected sex with a new partner; if your partner has unprotected sex with other partners; a clinical examination suggests the infection may be present; you have another sexually transmitted infection or have sex with someone who tells you they have another sexually transmitted infection.
It may also be appropriate if you are planning pregnancy or are already pregnant to prevent problems with the birth (premature birth, low birth weight or maternal blood infection).
